I would like to generate the 10 dollar monthly commissions to avoid being charged the “inactivity fee” for lack of trading, but don’t plan to actively trade every month. I mainly like IBKR for the cheap margin rates to be honest. Could someone please recommend any basically risk-free stock or option trades? My goal is to break even on them such that I would gain ten dollars profit only and that this would generate the 10 dollars in commissions. Thanks very much in advance I greatly appreciate any advice!!
I tried this once to avoid an inactivity fee on my account at another broker, which I thought was $10 per month. It was an inactive time for me in my trading. So I made a trade, and lost like a couple of hundred bux on the bad trade, but at least I did not have the inactivity fee. I found out later that the broker does not have an account inactivity fee. So it was a waste of time and money. Bottom line, just pay the 10 bux, rather than feel pressured to make a trade to avoid a $10 fee. You'll prolly do worse trading under pressure to save $10, than by just letting it go.
Thanks for the well reasoned reply. That was my initial decision, I was just wondering if there is any way around it, but probably not. I agree, and the savings alone on their low margin rates make it worthwhile. Thanks!!
Thanks that is a good idea. Do I have to buy money market funds, or just leave it in the default IBKR settlement account? Is there a default settlement account? Any recommendation on a money market settlement fund?
Indeed. I am admit it! @Overnight You are a good spirit helping everyone here, and sharing your personal experience. To the OP: if you have the fear of $10 the market is going to be an expensive tutor. as @Overnight said, just pay it. You will have much larger concerns as far as exposure.
If he wanted to do something smart he could hedge against an equity position he has - maybe a covered call/protective put or something. But I would doubt that'd get him anywhere near the $10 he wants to spend.