To The Moon

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🎯 My Accidental Sell

This week, I had an unexpected twist in my OCBC Bank trade. I had previously placed a Good Till Done (GTD) order at $17.80, intending to capture profits when the price reached my target. But amidst my busy trading schedule, I completely forgot about that order.

When the stock suddenly surged and hit $17.80, the order automatically triggered — and I ended up selling 200 shares without realizing it until later. Initially, I was surprised. I had wanted to hold those shares a little longer to collect more upside or potential dividends. But when I checked my trade record, I noticed that it might actually have been a blessing in disguise.

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💹 My Trade Breakdown

Here’s how my OCBC trade unfolded:

• Buy 1: 100 shares at $16.78

• Buy 2: 100 shares at $16.52

• Sell: 200 shares at $17.80

After accounting for transaction costs, I earned a realized profit of $219.33, with an unrealized gain earlier of $88.37, and a total position profit and loss of $307.70.

$OCBC Bank(O39.SI)$  

I held the position for 50 days, and during that period, OCBC maintained strong momentum. The rally from below $16.50 to above $17.70 reflected confidence in Singapore’s financial sector, supported by stable interest rate margins and strong loan growth.

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📈 How the Trade Played Out

When I bought at $16.78, my plan was simple — accumulate OCBC while the banking sector in Singapore remained undervalued compared to DBS and UOB. OCBC’s earnings had just come out strong, and the bank was trading at an attractive valuation with a healthy dividend yield.

I set a target sell order at $17.80, thinking it might take weeks to hit. But the stock quickly rallied after the market absorbed Trump’s tariff dividend news and the global banking sector turned bullish again. I had forgotten about the GTD order, and as the stock spiked, the sell triggered automatically — locking in profits at the top of the recent range.

When I checked my account later, I realized I had sold 200 shares, not the 100 I initially intended. That moment of surprise turned into relief when I calculated the numbers — the total gain after all fees came up to around $220.

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💭 My Reflection on the Mistake

At first, I was slightly disappointed because I genuinely liked holding OCBC. The bank has been one of my top picks among Singapore blue chips — consistent earnings, a rising dividend profile, and prudent management. However, as I reflected on the trade, I realized that sometimes the market rewards even my forgetfulness.

Selling at $17.80 was close to the recent peak. If I had held longer, there was no guarantee the stock would sustain above that level. By accidentally selling, I secured profits while reducing exposure — effectively freeing up capital to rotate into other opportunities.

This experience reminded me of a key trading truth: discipline and automation can protect me even when I’m distracted. That forgotten GTD order served as my safety net — it locked in profits at my target without emotional hesitation.

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📊 The Bigger Picture

OCBC’s fundamentals remain solid. Its third-quarter earnings beat expectations, and the bank continues to benefit from resilient net interest margins. Singapore’s financial environment remains steady, and OCBC’s exposure to Greater China has started to stabilize as the region’s credit risk improves.

While I may have exited earlier than planned, the stock’s movement validated my initial analysis — buying at $16.50 to $16.80 was indeed a value zone. If prices dip again, I might re-enter around those levels to rebuild my position.

With a current market value of $1,778, my total realized profits of over $300 across 50 days translate to an impressive short-term gain. That’s almost a 3.4% move in stock price plus the leverage effect of trading multiple lots. For a defensive dividend stock like OCBC, that’s a rewarding swing trade.

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🧭 My Lessons from the Trade

1. Always check open orders — I learned to double-check my GTD and limit orders regularly. Forgetting them can lead to unexpected trades, even if they turn out profitable.

2. Stick to profit targets — My $17.80 target worked perfectly. It reinforced that having pre-set sell points is better than reacting emotionally.

3. Profit is profit — Even though I initially wanted to hold longer, taking profits is never wrong. I can always buy back at a lower price if the market pulls back.

4. Discipline and automation help — Using GTD orders prevented me from overthinking. It acted like a silent assistant, locking in gains while I focused on other trades.

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🌅 My Closing Thoughts

As I wrote this journal, I realized how this “mistake” actually aligned perfectly with my trading philosophy — trade with a plan, stay calm, and let discipline work for me. The market often tests my patience, but this time, it rewarded my preparation.

I made $220 after costs, freed up cash, and maintained confidence in my overall strategy. I still like OCBC’s long-term outlook, and if it retraces near $17 or below, I’ll consider buying back.

In the grand view of my trading journey, this was more than just a lucky accident — it was a reminder that preparedness and structure create opportunities even in oversight. Sometimes, the best trades are the ones I didn’t consciously make, but planned for long ago.

Sitting back with a quiet smile, I realize: not every mistake costs money. Some mistakes, like this one, pay dividends — not in cash, but in experience and wisdom. 🏦✨

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