I work in the field of accounting and I have one client who...

I work in the field of accounting and I have one client who makes a living out of trading shares.

He has approximately $3 mil in shares.
Last year sent $70,000 on brokerage.
Income (trader bases) including profit/loss on sale, dividends and capital returns was $450,000.

I consider this a pathetic return on investment, he could have put the $3 mil in an index investment last year and would have been well ahead, plus would have received CGT discount.

He normally trades shares for a couple of cents then sells out.