At what time do I need to be in a stock to qualify for their dividend?
Also, what is the earliest day that I can sell the stock and get to keep the dividend?
You need to buy the stock prior to the ex-dividend date. You can sell it the day it goes ex-dividend and still get the dividend. So, you only need to own the shares one day, but you need to be aware that the stock price will open down the amount of the dividend on the day it goes ex-dividend. ie, a stock that closed at $20 on tuesday, (assuming wed is ex-date) will open at 19.50 (assuming a .50 dividend). The stock will then trade up or down depending on buy and sell orders. If you are trying to do some dividend capture trading, remember that others are too, and selling pressure on the ex-date may preclude your getting out with a profit. And, other market forces are typically greater that the dividend amount, so beware. You will do best if you sort of get to know a stock and how it typically trades. Then compare its chart to a sector etf to get a better timing feel. ie a utility stock and XLU the utility ETF. Good luck.
You need to buy the stock prior to the ex-dividend date. You can sell it the day it goes ex-dividend and still get the dividend. So, you only need to own the shares one day, but you need to be aware that the stock price will open down the amount of the dividend on the day it goes ex-dividend. ie, a stock that closed at $20 on tuesday, (assuming wed is ex-date) will open at 19.50 (assuming a .50 dividend). The stock will then trade up or down depending on buy and sell orders. If you are trying to do some dividend capture trading, remember that others are too, and selling pressure on the ex-date may preclude your getting out with a profit. And, other market forces are typically greater that the dividend amount, so beware. You will do best if you sort of get to know a stock and how it typically trades. Then compare its chart to a sector etf to get a better timing feel. ie a utility stock and XLU the utility ETF. Good luck.
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Buy the stock by the ex-dividend date. To sell the stock and still receive the dividend make sure you sell after the ex-dividend date. Basically, you have to be a holder of record by the ex-dividend date to receive any dividend.
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