Stock Trading - Learning the Difference Between Trading and Investing

Many new traders very often mistakenly associate investing with trading while both have very little in common. Other than buying, selling and order execution, investing and trading could not be further apart. New traders that are experienced in long term investment strategies are very often taken aback and shocked once they enter the world of trading for short term profits.

Investing very often only requires the fundamental aspect of stocks being considered as potential candidates for a long term investment portfolio. By fundamental it is meant the profit and loss, long term prospects and bottom line of the company in which stock is being considered for investment purposes. Trading however, takes an entirely different approach with most of the focus being on the technical side of the stock. By technical it is meant in terms of how the stock trades within the dynamics of the larger markets.

When we think of technical stock trading the trader should think in terms of charts and chart patterns as well as major and minor support levels at the very least. Sectors that are in favor and out of favor. Daily financial and economic data released by various agencies. Larger market trends. Federal Reserve announcements. Options expiration each month. All of these factors have an impact on the market and very little to do with the fundamentals of an individual stock, which is why there is such a large difference between investing and trading.

Novice traders should consider studying technical analysis and Japanese candlestick charting before venturing into the shark infested waters of stock trading for short term gains. What applies to investing with success will seldom work with trading since the dynamics are different with each. Taking the time to study market characteristics and patterns on a daily basis and then implementing a trading system that is first tested is the key to success with short term trading.

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