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Top 8 Penny Stocks to Watch on Robinhood in October 2024

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Written by Timothy Sykes
Reviewed by Jack Kellogg Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs
Updated 10/2/2024 30 min read

Robinhood penny stocks trade at $5 or less per share, and they hold opportunities for traders building small accounts. These stocks are cheap and often sketchy, and they require different strategies from larger stocks. For beginners, Robinhood is an accessible starting point for trading penny stocks, thanks to its zero fees and no minimum deposit policy. Traders with more experience should consider switching to brokers that cater to advanced trading needs.

Stock TickerCompanyPerformance (YTD)
NASDAQ: APLDApplied Digital Corp+ 17.31%
NASDAQ: POETPOET Technologies Inc+ 387.10%
NASDAQ: LASELaser Photonics Corporation+ 1,194.64%
NASDAQ: RRRichtech Robotics Inc- 87.06%
NASDAQ: NNENano Nuclear Energy Inc+ 221.77%
NASDAQ: ONCOOnconetix Inc- 45.33%
NASDAQ: CNEYCN Energy Group Inc- 59.22%
NASDAQ: KAVLKaival Brands Innovations Group Inc- 77.35%

Table of Contents

8 Robinhood Penny Stocks to Watch on Robinhood October 2024

My top 8 Robinhood penny stocks to watch in October 2024 are:

  • NASDAQ: APLD — Applied Digital Corp — The Data Center Penny Stock With the NVDA Deal
  • NASDAQ: POET — POET Technologies Inc. — The Optical AI Penny Stock Partnering With Mitsubishi
  • NASDAQ: LASE — Laser Photonics Corporation — The AI-Enabled Laser Penny Stock
  • NASDAQ: RR — Richtech Robotics Inc — The NVDA-Partnered Robotics Penny Stock
  • NASDAQ: NNE — Nano Nuclear Energy Inc — The Nuclear Penny Stock That’s Squeezing Again
  • NASDAQ: ONCO — Onconetix Inc — The Reverse-Split Sympathy Play
  • NASDAQ: CNEY — CN Energy Group Inc. — The Chinese Energy Penny Stock
  • NASDAQ: KAVL — Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc — The Delta Merger News Penny Stock

The following are some of the stocks that people on Robinhood have been trading more than most of the market…

There’s no guarantee I’ll trade any of these stocks. I’m watching them to see if they match my preferred setups — only then will I trade them.

The best traders watch more than they trade — that’s what I’m trying to model here.

Here’s some background info on Robinhood penny stocks:

  • What is the most promising Robinhood penny stock?

A stock with a lot of volatility like Applied Digital Corp (NASDAQ: APLD) is a good bet for the most promising Robinhood penny stock. Remember, we’re traders, not investors. We’re watching the stocks on this list for short-term moves, not predicting which of these stocks will still be around in 2030.

  • What are the top 3 Robinhood penny stocks to buy now?

My top 3 Robinhood penny stocks to buy now (as long as their price action is strong) are Applied Digital Corp (NASDAQ: APLD), POET Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: POET), and Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: LASE).

  • Which Robinhood penny stocks have a “Strong Buy” analyst rating?

Analysts don’t give any Robinhood penny stocks “strong buy” ratings. These stocks are sketchy and unstable, and should never be investment targets. Always trade with a plan.

Let’s get to the picks …

Applied Digital Corp (NASDAQ: APLD) — The Data Center Penny Stock With the NVDA Deal

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My first Robinhood penny stock pick is Applied Digital Corp (NASDAQ: APLD).

On September 5, APLD started moving with news that NVDA (among other investors) bought a stake in the stock.

We’ve seen NVDA investments act as strong catalysts before …

  • SoundHound AI Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN) spiked 350%* in February and March.
  • Serve Robotics Inc. (NASDAQ: SERV) spiked 810%* in July.

NVDA is arguably still the most popular AI stock in the U.S. market. It’s hovering around a $3 trillion valuation. And it’s positioned to continue its dominance in the microchip industry.

Take a look at the 170%* spike from APLD thus far, following the NVDA-investment catalyst.

On the chart below every candle represents one trading day:

APLD chart multi-month, 1-day candles Source: StockToTrade

This stock already ran for more than two weeks. And prices just shot past the $7 resistance from June and July.

For anyone who’s worried that this play is overextended, good cautionary thought.

We already saw a pullback on September 27 and 30 …

My trade patterns can help us take advantage of the intraday volatility without exposing ourselves to a multi-day move.

The volatility on APLD is likely to continue. It’s just a matter of which pattern the price action wants to follow.

POET Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: POET) — The Optical AI Penny Stock Partnering With Mitsubishi

My second Robinhood penny stock pick is POET Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: POET).

On September 19, the market learned of a partnership between POET and Mitsubishi Electric to develop “integrated optical engine chipsets for 3.2T pluggable transceivers”. It’s described as an important aspect of optical connection for AI systems.

The price didn’t spike much that day. But by September 24, the stock reached an 80% move.

Right now, the price action shows consolidation above $4. And there’s a solid breakout level at $5.50.

Take a look at the chart below, every candle represents one trading minute:

POET chart multi-day, 1-minute candles Source: StocksToTrade

We like to trade stocks that can follow support and resistance, like POET is doing. Without those levels, trading stocks would more closely resemble shooting baskets in the dark.

POET has a good catalyst in the AI industry and the chart shows us recent price action that we can use to build smart positions.

Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: LASE) — The AI-Enabled Laser Penny Stock

My third Robinhood penny stock pick is Laser Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: LASE).

This is a HUGE short squeeze that began August in the $2 range … It spiked to $19 on Monday, September 23 …

The price action is insane, but remarkably, it’s not uncommon in our niche. Short squeezes have been crazy in 2024.

Take a look at the chart below of LASE, every candle represents one trading day:

LASE chart multi-month, 1-day candles Source: StocksToTrade

There’s no telling what could happen from here.

Technically, short sellers could keep trying to guess the top. And they could keep blowing up.

See my post below:

LASE could spike higher. But even if the price tanks … I have a pattern that I use to trade stocks that are in free fall. And it’s not a short selling pattern!

These volatile stocks like to follow a specific framework that I use to profit. Within the framework, there are multiple patterns that we can use to trade.

Right now, LASE is in an area where it could break out and spike higher, or it could fall and give us a solid entry for a bounce.

Richtech Robotics Inc (NASDAQ: RR) — The NVDA-Partnered Robotics Penny Stock

My fourth Robinhood penny stock pick is Richtech Robotics Inc (NASDAQ: RR).

This stock has a huge history of spiking …

In August this year, the price ran 330%*.

The company was also teasing a new robot on X around the same time, see the post below:

All these days later, we finally get to see the robot that Richtech was using to pump its stock. See the headline below:

Imagine that thing crawling up to you with a mimosa in its claw … LOL.

Regardless of how you feel about an AI bartender, this stock could show us another sizable opportunity to profit in October.

  • It’s a former spiker.
      • Past spikers can spike again.
  • The float is still relatively low: 12.9 million shares.
      • Anything close to/below 10 million shares is considered a low supply of shares. That helps prices spike higher when demand increases.
  • And the Scorpion announcement mentioned that RR is using NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) technologies to support its “cocktail and wine tasting programs”. 🍸 🍷
    • As you already saw on this watchlist, NVDA partnerships are huge catalysts for penny stocks like RR.

This is a no-brainer watchlist stock.

But when it comes to trading, the process gets a little more difficult.

Use my AI trading bot to track the hottest patterns on RR.

Turns out, artificial intelligence can serve us drinks and it can help us build smart trade positions!

Nano Nuclear Energy Inc (NASDAQ: NNE) — The Nuclear Penny Stock That’s Squeezing Again

My fifth Robinhood penny stock pick is Nano Nuclear Energy Inc (NASDAQ: NNE).

This is a new company that IPOed in May of this year.

And in June of 2024, the stock spiked 500%*.

The nuclear sector is heating up right now due to the overwhelming energy demand from artificial intelligence.

For example, it was recently announced in September that the infamous Three Mile Island would reopen and sell all of its nuclear energy exclusively to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT).

For another example, read the headline below. There are BIG energy updates from across the pond:

Source

In September, NNE is showing us more signs of volatility … The price already spiked 150%*.

Take a look at the chart below:

NNE chart multi-month, 1-day candles Source: StocksToTrade

And considering the size of the spike earlier this year, this thing could absolutely explode as the nuclear sector continues to grow.

Onconetix Inc (NASDAQ: ONCO) — The Penny Stock With A Billionaire Investor

My sixth Robinhood penny stock pick is Onconetix Inc (NASDAQ: ONCO).

You don’t have to trade all day everyday.

Just pay attention when you have time!

A lot of my students see me making trades at ‘random’ points in the day. Like my trade on ONCO during after hours on September 26.

I just happened to be free during after hours and I saw the stock. In this 2024 market, there could be a spike at any time of day.

Pick a time frame and commit to watching the market.

See my trade notes below on ONCO:

Source: Profit.ly

The stock spiked 60% that afternoon. And the move reached 90% the next morning! See the chart below:

ONCO chart multi-day, 1-minute candles Source: StocksToTrade

I got the trade alert from Breaking News that stated Altos Venture AG, a fund with $8 billion in assets, bought a stake in ONCO.

That’s huge news for a penny stock!

And currently, the price is still up. It’s consolidating above the $5 level … Watch for a drastic spike upward with high trading volume. That’s how we’ll know that it’s time to make a trade.

CN Energy Group Inc (NASDAQ: CNEY) — The Chinese Energy Penny Stock

My seventh Robinhood penny stock pick is CN Energy Group Inc (NASDAQ: CNEY).

This stock spiked 450%* after the market learned of a non-compliance notification from the Nasdaq.

Stocks have to meet certain requirements to remain listed on the public market, one of the requirements is a minimum share price of $1.

CNEY spiked above the $1 level after the announcement, but in subsequent days, it slid back below the required price.

Until … China’s $140 billion stimulus.

Toward the end of September, to try and boost the economy and in attempt to achieve its GDP goals, China vowed “necessary (economic) spending”.

A lot of Chinese stocks spiked as a direct result. CNEY got caught up in the momentum and now it’s flirting with the $1 price level again.

There’s a lot of volatility on this stock.

That means there are opportunities for savvy traders to profit.

Track the price action on CNEY using our AI trading bot!

Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc (NASDAQ: KAVL) — The Delta Merger News Penny Stock

My eighth Robinhood penny stock pick is Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc (NASDAQ: KAVL).

The price spiked 240%* on September 23 after it announced a merger agreement with Delta Corp Holdings Limited.

Delta Corp agreed to buy KAVL for an equivalent share price of $2.66 … The price only spiked to $1.95 before pulling back to consolidate …

I think there could be more upside on this stock, considering it was just ‘valued’ in a merger for a higher price than it’s currently trading at.

There’s already been at least one trade opportunity from this spike.

Traders who got the Breaking News alert had an opportunity to trade the volatility on day one. See the notification overlaid on the chart below:

KAVL chart intraday, 1-minute candles Source: StocksToTrade

Get the next Breaking News alert!

Lucky for you, the recent consolidation hints at an upcoming trade opportunity on KAVL.

 

*Past performance does not indicate future results

 

What Is a Good Penny Stock to Buy on Robinhood?

A few of the stocks I’ve been watching lately are accessible to Robinhood traders. Just remember …

This is only a watchlist. I have no plans to trade these stocks — and I won’t unless they fit into one of my preferred setups.

I want you to focus on my process, not my stock picks. If you want to become a self-sufficient trader, you’ll need to create your own watchlists.

Get a new no-cost watchlist sent to you each week by signing up here.

Trading on Robinhood

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Robinhood is an easy-to-use, no-commission trading platform accessible to just about anyone. It also offers zero minimum deposits … You can even buy partial stock with its fractional shares feature.

Robinhood gives you access to over 5,000 U.S. listed stocks and ETFs, as well as ADRs in foreign listed companies. As of this year, Robinhood now allows trading in select OTC stocks as well.

How to Find Penny Stocks on Robinhood

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Robinhood has curated stock lists under its “Trending Lists” section, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t feature a list of penny stocks. You might need to play around with some filters on Robinhood to see these cheap stocks.

Here’s how you access penny stock lists on Robinhood:

  1. Log into your Robinhood account.
  2. Select the magnifying glass, and click on the “Trending Lists” menu.
  3. Select the business sector of your choice and sort in ascending order to see the cheapest stocks listed. Alternatively, you can push the filter button and set a maximum share price of $5, so you only see penny stocks.

You can rinse and repeat these steps to find the best penny stocks on any curated list Robinhood creates. If you’re confused because you find duplicate stocks across the lists, you can just write down which companies offer penny stocks and create a custom penny stock list.

What to Consider When Trading Penny Stocks on Robinhood

Trading penny stocks on Robinhood requires a clear understanding of both the platform and the nature of penny stocks. Robinhood offers an accessible way to enter the stock market with its user-friendly interface and commission-free trades.

But this ease of access comes with limitations — especially when dealing with highly volatile, low-priced small-cap stocks.

To navigate these challenges, you need to understand penny stock trading, and how Robinhood’s features and limitations can impact your trading strategy.

Understand the Nature of Penny Stocks

Penny stocks trades are volatile and unpredictable, so while there’s a chance of big gains, there’s also the risk of major losses. This means you shouldn’t invest in penny stocks — just trade them.

Penny stocks are defined by:

  • Price per share: Typically trading for less than $5.
  • Market capitalization: Often small-cap stocks with market caps below $300 million.
  • Trading venues: Found on OTC markets as well as major exchanges.

Common characteristics of penny stocks include:

  1. High volatility: Prices can swing dramatically within a short period.
  2. Low liquidity: Fewer shares are traded, which can lead to significant price movements. Learn more about the most active penny stocks to keep an eye on here.
  3. Risk of manipulation: Due to their low price and trading volume, they are often targets for pump-and-dump schemes.
  4. Lack of information: Reliable data and analysis can be hard to find.

Research the Stocks Thoroughly

If you’re getting into penny stocks, it’s not enough just to read my stock picks. You need to build your own knowledge account so you can make informed decisions.

Before trading penny stocks, thorough research is crucial. Unlike blue-chip stocks, penny stocks often lack extensive analyst coverage and detailed financial reports. This makes doing your due diligence even more critical.

To research penny stocks effectively, follow these steps:

  1. Review financial statements: Look at the company’s balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Keep a healthy sense of skepticism — penny stocks are notorious for inflating their value claims.
  2. Understand the industry: Know the sector in which the company operates and its competitive position.
  3. Monitor market trends: Be aware of broader market conditions and trends that could impact the stock.
  4. Check recent news: Stay updated on recent developments or announcements from the company.
  5. Evaluate management: Research the background and track record of the company’s leadership team.

Consider Robinhood’s Limitations

When trading penny stocks on Robinhood, you have to be  super aware of the platform’s limitations. These are the big ones:

  • Trade execution speed: Execution may be slower compared to other platforms, impacting your ability to react swiftly in volatile markets.
  • Limited research tools: Robinhood offers fewer analytical tools and research resources than other brokerages.
  • Restrictions on certain stocks: Some penny stocks won’t be available for trading on Robinhood — especially the sketchy OTC stocks that I love to trade!

These limitations can significantly affect your trading strategy. Slower execution speeds mean you might miss optimal buy or sell points, which really matters in fast-moving penny stocks. And if you can’t trade the stocks that are making moves, you’re limiting your options for no reason.

Webull is a worthwhile Robinhood alternative, with the same focus on mobile-first trading and ease of use. Its advantages includes advanced charting options, real-time market data, and extended trading hours. By utilizing these features, traders can make more informed decisions and capitalize on market opportunities. For an in-depth look at the best penny stocks to buy on Webull, check out my Webull penny stocks watchlist.

Manage Risk Effectively

Effective risk management is HUGE when trading penny stocks, given their high volatility and potential for significant losses.

Risk management techniques include:

  • Stop-loss orders: Automatically sell a stock when it reaches a certain price to limit potential losses.
  • Take-profit orders: Set a specific price to automatically sell and secure profits.

Diversification and position sizing are also important for managing risk. Here are two of the basic techniques traders use:

  1. Diversification: Spread your trades across multiple stocks to reduce the impact of any single stock’s poor performance.
  2. Position sizing: Limit the amount of capital allocated to any single penny stock, preventing significant losses from a single trade.

Develop a Trading Strategy

A well-defined trading strategy is vital. Key components of a successful strategy include:

  • Clear entry and exit points: Define when to enter and exit trades based on specific criteria.
  • Risk management rules: You can use stop-loss and take-profit orders, or be disciplined in follow your trading plan. Stick to your position sizing limits.
  • Regular review and adaptation: Continuously assess and adjust your strategy based on market conditions and trading performance.

Some of the most popular trading strategies include momentum trading, where you target stock trends, and breakout trading, where you enter trades when a stock moves beyond a resistance level. Here are some other strategies I’ve used over the years:

Identifying penny stocks before they spike can really boost your trading success. This involves thorough research and understanding market indicators that signal potential upswings. One effective strategy is to analyze historical data and monitor social media trends for emerging stocks. Additionally, using specialized screeners and trading algorithms can help pinpoint these opportunities early. Check out my strategies for finding penny stocks pre-spike here.

Robinhood Stocks Under $5

The appeal of hot sector stocks accessible on platforms like Robinhood, especially those classified as penny stocks, is compelling for both novice and seasoned investors. The energy and technology sectors, for instance, are witnessing rapid growth and innovation, making stocks within these domains particularly attractive for those on the lookout for the next breakout investment. The allure lies in the potential for substantial returns on investment, as even minor developments or positive news within these sectors can lead to significant price jumps.

Nonetheless, it’s imperative to navigate these waters with caution and a well-thought-out strategy. The inherent volatility of penny stocks, combined with the speculative nature of emerging sectors like renewable energy and tech innovations, underscores the importance of a meticulous approach. Before diving in, ensure you’ve done your due diligence, looking past the initial excitement to assess the true potential and risks of these ventures. It’s wise to trade these stocks rather than invest long-term, given their unpredictable nature.

Success in trading hot sector stocks priced under $5 on platforms such as Robinhood hinges on a selective and strategic approach. The goal is to tap into the explosive growth potential of sectors like renewable energy and technology while implementing robust risk management practices. By zeroing in on companies poised for leadership within their specific niches, traders can seize opportunities for disproportionate gains. This strategy, coupled with a disciplined approach to maintaining a tight investment strategy and promptly cutting losses, can pave the way for trading success in these dynamic market segments.

Can You Buy Stocks Under $1 on Robinhood?

Yes, you can definitely buy stocks under $1 on Robinhood. Listed penny stocks will often fall beneath the $1 minimum listing threshold.

The OTC stocks that Robinhood allows access to are often on the pricier side.

Buying penny stocks is as easy as buying any other stock on the app, too. Just choose your stock, pick your order type, input how many shares you’re buying, and submit your order.

Penny Stocks on Robinhood Under 10 Cents

Looking to trade the cheapest stocks on Robinhood? Penny stocks under 10 cents will occasionally pop up, but not too often.

If you’re looking to trade stocks under 10 cents, the OTC markets have the biggest selection. Unfortunately, Robinhood doesn’t allow trading of the sketchiest OTC stocks.

Learn how I choose which stocks to trade in this guide. Use this stock scanner to further improve your trading game.

Robinhood Penny Stocks Market

Finding penny stocks on Robinhood is just the beginning of your trading journey. Understanding the market trends and sectors can significantly enhance your trading strategy.

For those interested in targeting specific sectors, additional resources — like my sector watchlists — can be valuable. Explore the hot sector of biotech penny stocks by looking at the stocks I’m watching this month!

How to Buy Penny Stocks on Robinhood

Buying penny stocks on the Robinhood app or website is just like buying any other stock. Now that you’ve learned how to find penny stocks on Robinhood, here’s how to buy them:

  1. Log into your Robinhood account.
  2. Use your debit card or bank account to transfer funds into your Robinhood account.
  3. Choose a penny stock to buy.
  4. Select your order type (i.e., market, limit, stop loss, stop limit, or trailing stop order … I never use market orders for trading penny stocks).
  5. Input how many shares you want to buy.
  6. Review your order and ensure everything is correct.
  7. Confirm your trade.

What Is the Minimum Amount to Buy Penny Stocks on Robinhood?

Robinhood doesn’t have a minimum amount for penny stocks — or any stocks — that cost $1 or more. You can start trading fractional stocks when a stock reaches that threshold.

Trading Fees on Robinhood

Robinhood doesn’t impose trading fees on its users. However, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is legally obliged to charge a fee, which you have to pay, on stock sales.

The trading activity fee for stock sales is $0.00013/share and $0.00218/share for options sales, with a maximum fee cap of $6.49. Robinhood only charges this fee if you sell more than 50 shares in one penny stock transaction.

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Can You Become Rich Just Trading Penny Stocks On Robinhood?

Repeat after me: small gains add up. Can you become rich trading penny stocks on Robinhood? It’s a question, and one that requires a level-headed analysis. You can find hundreds of penny stocks on platforms like Robinhood, and while some Wall Street analysts tout them as undervalued assets, the reality is often more complex. Penny stocks are often speculative and lack the capitalization that more established stocks offer. With the right strategy, tools like a stock screener, and an eye on breaking news, gains are possible. But don’t expect instant riches. Think of Robinhood Gold, offering extended trading hours, but it can’t transform an unstable investment into gold overnight.

What Are the Risks Associated with Trading Penny Stocks on Robinhood?

Still with me? Good. Let’s dig into the risks. Trading penny stocks on Robinhood or other brokers can be a game of swings and roundabouts. Illiquidity and volatility can be a trader’s nightmare. The lack of depth in the market cap of these stocks means wild price swings are common, and if you’re not careful, losses can accrue quickly. Even with Robinhood’s simplicity and user-friendly interfaces, it doesn’t eliminate the risks associated with speculative investments in categories like marijuana penny stocks. Be mindful of the reality and keep your portfolio balanced. Don’t put all your eggs in the penny stock basket; diversify with other assets, products, or services.

Looking for more money-making tips with penny stocks? Learn from my 20+ years of experience by applying for the Trading Challenge and reading my FREE book right now.

Key Takeaways

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Penny stock trading is a great way to build your account as a new trader. Robinhood is an okay place to trade stocks as a beginner because it doesn’t have fees and minimum deposits. However, it’s missing many of the capacities I look for in a broker. I recommend you move to another broker as soon as you can.

Key Considerations:

  • A lot of penny stocks are shady. Risk in Robinhood penny stocks can be heightened due to limited company information and unsavory promotion.
  • There’s a possibility for big gains. I trade penny stocks because you can trade conservatively and still rack up gains. These stocks can go supernova at any time. Aim for “the meat of the move.”
  • These companies are often young. Some Robinhood penny stocks are newer companies, and can dramatically shift their market trajectory and valuation.

While I’ve given you eight stocks to watch on Robinhood, don’t just copy my penny stock picks blindly. Learn why I picked them and choose your own stocks to watch.

Have you traded penny stocks on Robinhood? Write “I always trade with a plan” in the comments!

Penny Stocks to Watch on Robinhood FAQs

In which countries is Robinhood available for trading penny stocks, and who are its main competitors?

Robinhood is primarily available in the United States but has been expanding to other countries. Its main competitors in the penny stock trading space include apps from Charles Schwab, E-Trade, and Webull. Availability might vary depending on regulations and market conditions in specific countries.

How is the page design on Robinhood’s app, and does it include any gamification elements (games) to engage users in penny stock trading?

Robinhood’s app is being designed with a sleek and user-friendly page layout that aims to make trading accessible to all. Some users feel that the app’s interface has gamification elements, including games and interactive visuals, making the trading experience more engaging, especially for younger investors.

How can one purchase penny stocks on Robinhood, and what are the payment options, including using a cash account or credit?

Purchasing penny stocks on Robinhood is a straightforward process that can be done through the app or web platform. Payment options include using a cash account or linking a credit/debit card. The purchase can be done with a few taps, and users can track their investments on the main page of the app.


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Timothy Sykes

Tim Sykes is a penny stock trader and teacher who became a self-made millionaire by the age of 22 by trading $12,415 of bar mitzvah money. After becoming disenchanted with the hedge fund world, he established the Tim Sykes Trading Challenge to teach aspiring traders how to follow his trading strategies. He’s been featured in a variety of media outlets including CNN, Larry King, Steve Harvey, Forbes, Men’s Journal, and more. He’s also an active philanthropist and environmental activist, a co-founder of Karmagawa, and has donated millions of dollars to charity. Read More

* Results are not typical and will vary from person to person. Making money trading stocks takes time, dedication, and hard work. There are inherent risks involved with investing in the stock market, including the loss of your investment. Past performance in the market is not indicative of future results. Any investment is at your own risk. See Terms of Service here

The available research on day trading suggests that most active traders lose money. Fees and overtrading are major contributors to these losses.

A 2000 study called “Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors” evaluated 66,465 U.S. households that held stocks from 1991 to 1996. The households that traded most averaged an 11.4% annual return during a period where the overall market gained 17.9%. These lower returns were attributed to overconfidence.

A 2014 paper (revised 2019) titled “Learning Fast or Slow?” analyzed the complete transaction history of the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1992 and 2006. It looked at the ongoing performance of day traders in this sample, and found that 97% of day traders can expect to lose money from trading, and more than 90% of all day trading volume can be traced to investors who predictably lose money. Additionally, it tied the behavior of gamblers and drivers who get more speeding tickets to overtrading, and cited studies showing that legalized gambling has an inverse effect on trading volume.

A 2019 research study (revised 2020) called “Day Trading for a Living?” observed 19,646 Brazilian futures contract traders who started day trading from 2013 to 2015, and recorded two years of their trading activity. The study authors found that 97% of traders with more than 300 days actively trading lost money, and only 1.1% earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage ($16 USD per day). They hypothesized that the greater returns shown in previous studies did not differentiate between frequent day traders and those who traded rarely, and that more frequent trading activity decreases the chance of profitability.

These studies show the wide variance of the available data on day trading profitability. One thing that seems clear from the research is that most day traders lose money .

Millionaire Media 66 W Flagler St. Ste. 900 Miami, FL 33130 United States (888) 878-3621 This is for information purposes only as Millionaire Media LLC nor Timothy Sykes is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser. No information herein is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes cannot and does not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes in no way warrants the solvency, financial condition, or investment advisability of any of the securities mentioned in communications or websites. In addition, Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this information. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.

Citations for Disclaimer

Barber, Brad M. and Odean, Terrance, Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors. Available at SSRN: “Day Trading for a Living?”

Barber, Brad M. and Lee, Yi-Tsung and Liu, Yu-Jane and Odean, Terrance and Zhang, Ke, Learning Fast or Slow? (May 28, 2019). Forthcoming: Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=2535636”

Chague, Fernando and De-Losso, Rodrigo and Giovannetti, Bruno, Day Trading for a Living? (June 11, 2020). Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=3423101”