Okay, I've started my selloff from the equities market. I've made my money, I don't want to get too greedy and miss the turn. I have two stocks that have ex-dividend dates of 1/27. IF I sell them on 1/27, am I considered the owner of record for receiving the dividends? Or do I need to wait to sell until 1/28. When exactly is the cutoff. At the open of trade on 1/27?

Second question. Is there any general wisdom about the best time to sell in relation to dividend payout dates? I know there are never any hard and fast rules in the markets, just wondering if there are any trends/guidelines? I am a newbie to short term trading. As in new to like 90 day holdings......... Day trading like some of ya'll...... fuhgeddabutit, don't have the stomach. Though I've been intrigued ever since friend's husband, very odd but a super-duper genius (he is living proof that there is somebody for everybody, been married forever too), lost his job as a senior actuary for large health insurer, and has been able to support his family in what is well into a six-figure lifestyle (and they aren't the kind to run up debt). It's been probably 15 years since he first told me about his new "day trading job", one of the few times I engaged him in a real conversation, lol.

Thanks in advance for any help. I know I can count on the experts here to have the answers I'm looking for. Speaking of some super smart people....... I've been most impressed by the crowd around here. I may well disagree with some views expressed (always have had a soft spot for those who are less fortunate, mom used to ask if I had to take in EVERY stray, and she was referring to two-legged strays, not four). However TF members are the most articulate, well-informed, and most likely to back their position with evidence of any forum I have read. I feel challenged. I like it here.

If you own the shares on the open of ex-date you will receive the dividend, since the point is to be an owner on the "record date" which is (generally) two days after the ex-date. Your stock will be marked down (as will your stops, unless explicitly stated) by the same amount as the dividend. A $10 stock that pays a $1 dividend will open ex- unchanged at $9 and you will have $1 in your account (in cash or stock) on the record date.

Thanks, Pat! That really helps and solves yet another mystery, why I was seeing the dips a couple days after the ex-dividend dates on the charts.

BTW, lived in Chicago, ultimately Park Ridge, for 6 years fresh out of school and newly married. Have lots of regrets about leaving. Loooved it there and still have friends. Chicagoans are the friendliest, most down-to-earth people in the country. And damn how the old neighborhood has changed. Sold for modest profit in '85 and dumped 17% mortgage, literally months before PR became blazing hot. If only......



--------------------------------------------
"A woman has the right to change her mind."
Jane Byrne, who defeated Richard Daley in mayoral election in 1980 after his failure to plow the streets the previous winter, in response to media questions about why she had reversed her positions.

SHHH! Don't tell anybody. The last thing we need around here is a bunch of loose talk about the people and quality of life!