I look to turn a profit in all stocks that I hold. I have never been 100% correct in this policy either. One just hopes to make up for losses elsewhere, thus the investment policy of "not putting all your eggs in one basket". Diversification helps avoid this. Each individual stock has a reason for investing in. Some are very speculative, such as these junior mininig stocks, some more for return & dividends, some more of a secure investment to hold for long term appreciation. Many ways of looking at investing and each individual should only answer to himself in regards to a stocks performance ! koala