Scalping refers to trades with very short holding times (seconds to a few minutes) and many executions per day. Swing trading holds positions from hours to several days or weeks to capture larger trend segments. Scalping depends on tight spreads and execution; swing trading depends on setup quality and enduring volatility.
| Criterion | Scalping | Swing trading |
|---|---|---|
| Typical holding time | Seconds to minutes | Hours to weeks |
| Trades per week | Dozens to hundreds | A few to ~20 |
| Screen time | Very high, focused | Low to moderate |
| Profit per trade | Small but many | Larger but rarer |
| Spread & fee sensitivity | Very high | Low |
| Overnight risk | None | Present (gaps, swap) |
| Mental load | High, reactive | High, sitting-out |
When uninterrupted focus is possible, execution costs are extremely tight, and quick, disciplined reactions fit the personality.
When screen time is limited and setups on higher timeframes (4H/D) with sufficient movement to reach risk-reward targets are preferred.
Educational content, not investment or tax advice. Neutrally contrasted, not a recommendation of either approach. Trading leveraged products carries risk of total loss.