"Day Trading" is one thing, namely the strategy of unloading all positions at COB. That's stupid. But picking companies YOU think might succeed, either becaus

"Day Trading" is one thing, namely the strategy of unloading all positions at COB. That's stupid. But picking companies YOU think might succeed, either because you've used their products, have a good feeling, read a news article, worked there, read magazines on the niche industry, or a million other things, is perfectly legit. You don't need to time the market. You can invest long-term in your picks. You CAN time the market, if you notice patterns and feel like you can ride them. Not everyone who isn't conservative is necessarily a child "playing" with a brokerage IRA. Some ARE beating the market.