From High-Dividend Patience to Tactical Day Trading: My Shift in a Volatile Market

Since earlier this year (after I left my job as a police officer), I followed a high-dividend investment strategy centered around MRNY (YIELDMAX MRNA OPTN INCMESTGY ETF), NVDY (YIELDMAX NVDA OPTN INC STRGY ETF), and QQQY (DEFIANCE NAS 100 EHD OPT0DTE ETF). These income-focused positions appealed to me because of their generous yields. I achieved excellent financial growth with this strategy until recently, when even these stocks soured (dividend yield vs. stock value and growth). In November, I saw my portfolio grow stagnant and then drift into the red.

The broader backdrop didn’t help. The market had become increasingly volatile, with unpredictable intraday swings and sharp reversals that eroded the gradual gains high-dividend strategies rely on. Even though these ETFs can excel in stable or sideways-moving markets, the turbulence made their performance feel sluggish, even frustrating. After watching week over week of stagnation, I decided it was time to change course.

The Shift Toward Day Trading

This week, I pivoted to a more active approach: day trading, instead of waiting weeks or months for incremental appreciation. The first couple of days, I focused on assets with strong intraday movement—names like DRNZ (REX DRONE ETF) and WDC (WESTERN DIGITAL CORP). Both offered the volatility, volume, and price action that a tactical trader looks for. DRNZ delivered wide trading ranges, while WDC’s frequent technical setups made it ideal for short-term trades.

But I didn’t want a portfolio made entirely of fast movers. Markets were unpredictable, and I needed an anchor—something that could stabilize the portfolio during volatile sessions.

So mid-week - That’s where WMT (Walmart) entered the picture.

WMT: A Source of Stability in Market Turbulence

While many sectors thrashed back and forth amid market volatility, Walmart (WMT) quietly demonstrated resilience. Its steady growth during the turbulence gave me a foundation of confidence. WMT didn’t just hold firm—it pushed upward, offering both stability and modest appreciation. That consistency balanced the high-energy trades in DRNZ and WDC, making my new strategy feel more structured rather than reckless.

The Turnaround: One week, $11,000 in growth

The results were immediate.

After reallocating and focusing on disciplined day-trading tactics—while letting WMT act as my stabilizer—my portfolio experienced a rapid turnaround. My total investment, which sat at $215,000, climbed to $226,000 within a single week—an $11,000 increase.

This growth wasn’t the product of luck. It came from adapting to the market environment, tightening my strategy, and choosing assets that aligned with the current climate rather than relying on what had worked.

Final Thoughts

Markets shift. Strategies must change with them. My move from high-dividend ETFs like MRNY, NVDY, and QQQY to a more dynamic mix—day trading with DRNZ and WDC, supported by the steady strength of WMT—showed me the importance of flexibility. In a volatile market, the willingness to revise your approach can be the difference between stagnation and growth.

For my portfolio, that adaptability produced a remarkable one-week surge. And while no single strategy is universally perfect, finding the right one for the current landscape can make all the difference.

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Disclaimer: This article represents my personal investment strategy as a retail investor without formal financial training or professional credentials. The views expressed are based on my own research and experience, not professional expertise. This should not be considered financial advice. All investments carry risk, and past performance doesn't guarantee future results. As a non-professional investor, I strongly recommend that you conduct your own research and consider consulting with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. What works for my situation and risk tolerance may not be appropriate for yours.