NetComm888 wrote:
- quote -

The holding period for investments within any type of IRA is irrelevant,
because there won't be any taxes triggered at the time of sale. Unlike
in a taxable account, there's no tax benefit to holding for a full year
before selling.

So if you want to do short-term trading, or invest in a mutual fund that
does so, an IRA is a good place to do it - whether a Traditional IRA or
Roth IRA.

-Tad

I have a question, in regards to Roth IRA. I understand that I don't
have pay any tax on the investment gains of that account, after I
retire. But is there any requirement that how long I need to hold the
stocks? For example I bought some Merck stocks months ago at $42. Now
the price is $47. I'm thinking about selling Mrk to buy another stock.
So that means I will make a profit about $300. I won't take money out
of Roth IRA, but I pretty much want to use that Roth IRA account as a
trading account. I'm wondering if there is any punishment if I only
hold the stocks for short term.
Thanks for your input.