The ultimate success rate depends on the skills, behaviors, strategies, and overall trading plan of a day trader. Thus it is not entirely possible to answer the question of how successful day trading is.
However, in a recent study on 19,646-day traders, we have got a shocking result.
Guess what!
Less than 10% of traders have got success in day trading. The number is pessimistic. Yet it has an understandable reason behind it.
From the total number of traders, only.
1,111 (5.7%) day traded only one day, 9,978 (50.8%) between 2 to 50 days, 3,100 (15.8%) between 51 to 100 days, 2,738 (13.9%) between 101 to 200 days, 1,168 (5.9%) between 201 to 300 days, and 1,551 (7.9%) for over 300 days.
So, based on the persistent traders’ number, the success rate is not that bad.
However, we have seen many traders who have reached their goals and become inspirations for the newbies.
For example, Ross Cameron is a successful day trader who made $222,244.91 repeatedly in 2016. His primary strategy focuses on trading momentum on stocks priced under $20. He looks for stocks that can move 20 to 30% in a day. Identifying these stocks takes up most of his strategy.
He said,
Day trading is an exercise in repetition. Keep your trading strategy simple.
Day trading is tricky. But it is not impossible. You can improve your chances of success by taking the time to prepare.
During the first year, you’ll want to handle trading losses and still be able to pay your rent and buy your groceries. Knowing that you can cover your necessary expenses will give you more confidence, and that can help your performance.
You never know what kind of setup the market will present to you. So, your aim should be to find an opportunity where the risk-reward ratio is best.
Sometimes, day trading enhances yours over trading mentality. Know how to control improper trading psychology before its too late.