maybe for some its gambling but when you look at a 40% return...

maybe for some its gambling but when you look at a 40% return per annum compunding for the last 7 years it starts to look like its better than a superannuation account.

Trick is to :
not trade on margin
research your stocks thoroughly
diversify but have less than 14 stocks so you know them intimately
Be prepared to sell at a loss at the first sign the company is having problems
Also day trade some species if you feel you can make a fsst buck but keep the core investment in long term holds.
Sector trade> I e if goldies are hot have more of the portfolio in them.
Keep an eye on companies with projects that have NPVs that are at a premium to the companeis cap and where the finance is available for said projects ie look at the company EVG.