May 14th

Profits of $235.35

Today was an unusual day. While waiting for my new brokerage account, I saw a good trade opportunity. I sold half for $107 and held the remainder into the close since the market looked weak, Apple was making new lows and I had a feeling that the markets would give way and push lower. I wanted to hold 371 shares overnight for a possible gap up since the markets today sold off into close and also made new lows after close. I think the odds of the previous market lows being taken out are at least 60% but regardless I'd rather stay in cash. There were three trades in total so commissions come up to $21, whereas with the other broker it would have cost $14 only and would have given me the ability to scale out 100 shares at a time instead of half at a time. Good day overall.

One thing to notice is that my average profit per cumulative trading days is about $141 dollars net. That's still $3 less than my previous job per day. Also keep in mind that I am also exposed to potential loss which will reduce my gains per day even more and I'm giving up potential resume padding. By the looks of it, working would be better... for now that is. If you count the effects of capital gains tax, then I should come out ahead from trading by a little bit. Just food for thought.

Live Account

Paper Trading Account

I also traded on my paper account and cleared about $84.49 net by lunch and logged off afterwards. I made some bad entries buying SanDisk but I closed it quickly once I realized it wasn't as good as I thought. Cutting your losing positions quickly is a great way to preserve profits.