Shocking But True: 90% of People Lose Money in Stocks (2024)

Shocking But True: 90% of People Lose Money in Stocks (2)

It’s a shocking statistic — approximately 90% of retail investors lose money in the stock market over the long run. With the rise of commission-free trading apps like Robinhood, more people than ever are trying their hand at stock picking. Unfortunately, the vast majority are learning the hard way that investing is harder than it looks.

In this article, we’ll uncover the sobering data on retail investor performance. We’ll analyze the main reasons most stock pickers fail to generate consistent profits. And we’ll share research-backed tips on how you can beat the odds and join the elite group of successful investors.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll learn:

  • Staggering data reveals 90% of retail investors underperform the broader market
  • Lack of patience and undisciplined trading behaviors cause most losses
  • Insufficient market knowledge and overconfidence lead to costly mistakes
  • Tips from famous investors on how to achieve long-term success

Read on to get the full story! This in-depth guide will illuminate why investing trips up most amateurs. And you’ll learn how to avoid critical errors that drain…

Shocking But True: 90% of People Lose Money in Stocks (2024)

FAQs

Shocking But True: 90% of People Lose Money in Stocks? ›

It's a shocking statistic — approximately 90% of retail investors lose money in the stock market over the long run. With the rise of commission-free trading apps like Robinhood, more people than ever are trying their hand at stock picking.

Do 90% of people lose money in the stock market? ›

It is absolutely true that most of the people suffer losses in the stock market, but it is equally true that money can also be earned from the stock market, which is about 10% of the people who are making good profits continuously, after knowing this much.

Why do 90% of traders lose money? ›

Intraday Trading can help you churn out huge profits, however, one should also remember that it is a highly risky task. It is said that almost 90% of people lose money in intraday trading. Most of the intraday traders lose money because they fail to understand the market movements and end up taking the wrong decisions.

Why do 80% of traders lose money? ›

Another reason why day traders tend to lose money is that it's very different from long-term investing. While traders take advantage of price swings (which means they have to make specific predictions), investors tend to buy a diversified basket of assets for the long haul.

Why 99 percent traders lose money? ›

The claim that 99 percent of traders lose money is often associated with speculative trading in financial markets. Several factors contribute to this high failure rate, including lack of proper education, emotional decision-making, excessive risk-taking, and inadequate risk management strategies.

Does the average person lose money on stocks? ›

About 90% of investors lose money trading stocks.

Who keeps the money you lose in the stock market? ›

No one, including the company that issued the stock, pockets the money from your declining stock price. The money reflected by changes in stock prices isn't tallied and given to some investor. The changes in price are simply an independent by-product of supply and demand and corresponding investor transactions.

What is the 90% rule in trading? ›

It is a high-stakes game where many are lured by the promise of quick riches but ultimately face harsh realities. One of the harsh realities of trading is the “Rule of 90,” which suggests that 90% of new traders lose 90% of their starting capital within 90 days of their first trade.

Is everyone losing money in the stock market? ›

If your financial adviser responds by telling you that “everyone” lost money, don't settle for that answer. Even if the stock market took a nosedive (such as in response to the coronavirus pandemic), it simply isn't ever true that “everyone” lost money.

Do you lose all your money if the stock market crashes? ›

Do you lose all the money if the stock market crashes? No, a stock market crash only indicates a fall in prices where a majority of investors face losses but do not completely lose all the money. The money is lost only when the positions are sold during or after the crash.

How much money do day traders with $10,000 accounts make per day on average? ›

With a $10,000 account, a good day might bring in a five percent gain, which is $500. However, day traders also need to consider fixed costs such as commissions charged by brokers. These commissions can eat into profits, and day traders need to earn enough to overcome these fees [2].

What is the 80% rule in trading? ›

If the market can trade back inside value for two consecutive 30 minute periods, then it has an 80% chance of rotating to the other side of value. –Context is extremely important. Do not trade this rule mechanically and expect to have good results.

Is it true that 95 percent of traders lose? ›

Entering the exhilarating world of financial markets is a pursuit laden with potential, but an unsettling truth shadows the journey – a staggering 95% of traders end up facing failure. In this exploration, we dissect the intricacies of this phenomenon, translating the complexities into clear, concise insights.

Why do only 1% traders make money? ›

The pressure to generate profits daily or monthly can lead to more mistakes. So in a way, traders who also earn by talking or teaching trading have higher odds of winning.

Why 95% of traders fail? ›

The emotional aspect of trading often leads to irrational decisions like panic selling. When the market moves unfavourably, many traders, especially those who are inexperienced, tend to panic and exit their positions hastily. This panic selling often occurs at the worst possible time, leading to significant losses.

What is the number one mistake traders make? ›

Studies show that the number one mistake that losing traders make is not getting the balance right between risk and reward. Many let a losing trade continue in the hope that the market will reverse and turn that loss into a profit.

What percentage of investors lose money in the stock market? ›

As much as 95 per cent of day traders lose money in the market, it demands an investigation. Intraday trading is the most popular, yet data suggests that most intraday traders lose money. A 70 percent don't last beyond the first year, and 95 percent stop trading by the third year.

How much have most people lost in the stock market? ›

The top 10% of Americans have lost over $8 trillion in stock market wealth this year, which marks a 22% decline in their stock wealth, according to the Federal Reserve. The top 1% has lost over $5 trillion in stock market wealth. The bottom 50% have lost about $70 billion in stock wealth.

What percentage of people lose in trading? ›

As much as 95 per cent of day traders lose money in the market, it demands an investigation. Intraday trading is the most popular, yet data suggests that most intraday traders lose money. A 70 percent don't last beyond the first year, and 95 percent stop trading by the third year.

What happens if you lose 100% of your stock? ›

When a stock's price falls to zero, a shareholder's holdings in this stock become worthless. Major stock exchanges actually delist shares once they fall below specific price values.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 5727

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.