The Difference Between A Day Trader And An Investor

By James Larson

Although many people seem to confuse day trading with investing these two are not the same. Whereas investing is done within long periods of time day trades usually buy and sell stock in much shorter time intervals. Even though it all depends on the stock a day trader does not invest in a company. They buy and sell stock with the intent of making money based on the small fluctuation in price.

Investing presupposes pre-calculated moves whereas day trading is more like speculation. Even though day trading is not quite like gambling because trades are based on specific analysis and information it is much less secure than investing. Neither the investor or the day trader base their decisions on luck.

Most stock prices fluctuate from day to day from hour to hour. Their volatility is more like a rule in markets across the globe. There are many factors that determine the fluctuations in the prices of a stock. It doesn't matter if the market is calm or not if people are buying or selling stock prices will fluctuate. It is these daily small fluctuations that the day trader depends on to make a profit.

All day traders capitalize on the small daily stock movements by trading large numbers of stock. This volatility that is actually what day traders rely on to make money is also what determines their losses. Stocks don't always fluctuate upward and as a result day trading is a risky business.

If you are contemplating between the two then you should know that being a day trader requires a lot of time patience and practice. It could take a long time before you get used to the everyday shifts and changes in the market. The one thing you should be aware of is that you cant become an expert day trader overnight. The same things goes with becoming an successful investor.

The primary difference between an investor and a day trader is time and percentages. These two terms shouldn't be confused because they are used to describe two different techniques.

Taking the time and learning about both investing and day trading will place you in a better position when the time comes to decide which method you are going to use. Learning what is involved in these processes will place you in a better position when making investment choices. - 23218

About the Author:

The best thing you can do before you start investing is to consult to an Investment Advisor. You need to find someone in your city though. If you reside in Toronto then you should find an Investment Advisor Toronto.