Year for year, day trading has worse odds than the casino

Year for year, day trading has worse odds than the casino

Year for year, day trading has worse odds than the casino

Neither Is Investing

Neither Is Investing

Social media is full of people promising they can "pick winners" or "time the market." The actual numbers tell a different story. Independent research consistently shows that the vast majority of day traders lose money — at rates that look worse than casino gamblers in comparable studies. Neither activity is investing, and neither is recommended. Studies use different methodologies — see disclosures.

Quick spoiler · The long-term approach

Quick spoiler · The long-term approach

Quick spoiler · The long-term approach

Over the last 40 years, the S&P 500 index has returned roughly 10% a year on average, gross of fees and taxes.5 Past performance is not indicative of future results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index . But the long-term, diversified, low-cost approach is what evidence supports.

2 years of play

Option A · The Casino

Option A · The Casino

Walk into a casino, play the usual stuff. Blackjack, roulette, slots.

Walk into a casino, play the usual stuff. Blackjack, roulette, slots.

11%

11%

walked away with more money than they came in with over a roughly 2-year period of regular play. From a Harvard Medical School analysis of 4,222 online gamblers; a separate U.S. casino study of 18,000 loyalty cardholders found ~13.5%.1 Casino gambling carries its own substantial risks.

walked away with more money than they came in with over a roughly 2-year period of regular play. From a Harvard Medical School analysis of 4,222 online gamblers; a separate U.S. casino study of 18,000 loyalty cardholders found ~13.5%.1 Casino gambling carries its own substantial risks.

~1 year+ of trading

Option B · Day Trading

Option B · Day Trading

Buy and sell stocks every day, trying to outsmart the market.

Buy and sell stocks every day, trying to outsmart the market.

3%

3%

had positive returns after persisting for 300+ trading days. Out of 1,551 traders followed, only about 1 in 100 earned more than the local minimum wage — and fewer still earned more than an entry-level bank teller.2


had positive returns after persisting for 300+ trading days. Out of 1,551 traders followed, only about 1 in 100 earned more than the local minimum wage — and fewer still earned more than an entry-level bank teller.2


Why it's so hard

EXTRA TOOLS

97%

97%

of persistent day traders lose money overall in the largest published real-world study, net of fees. Similar patterns appear in Taiwan and U.S. data.2,3

of persistent day traders lose money overall in the largest published real-world study, net of fees. Similar patterns appear in Taiwan and U.S. data.2,3

~1%

~1%

earn predictable profits net of fees in multi-year studies. Researchers also find that experience does not reliably improve outcomes for individual day traders.3

earn predictable profits net of fees in multi-year studies. Researchers also find that experience does not reliably improve outcomes for individual day traders.3

89.5%

89.5%

of actively managed U.S. large-cap funds underperformed the S&P 500 over the 15 years ending Dec. 2024. These are professionals whose job is investing.4


of actively managed U.S. large-cap funds underperformed the S&P 500 over the 15 years ending Dec. 2024. These are professionals whose job is investing.4


You can own a diversified, low-cost portfolio and stay invested for the long-term. The data on speculation is consistent: most short-term traders lose money. The approach evidence supports is unglamorous. Own a diversified, low-cost portfolio and stay invested for the long term.

That is what Beanstox is designed to help you do.

Seriously Simple Investing®

EXTRA TOOLS

Don't try to beat the market.
Own a diversified slice of it.

Don't try to beat the market.
Own a diversified slice of it.

Beanstox is a simple app that helps you automate your investments and build wealth over time. No stock picking. No watching charts. No experience needed. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Subscribers' funds are allocated across a diversified portfolio of low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and rebalanced automatically.

No stock picking. No watching charts. No experience needed. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Beanstox is a simple app that helps you automate your investments and build wealth over time. No stock picking. No watching charts. No experience needed. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Subscribers' funds are allocated across a diversified portfolio of low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and rebalanced automatically.

No stock picking. No watching charts. No experience needed. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Diversified Portfolio

Rather than concentrating in a single stock, your investment is allocated across a portfolio of ETFs spanning multiple asset classes. Diversification does not eliminate risk or guarantee a profit.

Automated & Recurring

You can set up recurring investments with as little as $10/month to start.

SIPC-protected custodian

Customer brokerage accounts are held at a SIPC-member custodian, with up to $500,000 of protection (including a $250,000 cash limit) against broker failure.3 SIPC is not FDIC. SIPC does not protect against market losses or declines in investment value. https://www.sipc.org/for-investors/what-sipc-protects

Hypothetical illustration · Educational purposes only

EXTRA TOOLS

Why time in the market matters:
the math of compounding

Why time in the market matters:
the math of compounding

The chart below illustrates how regular contributions grow over time at different assumed annual return rates. This is a hypothetical mathematical illustration, not a projection or guarantee of Beanstox's returns. Three assumed rates are shown so you can see how sensitive the outcome is to the return assumption. Inputs: $400/month, 40 years, compounded monthly. All figures are gross of fees, taxes, and transaction costs. Actual results will differ materially.

The chart below illustrates how regular contributions grow over time at different assumed annual return rates. This is a hypothetical mathematical illustration, not a projection or guarantee of Beanstox's returns. Three assumed rates are shown so you can see how sensitive the outcome is to the return assumption. Inputs: $400/month, 40 years, compounded monthly. All figures are gross of fees, taxes, and transaction costs. Actual results will differ materially.

The chart below illustrates how regular contributions grow over time at different assumed annual return rates. This is a hypothetical mathematical illustration, not a projection or guarantee of Beanstox's returns. Three assumed rates are shown so you can see how sensitive the outcome is to the return assumption. Inputs: $400/month, 40 years, compounded monthly. All figures are gross of fees, taxes, and transaction costs. Actual results will differ materially.

S&P 500 Performance and logos
S&P 500 Performance and logos

ⓘ Important: These figures are hypothetical mathematical illustrations using assumed annual returns of 6%, 8%, and 10%, compounded monthly, gross of all fees, taxes, and expenses. They do not represent actual, expected, or projected Beanstox investment returns and are not a forecast or guarantee. No assurance is given that any return assumption shown will be achieved. Actual outcomes will differ materially based on market conditions, portfolio fees, taxes, and investor behavior. Past performance is not indicative of future results. See disclosure footnote 2 below.2

Stay Invested

Stay Invested

Hear from Kevin O'Leary image
Hear From Kevin O'Leary

Hear from Kevin O'Leary

Hear From Kevin O'Leary

Chairman & Co-owner

Chairman & Co-owner

Chairman & Co-owner

"The biggest mistake most people make is sitting on the sidelines. Inflation alone erodes the value of idle cash. Start early, invest consistently, and stay diversified for the long term."

-Kevin O’Leary, Chairman & Co-owner

You can build financial freedom. Beanstox makes saving and investing easy. Designed by me and our team of experts, to save you time and help your money grow over time. No commissions. No complicated decisions. Set up your account in minutes. We’ll do the rest.

-Kevin O’Leary, Chairman & Co-owner

$5/month Wealth Builder subscription  ·  Additional fees apply (e.g., ETF expense ratios) — see full fee schedule and Form ADV Part 2A  ·  SIPC-protected up to $500K against broker failure3 Cancel anytime. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 03/31/2026.


*Disclosures



Beanstox does not provide tax, legal, accounting, budgeting, credit score, or banking advice. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute such advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with their personal tax, legal, and accounting professionals for specific guidance.



** Open a Traditional IRA with Beanstox and boost your federal tax refund by up to $22 for every $100 you contribute by April 15, 2026 (or up to $1,540 assuming 22% on the maximum contribution of $7,000).

1. Pricing: Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of Mar 31, 2026: traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.39% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 3.57% (YCharts); comparison based on  3.55% (as of 4/16/2026), the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF's expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of March 31, 2026, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 10% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1 million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 8% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of 03/31/2026, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

7. Beanstox Bitcoin is a self-directed portfolio and should not be considered to be a recommendation. Investing in digital assets, such as Bitcoins, is highly speculative and volatile, and only suitable for investors who are able to bear the risk of potential loss and experience sharp drawdowns. Digital assets are not legal tender and are not backed by the U.S. government. Although exposure to Bitcoin can help further diversify your investment portfolios for the long-term, digital assets investments carry significant risk! Generally, you may want to consider limiting your digital assets allocation to no more than 5% of your investments. Even today, while Cryptocurrency is gaining a more prominent currency position, it’s still considered a highly volatile investment. Beanstox does not provide access to invest directly in Bitcoin. Bitcoin exposure is provided through the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. This is considered a high-risk investment given the speculative and volatile nature of digital assets. Investing involves risk including the loss of principal.

8.Beanstox Gold is a self-directed portfolio and should not be considered to be a recommendation. Investing in commodities, such as gold, is speculative and can be volatile, and may only suitable for investors who are able to bear the risk of potential loss and experience sharp drawdowns. Although exposure to gold can help further diversify your investment portfolios for the long-term, commodities carry significant risk. Generally, you may want to consider limiting your commodities allocation to no more than 10% of your investments. Beanstox does not provide access to invest directly in gold. Beanstox’s gold exposure is provided through the iShares Gold Trust. This is considered a high-risk investment given the speculative and volatile nature of commodities. Investing involves risk including the loss of principal.

New Products: We are excited about the development of new products, although there are no assurances that these products will be implemented or offered to Beanstox App users, or that final details on how the products will be offered will not differ from those currently contemplated.

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2026 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2026 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 03/31/2026.


*Disclosures



Beanstox does not provide tax, legal, accounting, budgeting, credit score, or banking advice. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute such advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with their personal tax, legal, and accounting professionals for specific guidance.



** Open a Traditional IRA with Beanstox and boost your federal tax refund by up to $22 for every $100 you contribute by April 15, 2026 (or up to $1,540 assuming 22% on the maximum contribution of $7,000).

1. Pricing: Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of Mar 31, 2026: traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.39% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 3.57% (YCharts); comparison based on  3.55% (as of 4/16/2026), the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF's expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of March 31, 2026, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 10% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1 million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 8% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of 03/31/2026, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

7. Beanstox Bitcoin is a self-directed portfolio and should not be considered to be a recommendation. Investing in digital assets, such as Bitcoins, is highly speculative and volatile, and only suitable for investors who are able to bear the risk of potential loss and experience sharp drawdowns. Digital assets are not legal tender and are not backed by the U.S. government. Although exposure to Bitcoin can help further diversify your investment portfolios for the long-term, digital assets investments carry significant risk! Generally, you may want to consider limiting your digital assets allocation to no more than 5% of your investments. Even today, while Cryptocurrency is gaining a more prominent currency position, it’s still considered a highly volatile investment. Beanstox does not provide access to invest directly in Bitcoin. Bitcoin exposure is provided through the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. This is considered a high-risk investment given the speculative and volatile nature of digital assets. Investing involves risk including the loss of principal.

8.Beanstox Gold is a self-directed portfolio and should not be considered to be a recommendation. Investing in commodities, such as gold, is speculative and can be volatile, and may only suitable for investors who are able to bear the risk of potential loss and experience sharp drawdowns. Although exposure to gold can help further diversify your investment portfolios for the long-term, commodities carry significant risk. Generally, you may want to consider limiting your commodities allocation to no more than 10% of your investments. Beanstox does not provide access to invest directly in gold. Beanstox’s gold exposure is provided through the iShares Gold Trust. This is considered a high-risk investment given the speculative and volatile nature of commodities. Investing involves risk including the loss of principal.

New Products: We are excited about the development of new products, although there are no assurances that these products will be implemented or offered to Beanstox App users, or that final details on how the products will be offered will not differ from those currently contemplated.

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2026 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2026 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 03/31/2026.


*Disclosures



Beanstox does not provide tax, legal, accounting, budgeting, credit score, or banking advice. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute such advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with their personal tax, legal, and accounting professionals for specific guidance.



** Open a Traditional IRA with Beanstox and boost your federal tax refund by up to $22 for every $100 you contribute by April 15, 2026 (or up to $1,540 assuming 22% on the maximum contribution of $7,000).

1. Pricing: Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of Mar 31, 2026: traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.39% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 3.57% (YCharts); comparison based on  3.55% (as of 4/16/2026), the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF's expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of March 31, 2026, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 10% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1 million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 8% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of 03/31/2026, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

7. Beanstox Bitcoin is a self-directed portfolio and should not be considered to be a recommendation. Investing in digital assets, such as Bitcoins, is highly speculative and volatile, and only suitable for investors who are able to bear the risk of potential loss and experience sharp drawdowns. Digital assets are not legal tender and are not backed by the U.S. government. Although exposure to Bitcoin can help further diversify your investment portfolios for the long-term, digital assets investments carry significant risk! Generally, you may want to consider limiting your digital assets allocation to no more than 5% of your investments. Even today, while Cryptocurrency is gaining a more prominent currency position, it’s still considered a highly volatile investment. Beanstox does not provide access to invest directly in Bitcoin. Bitcoin exposure is provided through the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. This is considered a high-risk investment given the speculative and volatile nature of digital assets. Investing involves risk including the loss of principal.

8.Beanstox Gold is a self-directed portfolio and should not be considered to be a recommendation. Investing in commodities, such as gold, is speculative and can be volatile, and may only suitable for investors who are able to bear the risk of potential loss and experience sharp drawdowns. Although exposure to gold can help further diversify your investment portfolios for the long-term, commodities carry significant risk. Generally, you may want to consider limiting your commodities allocation to no more than 10% of your investments. Beanstox does not provide access to invest directly in gold. Beanstox’s gold exposure is provided through the iShares Gold Trust. This is considered a high-risk investment given the speculative and volatile nature of commodities. Investing involves risk including the loss of principal.

New Products: We are excited about the development of new products, although there are no assurances that these products will be implemented or offered to Beanstox App users, or that final details on how the products will be offered will not differ from those currently contemplated.

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2026 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2026 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved

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