1. UBER — Ascending triangle on the dailyResistance at $82, ascending support from $71. Breakout above $83 = target $94. Stop $76.2. CRM — Pullback to the 50 SMA after earningsPost-earnings gap up to $312 has been filled. Perfect support on the 50 SMA at $295. Bounce underway. Target $330, stop $288.3. PANW — Weekly bull flagTight flag after a 40% run. Entry >$385, target $440, stop $365.4. LLY — 5-month cup and handleCup bottom at $710, rim $920, handle at $870. Breakout >$925 = measured move to $1,130. Stop $845.
Morning gaps are a swing trader's nightmare. Here's my system after 4 years:Position sizing: never more than 3% of the account on a swing. If I lose the max historical gap, that's -4.5% of the account = survivable.Gap-adjusted stop loss: I set my stop below support + the average gap margin of the stock (calculated over 90 days).No swings before earnings, FOMC, CPI: absolute rule. I close everything 2 days before.Hedging: if I have 3+ long positions, I buy a mini SPY put as insurance.Since applying these rules, adverse gaps cost me 0.5% of the account on average instead of 2-3%.
I spent the first 6 months of 2025 day trading and the second 6 months swing trading. Same account ($20k), same markets (US equities). Here's my honest comparison.Day Trading (Jan-June 2025)P/L: -$2,400 (after commissions)Trades: ~580Win rate: 48%Avg winner: $145 | Avg loser: $162Screen time: 6+ hours/dayMental health: terrible. Constant stress, couldn't focus at work.Swing Trading (July-Dec 2025)P/L: +$3,100Trades: ~65Win rate: 52%Avg winner: $380 | Avg loser: $195Screen time: 30-45 min/day (evenings, scanning charts)Mental health: dramatically better. Trades play out over days so you're not glued to every tick.For me, swing trading is clearly the better fit. I'm not fast enough or disciplined enough for day trading. But I know it works for others. What's your experience?