Should I sell at 20% profit?

Asked by: Taya Welch  |  Last update: July 14, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)

To grow your portfolio substantially, take most gains in the 20%-25% range. Though contrary to human nature, the best way to sell a stock is while it's on the way up, still advancing and looking strong to everyone.

Should I sell at 20% gain?

Generally speaking, it can be beneficial to sell stocks when they reach a 20% profit, as this indicates that the stock has performed well and could be a good time to take some profits. However, you should always consider your individual goals and investment strategy before making any decisions.

What is the 20 percent sell rule?

20%-25% profits-taking rule

One common method is to set a specific percentage, like 10%, 15%, or 20%, as your profit target. When the stock price goes up and reaches that percentage, you sell the stock to secure your gains, which will also boost your confidence in further investment.

At what percentage should I sell my stock?

After a significant advance of 20% to 25% from a proper buy point, consider selling at least some shares into that strength. By doing that, you'll be locking in some gains and won't be caught giving back all your profits in a stock market correction or bear market.

What is the 20 25 profit rule?

One strategy to make a profit in stocks is to sell as soon as your potential gain reaches the range of 20-25%. This way, you gain from the stock while it is still on the rise. Aiming for this base value will make sure that you are able to gain sound returns. The 20-25% rule is significant.

Warren Buffett: The 3 Times When You Should Sell a Stock

30 related questions found

What is the 20% profit rule?

The rule states that if a stock breaks out from a proper base and gains 20% or more in three weeks or less, you should hold it for at least eight weeks.

What is the secret profit rule?

In English law, a secret profit is a profit made by an employee who uses his employer's premises and business facilities in order to engage in unauthorised trade on his own behalf.

At what point should I sell my stock?

When To Sell And Take A Loss. According to IBD founder William O'Neil's rule in "How to Make Money in Stocks," you should sell a stock when you are down 7% or 8% from your purchase price, no exceptions. Having a rule in place ahead of time can help prevent an emotional decision to hang on too long.

What is the 20 rule in stocks?

In other words, the Rule of 20 suggests that markets may be fairly valued when the sum of the P/E ratio and the inflation rate equals 20. The stock market is deemed to be undervalued when the sum is below 20 and overvalued when the sum is above 20.

What is the 7% rule in stocks?

You should sell a stock when you are down 7% or 8% from your purchase price. For example, let's say you bought Company A's stock at $100 per share. According to the 7%-8% sell rule, you should sell the shares if the price drops to $93 or $92.

What is the golden rule of selling?

The golden rule of sales is: pitch to people who buy what you sell. After all, why would you try to sell someone something they have no interest in, or any use for?

Should I sell profits on stocks?

To grow your portfolio substantially, take most gains in the 20%-25% range. Though contrary to human nature, the best way to sell a stock is while it's on the way up, still advancing and looking strong to everyone.

What is the 20 percent investment rule?

Key Takeaways

The 50-30-20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should dedicate 20% to savings, leaving 30% to be spent on things you want but don't necessarily need.

Is a 20% sell through rate good?

Industry benchmarks for sell-through rates

20% = very good. 10% = good. 5% = average. 2% = poor.

Is it better to sell stock at a loss or gain?

Key Takeaways. Selling a losing position helps preserve your fund and prevent further losses, especially in volatile or declining markets. Holding onto a losing position comes with an opportunity cost that ties up money that could be used for more profitable investments.

Which month is best to sell stocks?

Best Months to Buy or Sell Stocks. Our analysis of S&P 500 data from 2000 to 2024 also revealed some clear monthly patterns. November is historically the strongest month, with an average daily return of 0.107% and positive returns 57% of the time. April and July are the next strongest months.

What is 20 percent stock rule?

Nasdaq 20% Rule: Stockholder Approval Requirements for Securities Offerings. An overview of the so-called Nasdaq 20% rule requiring stockholder approval before a listed company can issue twenty percent or more of its outstanding common stock or voting power.

What is the 70 20 10 rule in trading?

The 70:20:10 rule helps safeguard SIPs by allocating 70% to low-risk, 20% to medium-risk, and 10% to high-risk investments, ensuring stability, balanced growth, and high returns while managing market fluctuations.

What is a good percentage to sell stock?

General Advice on When to Sell Stocks for Profit

Target Achieved: Set a specific profit target – potentially 10-20% above your purchase price – and consider selling if the stock hits this mark.

Should I sell my stocks now in a recession?

As long as you have sufficient time and money—whether from wages, retirement income, or cash reserves—it's important to stay the course so you can potentially benefit from the eventual recovery. That said, it generally makes sense to sell some investments and buy others as part of your regular portfolio maintenance.

Do you pay taxes on stocks if you sell at a loss?

Selling a stock for profit locks in "realized gains," which will be taxed. However, you won't be taxed anything if you sell stock at a loss. In fact, it may even help your tax situation — this is a strategy known as tax-loss harvesting. Note, however, that if you receive dividends, you will have to pay taxes on those.

What is the profit seeking paradox?

In summary, the paradox of profit growth underscores the importance of a balanced, sustainable approach to seeking profitability. It suggests that focusing solely on short-term profits can be detrimental in the long run and that considering a wider range of factors can lead to more sustainable, long-term profit growth.

What is the 50 percent profit rule?

The 50% rule or 50 rule in real estate says that half of the gross income generated by a rental property should be allocated to operating expenses when determining profitability. The rule is designed to help investors avoid the mistake of underestimating expenses and overestimating profits.

What is the normal profit rule?

Normal profit is an economic term that refers to a situation where the total revenues of a company are equal to the total costs in a perfectly competitive market. It means that the company makes sufficient revenues to cover the overall cost of production and remain competitive in its respective industry.