Yeah? Well, I have some Intel stock, since before it went down, by like a lot.
Shows though, that even the big guys don't always get it right.
For me, intensive trading is simply too time-intensive. When I started with stock trading last February, I did spend some time on learning stuff, and did some day-trading, over-night trading, and stuff, on free days (working full-time, but shifts also on weekends).
Within a few weeks I was up +10% on the total amount I went in with, without any derivatives - which isn't as good as at least 1% per trading day (which I figure may be around the minimum to do that stuff professionally, like for a company with money of other people), but it outdid likely performance of just passive investment, also thanks to well performing market.
It involved a lot of time though, watching for possible opportunities, and then that moment to sell. And with just a few thousands in, didn't really seem as lucrative, as an 2nd job would. Some of the stuff is possible to have notifications for, or buy/sell orders. But still needs a plan, even if the shortlist of companies is short. So, these months, just having some of the income go into ETF savings plans. Currently best performing is for me a Taiwan ETF, at +15%.
Won't buy me a home. But I'll be glad to have a small financial cushion. In example, $200 invested per month, that's $2,400 a year, and $24,000 in 10 years. IF the investments grow by 5% per year, then that is likely to outdo inflation, and adds some on top. And that amount will help to be able to afford stuff for the household and perhaps a new GPU or so. Such as when then at some point in retirement, where the monthly income will likely be barely enough to get by on - especially if politicians listen even more to guys like Mr Druckenmiller, who apparently argues for reduced social spending - something which can be quite hardcore for many people, especially if there is no regulation about rents, and not enough jobs to go around, when all them companies reduce staff as much as they can, to squeeze out another million in managerial bonus, for such "cost reduction", with no regard to next year, when all that qualified staff may be needed even more, etc. etc. Broader topics though, of course.