Vickie Yue: What it’s like to be a beginner in the stock market

19 Aug 2022

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Vickie Yue (user handle in Tiger Community: @ vic82 )

“I would say my strategy is to go for those companies I'm familiar with and I feel safe starting with. I think that's my main strategy, to play it safe.”

@vic82: I'm 40 and I am a HR manager.

What is your background story?  When did you first start trading?

Wow, I have been doing trading for a few years. I started when I settled in Australia, my friends and family were all doing trading. So, it was kind of learning from my family, my parents.  Once I settled in my career a little bit and had a little bit of savings. I started to consider investment. And then I started trading. But trading stock is new to me.

I used to do Contract for Differences (CFD) trading^ because of the high margin. It would be a good success if you win, but also, it can be a huge loss if you choose the other way round.  I think stock trading is a safer way to invest versus CFD trading. So, I’ve started to learn stock trading

Where did you hear about Tiger trade?  

It’s advertised on a lot of platforms I think when you started here in Australia, the ads were just everywhere. Like Sydney Today was one of the platforms I use every day and Iyingshi that is an entertainment platform where I watch Chinese dramas. And I saw the billboard in the city and ads on YouTube as well.

At the moment, what is your Tiger Trade portfolio size?  

Not much. I would say like $1000 to $2000 for the moment because I still invest in CFD the same time. Plus, I'm still new to the stocks. So, I think it's just a trial and learning stage for me.

What is in your Tiger Trade portfolio? What companies have you got and why did you invest in these specific companies?

 Right, I think for safe trading, I prefer to choose the Australian companies that I am familiar with, such as the four big banks, like Westpac and Commonwealth, etc, those companies are more like my target.

What would you say your investing style or your strategy would be?  

Because I'm a beginner to stockbroking, I would say my strategy is to go for those companies I'm familiar with and I feel safe starting with. I think that's my main strategy, to play it safe.

How are your returns so far?

I think that it’s not too great, but good thing is I'm not losing money on that, so that's fortunate. during COVID you can see the market waves coming up and down. I do have a small gain, which is good, and I am happy with it

What is a piece of advice you would give to a beginner investor?

Okay, I think it is to really read a lot of news and to know and learn the company that you are investing in. This is very important. You cannot just buy whatever catches your eye, you really have to do your study, your homework, right? Even though sometimes that company’s share was dipping down you know that the company will survive, and its stock price will come back.

For example, I've been monitoring Westpac for quite a while, last year it was $23, and due to COVID, or bank interest changed, it has dropped to the lowest $17. You may panic as a new beginner because you lost a lot. But if you know the company and its stock, you will know that one day it will come back. And now it’s slowly coming back. In short, you need to have confidence in your investment company or product.

What stocks or options are you currently watching right now and why?

I'm watching Tesla, Tesla’s price was $1200 before COVID, and it dropped to $600. I’m very interested in it. I believe that Tesla stock will come back to those points again. It's just a timing thing.

The same philosophy for a lot of US stocks as well.  I’m also watching closely Apple and Netflix as well. All those companies’ stocks dipped a lot half year ago, and now they are slowly picking up. So, I'm thinking it's a good timing for me to enter those stocks now. 

What are the characteristics of your ideal stocks?

They need to be stable and have potential development and potential growth in the future. Companies like Netflix, Tesla and Apple, I have confidence in those companies in the future.

What are your opinions on global stocks in the next few months? How do you think the market will go?

There’s still a little bit of uncertainty because the war is still ongoing. I think that will impact a lot on the stock market. this is one of the elements that make me still not invest a huge amount. I don't know how the war will go, especially between Russia, Ukraine, or the situation between China, Taiwan and the US. So, things can change at any minute. Once those huge matters or events happen, they will definitely impact the stock market that’s my concern. So really if you asked me in the next few months, do I have confidence in the market? To be honest, I don't know. The situation is very intense.

Are there any memorable achievements that you've had so far in your investing journey? And is there anything that you learned from that?

Not big achievements though. From my memory, I read the news once and guessed right about the Market. So, I had a big gain from that point. That’s how I learned from the experience. I believe the news/message is the key of the market. You need to make your own judgment and make your decision from the news you’ve heard.

Are there any mistakes you've made in your journey and what did you learn from them?

Absolutely, who doesn’t make mistakes. Once one of my CFD trading products went the wrong direction, I think I have confidence in it. However, the market just wouldn’t pickup. I lost my confidence and cut my trading. And second day, the market picked up. I was so frustrated. So, what I learnt from it is that you have to know the products well enough. So, you know how you can save it.

What is your investment goal for the remainder of 2022?

Right, there are only three months to go. Of course, I am aiming to earn a little bit more. But as I’m new to the stock market. I think if I’ll go for the stock like Apple, and Tesla, I hope it will grow a little bit and to the point I expected. So, I'm thinking to maybe earn like $500, that's my goal. I don't want to put too much money on the stock market yet at this stage, I would still play the safe card and start small and hope the market will be as it is now and it's slowly growing back. And so, it can give me an opportunity to invest and earn a little bit from it in the next few months.

 

^Tiger Brokers Australia does not offer CFD trading. CFD trading carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You should only trade with money you can afford to lose. See CFD provider’s Target Market determination, PDS, FSG and T&Cs before trading.

Disclaimer:

The material and content posted is for information purpose only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, a recommendation or endorsement for any financial product or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide financial product advice by Tiger Brokers (AU) Pty Limited, “TBAU”.  TBAU makes no representations or warranties and takes no responsibility for the accuracy, truthfulness, legality, decency, or any other aspect of any comments and views shared by the interviewers in the post.

Capital at risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. See risk disclosures, PDS, TMD, FSG and T&Cs via our website before trading and seek independent advice if necessary. Information provided may contain general advice without taking into account your objectives, financial situations or needs.

Tiger Brokers(AU) Pty Limited.  AFSL 300767  

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