CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing all your money. Read our full Risk Warning.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

General Forex Trading vs. Day Trading: What's the Time Commitment?

Day trading is a fast-paced, high-risk trading style, whereas general forex trading employs a buy-and-hold strategy for longer periods

Marcel Deer - Writer for Fortrade
By Marcel Deer
Edited by Lucia Gcingca

Published January 17, 2024.

Trader in a suit touching a forex button

General forex trading and day trading are two varying methods of trading the forex markets. Day trading primarily refers to buying and selling instruments in a single day and is characterized by a high-risk, high-reward, rapid, and volatile trading style.

General forex trading, on the other hand, generally refers to long-term trading or long-term investing, considered a more conservative trading style.

» Want to start forex day trading today? Check out these 5 insider tips for beginners

Forex Day Trading

Simply put, forex day trading involves opening and closing trades in a single trading day, hence the name. Day traders avoid overnight risks such as negative news or unexpected events that could potentially negatively impact their open positions.

» See our top forex day trading strategies



General Forex Trading

General forex traders, on the other hand, approach the markets differently as they are not interested in short-term price movements. Instead, they are looking for potential returns stemming from the long-term growth of their investments in the market.

» New to forex trading? Check out 9 forex terms you should know before trading

Choosing the Right Trading Option for You

It depends on your specific goals and objectives. For example, if you have the aptitude to actively manage trades daily in exchange for potentially higher profits, then you might consider day trading, but there is also risk involved.

However, general forex trading might be a better fit if you're more interested in long-term growth and steady returns while maintaining a more passive role, but always be aware that there is risk involved.

However, you don't need to pick one, and you might find that splitting your time and funds between general trading and day trading might be the best fit.

» Learn more: How forex timeframes affect volatility