What is swing trading? To write a clear definition of swing trading, first we need to cover the different time frames in which traders trade. The financial markets are hugely diverse, and there are many different ways to squeeze profits from them. Alongside the large variety of trading strategies that are available, there are also different trading styles. One of the main variations in trading style is the time frame in which you trade. Long-term traders sit at one end of the spectrum. These are often traders aiming to follow extended trends (which can last months or even years, in some cases). One of the key advantages of long-term trading is that it offers the potential for large profits. However, like all other forms of trading, there is potential for losses too. Successfully following a trend for several months will normally outweigh what can be achieved in the short term. But there's more. Long-term trading systems will often not require much attention beyond a small amount of monitoring each day. But they do require a lot of patience, and will likely only offer infrequent opportunities to trade. On the shortest end of the spectrum are scalpers. Scalpers make ultra-short trades - often within a few minutes - and they are only searching for small profits before exiting.