Intraday Vs Positional Trading: Which One Should You Prefer?

    There are lots of ways to trade on the stock market. Trading and investing long-term are two common ways. They both can help you make money, but they do so in different ways. When you trade stocks within the same day, this is called intraday trading. 

    When you trade positions, you keep stocks for weeks or months.  Which one is best for you will depend on how willing you are to chance and how much time you have to watch the market.

     

    What is Intraday Trading?

    When you buy and sell stocks within the same day, this is called intraday trading.  You start a trade in the morning and end it in the evening. The goal is to make small gains from price changes that happen quickly.

    It moves quickly, and you have to keep a close eye on the market all day.  Since you don't keep stocks overnight, you don't have to worry about what might happen after business hours. However, you do have to make decisions quickly.

    Advantages of Intraday Trading

    Given below are some of the critical advantages of Intraday Trading.

    A regular source of income

    Although intraday trading carries significant risk, trading daily for a few hours generates a steady income.

    Risk

    One of the most critical benefits of intraday trading is that the investment is not exposed to overnight risk. Intraday traders square off their positions before the end of each trading day. As a result, a drastic turn of events overnight does not influence the trader’s portfolio.

    Returns

    Intraday trading is known to generate monumental returns. Traders can take advantage of rising stock prices in bullish markets or practise short selling in bearish markets.

    Lower commission charges

    Brokers charge nominal commission charges for intraday traders. The brokerage fee on intraday trading is typically one-tenth if standard trading is undertaken.

    Liquidity

    Intraday trading requires trades to settle each day. As a result, the investor’s capital does not get blocked.

    High leverage

    Brokers typically provide high leverage to intraday traders, which helps in enhancing their profits.

    Disadvantages of Intraday Trading

    Although intraday trading is a powerful strategy to maximise profits, it carries some disadvantages:

    Time-consuming

    Intraday trading requires continuous stock market monitoring to assess profit-making potential.

    Insufficient time to formulate strategies

    Intraday trading requires traders to quickly assess the markets and place their trades immediately to capture profits. They do not get sufficient time to develop well-lit strategies.

    Not recommended for beginners

    Intraday trading requires you to quickly assess market trends and place trades instantly. The trader must carry some experience to analyse markets quickly while making efficient decisions.

    Ownership of shares

    In intraday trading, the ownership of shares is not transferred to the trader.

    What is Positional Trading?

    When you do positional trading, you hold on to stocks for a longer time, usually weeks or even months.  When you buy shares, you expect their value to go up over time, not just today.

    Because you don't have to keep an eye on the market all the time, this style is less busy.  It's good for investors who can't keep an eye on the market all the time.

    Difference Between Intraday and Positional Trading

    Here’s a simple table showing the difference between Intraday and Positional Trading:

    Aspect

    Intraday Trading

    Positional Trading

    Holding Period

    Same day, positions closed by end of day

    Several days to months

    Time Commitment

    High, requires full-day attention

    Lower, you monitor less often

    Risk Level

    Higher, due to quick market moves

    Moderate, based on long-term trends

    Profit Size

    Small profits from quick trades

    Larger profits from bigger moves

    Stress Level

    High, fast decisions needed

    Lower, less pressure

    Strategy Focus

    Short-term price fluctuations

    Long-term market trends

    Positional Trading vs Intraday Trading - What to Choose?

    If you like watching the market closely and making quick moves, intraday trading might suit you. It’s fast and needs your full attention during market hours.

    But if you prefer a slower pace and can wait weeks or months for profits, positional trading fits better. It’s less stressful and doesn’t need constant monitoring.

    Feature

    Intraday Trading

    Positional Trading

    Holding Period

    Same day

    Weeks to months

    Time Commitment

    High, active all day

    Lower, check occasionally

    Risk Level

    High, quick price changes

    Moderate, long-term trends

    Profit Target

    Small, frequent gains

    Bigger gains over time

    Stress Level

    High due to fast decisions

    Lower, more relaxed

    Conclusion

    You can make money with both intraday and positional trading. Which one you choose relies on how comfortable you are with risk, how much time you have, and how involved you want to be.

    You can also do swing buying, which is a mix of the two.  Knowing about each approach can help you pick the one that fits your goals and way of life the best.

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    Published Date : 27 Jan 2023

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