• Profit taking refers to the realization of previously unrealized profits accumulated in a security by closing all or part of the holdings.

  • When an investor holds an open position, they may accumulate unrealized or paper gains or losses that are not realized until the position is closed.
  • Investors may lock in profits for many reasons, but often they do so to reduce risk.
  • Profit taking is also commonly known as selling or taking money off the table.