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Speculative Swing Trader
Overview of your Investing Style
Speculative Swing Trading isn't really investing. It's a strategy that involves trading stocks based on technical indicators, rather than fundamental considerations. It’s much more active and risky than income investing and growth investing, but it also has the potential to produce higher returns in shorter periods of time.
However, it’s important to note that this is not a strategy for everyone (especially if you're new to the world of stocks). If you’re looking for low-risk and steady returns, then this is probably not the right choice for you. If you're willing to take on more risk, however, and you're in a position where you can afford to take some losses, then this could be an option.
Advantages of Speculative Swing Trading
1. Potential for Higher Returns
Speculative trading has the potential to generate higher returns than other strategies, as traders can capitalize on short-term market movements and trends, however, you must also realize that losses can be just as high.
2. More Flexibility
Speculative swing trading also offers more flexibility, as investors can quickly adjust their positions and capitalise on market and stock price changes.
3. More Opportunities
Because you're not as stringent with stock fundamentals (i.e. you're more relaxed about whether the companies are financially sound), there are more opportunities to trade stocks, even ones with a lower track record. However, this does also mean you're exposing yourself to more risk.
Disadvantages of Speculative Swing Trading
1. Much Higher Risk
Speculative trading is generally more risky than dividend and growth investing, as the potential rewards are higher but so are the potential losses. This is because it relies heavily on technical analysis, which can be unreliable in the short term and difficult to predict.
2. Less Room For Error
With speculative Trading, there’s less room for error. You must be able to accurately predict stock price movements in order to make a profit, and even the slightest mistake can result in a large loss.
On top of that, if you do make an error (because they do happen - no matter how experienced you are), you're less likely to be able to recover from mistakes as quickly, as the stocks chosen as part of this strategy don't have strong underlying fundamentals financially.
This is especially true and dangerous if you leverage your trades by borrowing money to buy the stocks. This is because while any profits will be magnified, any losses will be as well, potentially resulting in large, life-changing financial losses.
3. Requires Constant Monitoring
Speculative trading also requires constant monitoring of the stock market and technical tools, which can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. This is because speculative traders must stay on high alert with market news, trends, and fluctuations at all times in order to make quick decisions and capitalize on opportunities.
If you're not personally interested in keeping up with market news, you don't have time, or you don't think you want to have to deal with the emotional toll that comes with speculative trading, then this may not be the right strategy for you.
4. Higher Trading Costs
Due to the more active nature of speculative swing trading, costs associated with trading will likely be higher than other strategies, as more trades are executed. As such, it’s important to factor in these costs when calculating potential returns.
5. You Need To Be More Risk-Management Strategies
Since speculative trading comes with a higher risk factor, it's important to have more strict risk management strategies such as position sizing, diversification and stop losses in place. In fact, it’s essential for traders to set stop-losses and take profits regularly in order to protect their investments and avoid large losses.
6. Higher Amount of Capital To Get Started
Due to the risky nature of speculative trading, you need to have a higher amount of capital in order to get started (at least $10,000). This is because the more capital available, the better your chances are of making sufficient returns that cover any losses that may occur. It also means you can properly implement risk management strategies such as position sizing.
What Speculative Swing Traders Need to Know
Speculative swing trading can be a great way to generate higher returns in shorter periods of time, however, it is important to understand that there are also greater risks associated with this strategy.
Before attempting to swing trade, it's essential to gain an understanding of the markets, technical analysis and risk management techniques so that you can make informed decisions and minimize losses. The best way to do this is to not start with speculative trading at all, but rather, with more risk-managed investing strategies such as growth investing. This will help you build a strong foundation before attempting more risky strategies.
Once you have a good understanding of the markets and trading strategies, then you can start small by utilizing paper trading or simulated accounts to practice your strategies and get a feel for the markets. As you become more experienced, you can then slowly increase your trading activities.
Tips for Becoming A Successful Speculative Swing Trader
1. Take Your Time and Make Sure You’re Ready: As with any new venture, it's important to take your time to understand the markets and become comfortable with your trading strategies before risking any real money.
2. Start Small and Build Up Your Confidence: When you feel ready, start small by paper trading or using simulated accounts to practice and get comfortable with your strategies before investing larger sums of money.
3. Have a Plan and Stick To It: Make sure that you have an organized plan for trading, including when to enter into positions, how long you will hold the position and at what point you will exit. Having an organized plan will help ensure that you remain disciplined in your trading.
4. Constantly Monitor the Markets: It’s essential to stay on top of market news and analysis, so that you can make informed decisions quickly when needed. This is especially important in speculative swing trading, as markets can change rapidly.
5. Manage Your Risk and Have a Stop Loss Strategy: As with any investment strategy, it's important to understand and manage your risk. Make sure that you have a plan in place for when things don’t go as expected, such as setting stop-loss orders that will automatically close positions if they reach a certain price point. This will help protect against large losses if the market moves against you.
6. Be Patient and Don’t Let Emotions Take Over: Speculative swing trading can be an exciting way to make money, but it's important to remain patient and not let emotions take over. Stick to your plan and don’t let fear or greed guide your decisions. Remember that the markets are unpredictable and there will be ups and downs. Just remain patient, stick with your plan, and make sure to manage your risk.
1-on-1 chat with sheep & grain farmer Jane Kellock
Schedule your FREE 1-on-1 Wealth Strategy Session
As a speculative swing trader, you need to constantly be on high alert with where the markets are trending as well as how all your individual stocks are progressing.
It's not a strategy I particularly think is useful for business owners given the already high-risk nature of business. However, if you are interested in this approach and want some guidance, then our 1-on-1 Wealth Strategy Session can provide you with valuable insights and tips.
During this personalised session, we will discuss your current portfolio and trades, analyse market trends, and provide guidance on risk management. We'll also share strategies for maximising returns while minimising potential losses.
Moreover, you'll receive a complimentary 90-day action plan, tailored to your specific investment goals and designed to help you achieve success in the volatile world of swing trading.
Take control of your financial future today by scheduling your FREE 1-on-1 Wealth Strategy Session. Let us guide you towards making informed and profitable decisions in the speculative market.