When should you cash out shares?

Asked by: Candida Gleichner PhD  |  Last update: December 12, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (18 votes)

If it appears as though a recession is coming or investors have seen significant gains in their portfolio, they might choose to cash out to lock in the profits. It's important to understand, however, that attempting to time the stock market to avoid losses during unstable economic conditions is risky.

When should you withdraw shares?

Investors might sell their stocks to adjust their portfolios or free up money. Investors might also sell a stock when it hits a price target or the company's fundamentals have deteriorated. Still, investors might sell a stock for tax purposes or because they need the money in retirement for income.

How do you know when to cash out stocks?

Here's a rundown of five scenarios that can justify selling a stock:
  1. Your investment thesis has changed. ...
  2. The company is being acquired. ...
  3. You need the money or soon will. ...
  4. You need to rebalance your portfolio. ...
  5. You identify opportunities to better invest your money elsewhere.

When should you sell shares to take profit?

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 7% rule in stocks?

The 7% rule is a straightforward guideline for cutting losses in stock trading. It suggests that investors should exit a position if the stock price falls 7% below the purchase price.

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

41 related questions found

What is the 90% rule in stocks?

The Rule of 90 is a grim statistic that serves as a sobering reminder of the difficulty of trading. According to this rule, 90% of novice traders will experience significant losses within their first 90 days of trading, ultimately wiping out 90% of their initial capital.

When should you sell shares?

To make money in stocks, you must protect the money you already have. That brings us to the cardinal rule of selling. Always sell a stock it if falls 7%-8% below what you paid for it. This basic principle helps you always cap your potential downside.

At what profit should I sell a stock?

The 20%-25% Profit-Taking Rule in Action.

What is the 3-5-7 rule in trading?

The 3 5 7 rule is a risk management strategy in trading that emphasizes limiting risk on each individual trade to 3% of the trading capital, keeping overall exposure to 5% across all trades, and ensuring that winning trades yield at least 7% more profit than losing trades.

How long should you hold a stock for?

How long must you hold a stock before selling? Ideally, hold a stock until it meets your financial goals or circumstances change. However, waiting at least one year can reduce capital gains taxes and maximise growth potential, especially in stable, long-term investments.

Should I cash out my shares?

Key Takeaways. While holding or moving to cash might feel good mentally and help avoid short-term stock market volatility, it is unlikely to be wise over the long term. Once you cash out a stock that's dropped in price, you move from a paper loss to an actual loss.

Do you pay taxes when you cash out stocks?

When you sell an investment for a profit, the amount earned is likely to be taxable. The amount that you pay in taxes is based on the capital gains tax rate. Typically, you'll either pay short-term or long-term capital gains tax rates depending on your holding period for the investment.

Should I cash out stocks before recession?

When things are looking bleak, consider holding on to your investments. Selling during market lows can be one of the worst things you can do for your portfolio — it locks in losses. When the market evens out down the road, rebalancing may be in order.

What is the 30 day rule for shares?

If you wish to repurchase an investment that you have recently sold, over 30 days must elapse between the two transactions in order for you to utilise your CGT exemption or create a loss to offset against other gains realised within the same tax year.

When should you exercise your shares?

If you believe the stock price will rise over time, you can take advantage of the long-term nature of the option and wait to exercise them until the market price of the issuer stock exceeds your grant price and you feel that you are ready to exercise your stock options.

How do I cash out my shares?

Stocks can be cashed out by selling them through a broker on a stock exchange. Selling stocks can provide cash for major expenses or to reinvest in other assets.

What is the 11am rule in stock trading?

The "11 am rule" refers to a guideline often followed by day traders, suggesting that they should avoid making significant trades during the first hour of trading, particularly until after 11 am Eastern Time.

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 are three signs you should sell a stock?

The stock is subject to negative news stories.

But if the news is continuing and involves significant events like management shakeups, major competitors stealing market share, unwelcome mergers or acquisitions, or top executives selling large blocks of stock, it's time to reevaluate the stock.

How do I know when to exit from a stock?

You should be looking to exit a stock trade when a price trend breaks down. This is supported by technical analysis and emphasises that investors should exit regardless of the value of the trade. It is recommended that you go back to the initial reasons for entering the trade.

How to avoid paying capital gains tax on stocks?

7 ways to avoid capital gains tax on stocks for any investor
  1. Donate stock to charity.
  2. Hold stock shares for more than one year.
  3. Invest in retirement accounts.
  4. Pass it on in your estate plans.
  5. Sell stocks when you're in a lower tax bracket.
  6. Offset your capital gains with losses (aka tax-loss harvesting).

When should I cash out my stocks?

When to sell a stock: 7 good reasons
  1. You've found something better. ...
  2. You made a mistake. ...
  3. The company's business outlook has changed. ...
  4. Tax reasons. ...
  5. Rebalancing your portfolio. ...
  6. Valuation no longer reflects business reality. ...
  7. You need the money.

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.

How long should you keep shares for?

You have to hold stocks for more than 12 years to really reduce the probability of making a loss – and 12 years is a really long time in such a fast-paced world. Even in a 10-year period – which most of us would already consider long term – you're not guaranteed to make a profit.