Position trading: how do you hold for months?

Position traders hold through daily noise, weekly reversals and every headline, trusting a longer thesis. The analysis is slower, the stops are wider, and the psychology is a different sport entirely.

Position trading: how do you hold for months? — drawdown and recovery diagram
An equity curve during a drawdown and its recovery

How do you do it?

  • the time frame and thesis that justify the hold
  • how you review an open position over months
  • the drawdown you accept on the way
Position trading: how do you hold for months? — risk-reward diagram
A risk-reward ratio of 1 to 2

The trading styles guide and drawdown guide cover the two hardest parts.

Background: Scalping, day trading, swing trading and position trading compared

Trading styles differ in holding time, costs, screen time and overnight risk. Compare them side by side to find the style that fits your schedule and account.

What is the difference between swing trading and day trading?

Day traders close every position within the same day, so they avoid swap and weekend gaps. Swing traders hold for days or weeks, paying or receiving swap and carrying gap risk, but their costs are smaller relative to their targets.

Is scalping a good style for beginners?

Scalping is difficult because costs are large relative to small targets: a 1-pip spread is 20% of a 5-pip target. It also demands fast execution and constant attention.

Read the full guide

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