Hi,

Would anybody happen to know if you can day trade (and possible/hopefully having gains) while receiving unemployment benefits from ALK? Or would you get penalized when doing the tax declaration the year after?
Thanks in advance!

IIRC you sign off the paper agreeing to inform the ALK about any income you get. I don't remember seeing any list what kind of income has to be reported, so maybe even everything and it would be up to ALK to decide if they should reduce your payment or not.

Just make sure that your day trading doesn't prevent you from being available with short notice if ALK calls you for a job interview, or if they enroll you in a language course or another type or training.

It does not really matter if you make a profit or not. It’s a question of whether you are available and actively seeking employment or not.

I am quite sure I read somewhere that you have to report your income. After all, the unemployment office is not very happy do distribute money if you don't really need it.

I suppose the best option is to ask directly the unemployment office.

EDIT:
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/without...fits-/45548988
"Am I allowed to do odd jobs or other modest-paying work?
Yes, but you need to report the income to the unemployment office. Failure to do so can result in docked allowances or even a criminal charge."

Actually this is not as official as where I remember I read it....but it is still something.

But are stock market gains "income"? If profits are kept in the account and reinvested (or re-gambled) then it’s not income. If you always remove your gains each month and spend the money then yes, it’s income. I recommend you don’t do that and therefore it is not income.

It does not work like that. If you are classified as a trader, then you are not doing a bridging job, you are self employed and no longer meet the unemployment requirements. Just like anyone else who moves to self employment.

Your logic makes sense, but is it the same one used at the tax office?
Actually even the accumulating ETFs would be included in that logic. Again I am not 100% but the dividends that are accumulated/reinvested , are counted as income for example. (sorry I don't have time to look for a reference document)