What is swing trading?
Quick Answer
Swing trading is a trading style where positions are held for 2-14 days to capture short-to-medium term price movements.
Detailed Explanation
Swing trading is a trading approach that aims to capture gains in a stock, cryptocurrency, or other asset over a period of a few days to several weeks. Swing traders primarily use technical analysis to look for trading opportunities, though they may also use fundamental analysis. This style sits between day trading (same-day) and position trading (months to years).
Key Points
- 1Typical holding period: 2-14 days
- 2Relies heavily on technical analysis
- 3Less time-intensive than day trading
- 4Aims to capture 'swings' in price
- 5Works in trending and ranging markets
Example
A swing trader buys AAPL at $175 support, holds for 8 days, and sells at $185 resistance for a $10 profit per share.
Related Questions
What is the difference between day trading and swing trading?
Day trading closes all positions before market close (same day), while swing trading holds positions for days to weeks.
What are support and resistance levels?
Support is a price level where buying pressure prevents further decline; resistance is where selling pressure prevents further rise.
What are candlestick patterns?
Candlestick patterns are visual representations of price action showing open, high, low, and close for a time period.