Stock trading and stock investing are two distinct approaches to participating in the financial markets, differing in time horizon, goals, and strategies.

Stock trading involves buying and selling stocks over short periods, ranging from seconds to a few months. Traders aim to profit from short-term market fluctuations, relying on technical analysis, charts, and patterns to make quick decisions. Common trading strategies include day trading, swing trading, and momentum trading. Traders often use leverage to amplify returns, but this comes with higher risks.

On the other hand, stock investing has a longer time horizon, typically spanning years or even decades. Investors focus on the fundamental analysis of companies, assessing financial health, management, and growth potential. Value investing and growth investing are common strategies. Value investors seek undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals, while growth investors target companies with high growth potential.

While trading involves frequent buying and selling to capture short-term profits, investing emphasizes a buy-and-hold approach, allowing investors to benefit from a company's long-term growth. Investors often diversify their portfolios to reduce risk, focusing on a balanced allocation of assets.

In summary, stock trading is about short-term gains through market timing and technical analysis, while stock investing involves a long-term commitment based on fundamental analysis and a belief in a company's growth potential. Both approaches have their risks and rewards, appealing to different types of market participants based on their financial goals and risk tolerance.