**Gold Rush Turns Sour: Investor Loses Millions in Stock Market Debut**
**27-year-old Ngọc Thắng, once a regular gold buyer, has lost approximately $2,000 in just four months after venturing into the stock market. His hasty decision to invest without adequate knowledge and reliance on a broker’s advice has proven costly.**
**A Golden Past, a Tarnished Present**
Until December 2023, Thắng purchased one ounce of gold every month. However, as prices soared, he halted his purchases and considered investing his funds in stocks.
**A Risky Gamble**
In February 2024, Thắng allocated $850 of his savings and bonus toward stock purchases. Despite incurring a minor loss in March, he doubled down with an additional $1,200 on March 18th, hoping to “buy the dip.”
**A Sudden Crash**
The market’s recovery after the March 18th dip gave Thắng a false sense of confidence. However, on April 15th, a sharp drop in stock prices forced him to sell off his investments at a significant loss.
**Hindsight and Lessons Learned**
Thắng admits his mistakes:
– Relying heavily on his broker’s guidance
– Entering the market without proper education
He stresses the importance of self-education and the futility of waiting to invest until substantial losses occur.
**A Costly Education**
Thắng has since withdrawn from the stock market and reallocated his funds towards financial education. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of investing without adequate knowledge and the allure of quick profits.