Lol, don't know how sexy but if investments were taxed yearly and not at sale, it would hammer the yield to the point that people would look for other places to put their money than stocks. I certainly do not speak for all traders but it's how I earn my living ie, it's my income. Some of may say we pay too much tax and some say too little but the taxman will be paid. As a day trader I don't think in terms of yield but return on equity.
I also trade in my 401K account. hehe. I rolled over my old employer 401K into IB. I've been trading that pretty decently. My other taxable account has so so results...
Never underestimate the value of spending your money while you can still control when and how you break wind.
LOL in 1942. Try $2 and $3 a pop. Maybe. I have an uncle (still above ground/age 92) who, true story, back then in the early 40's as a mechanic bought used cars from some of his customers in that price range. But even if the average adult or kid earned $115 they needed that a lot more than a piece of paper. No matter how much it eventually appreciated. Buffet's tune would be a lot different if he was born say 14 years earlier - that would of made him 11 years in 1928. Timing .... and a little bit of luck is everything.