Speculation is one of the methods of trading financial markets, based on benefiting from short-term price fluctuations of financial assets such as stocks, currencies, commodities, and bonds. The speculator aims to make quick profits from daily or weekly changes in asset prices, and usually opens and closes his positions in a very short period of time, often within minutes or hours.
Scalping trading is considered a type of speculation, but it focuses specifically on benefiting from very small fluctuations in asset prices over a very short period of time. This type of trading usually continues throughout the trading day, as deals are opened and closed within a period of time. Seconds or minutes.
Traders who practice scalping look for very small opportunities for profit, and rely on the large volume of trades to achieve tangible profits. In general, scalping trading requires a high level of concentration and speed, as the scalper must react quickly to rapid changes in the market and make decisions very quickly.
Although scalping may seem exciting and attractive to some traders because of the quick profit opportunities, it carries very high risks. Trading in short periods of time increases the level of pressure and tension, and it also exposes the trader to the risk of slippage in prices and the huge costs of commissions and fees that may negatively affect profits.
Speculators interested in scalping must be fully aware of the risks associated with this type of trading, and be prepared to devote the time and effort necessary to develop effective strategies and manage risks appropriately.
The Average Directional Movement Index (ADX) is one of the best indicators for high-frequency speculation. It consists of two parts: the main line, which indicates the strength of the trend, and dashed lines, which indicate the direction of price.
Scalping trading and its types
Scalping trading is a style of financial market trading that is based on the use of technical analysis and quick techniques to profit from small price changes in financial assets over a short period of time, such as seconds or minutes. Scalping trading is characterized by speed and intense focus, as the trader opens and closes trading positions quickly to take advantage of small price movements.
Scalping trading strategies rely on a variety of tools and techniques, some common types of scalping trading include:
- Scalping with technical analysis: This type of trading depends on analyzing price charts and using technical indicators such as moving averages, price channels, and momentum indicators to determine optimal entry and exit points.
- Scalping with automated trading: Scalping traders use automated trading or robots to execute trades at high speed according to a set of pre-programmed rules, and this depends on complex algorithms for analysis and decision-making.
- News Scalping: Some scalping traders take advantage of rapid price changes that occur after the announcement of important economic news or global events, such as major economic reports or political events, to benefit from the fluctuations resulting from these events.
- Scalping on margin: Margin trading allows scalping traders to use borrowed capital to achieve profits greater than the standard trade size, and it involves additional risks due to the leverage used.
- Scalping by trading short stocks: Some scalping traders use the technique of selling stocks with insurance, where they sell shares borrowed from the market with a commitment to buy them again at a later time, taking advantage of the decline in their prices during this period.
Scalping trading requires advanced technical and psychological skills, as well as advanced technology to execute trades quickly.
Pros and cons of scalping
Scalping trading is one of the financial trading methods that encourages taking advantage of small price changes in financial markets within a very short period of time, but it entails a set of pros and cons:
Positives:
- The possibility of making quick profits: Scalping trading is an opportunity to make quick profits as a result of executing short-term trades and taking advantage of small price changes.
- Use capital efficiently: Due to the fast nature of scalping trading, a trader can use capital efficiently by repeating trades quickly.
- Reduced risk: Due to the short period in which trades are made, traders can reduce risks related to large price changes in the markets.
- Simplified technical analysis: Scalping trading may require simple technical analysis that focuses on short-term price changes, making it easier to access trading opportunities.
Negatives:
- High risks: Scalping trading entails high risks due to short time period of trades, which can increase the probability of loss.
- Trading costs: Due to the high frequency of trades, commission costs and fees may increase when trading scalping, which negatively affects the final profits.
- Psychological pressure: Scalping trading requires a high level of concentration and rapid interaction with the markets, which may lead to increased psychological pressure on traders.
- False trading: Scalping traders may face problem of false trading (Fakeouts), where a false reversal appears in the price direction that leads to loss of the deal.
- Limited ability to exploit long-term trends: Due to the focus on short-term changes, scalping traders may lack the ability to exploit long-term trends in the markets.
practice of scalping involves a range of challenges and benefits, but traders must be aware of the risks associated with this type of trading and apply wise money management to achieve long-term success.
Stocks suitable for scalping
Choosing the right stocks for scalping depends on several factors, including liquidity, price volatility, technical trends, trading time, and the trader’s strategy. It is also important for the trader to be aware of the stocks he is trading and their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some stocks that may be suitable for scalping:
- Highly liquid stocks: Highly liquid stocks are characterized by large trading and price fluctuations that are suitable for scalping. These stocks usually have large market capitalizations and are highly sought after by traders.
- Stocks that announce important news: Stocks that announce important news such as quarterly earnings or influential economic news can experience significant price fluctuations, providing opportunities for scalping.
- Stocks with a clear trend: Stocks that follow a clear and stable trend can provide good opportunities for scalping, as traders can use quick entry and exit techniques to take advantage of these trends.
- High Volume Stocks: Stocks that trade in high volume can provide scalping opportunities due to the rapid price movement that can be taken advantage of.
- Stocks that follow active sectors: Trading stocks that follow active and volatile sectors can be a good opportunity for scalping, as you can benefit from the rapid price movements in these stocks.
It is important that a trader carefully conducts the necessary research and analysis of stocks before making any decision to buy or sell, follows a proper trading strategy and applies tight money management to control risk.