A short-term investor is an individual or entity that engages in the buying and selling of financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, intending to capitalize on short-term price movements. Unlike long-term investors who hold assets for an extended period, short-term investors typically have a horizon ranging from minutes to a few months.

Short-term investing is often driven by the goal of taking advantage of market volatility, exploiting short-term trends, or responding to specific events affecting asset prices. Day traders, for instance, are a common type of short-term investor who executes multiple trades within a single trading day, aiming to profit from intraday price fluctuations.

Short-term investing strategies can involve technical analysis, chart patterns, and other short-term indicators to make rapid decisions on buying or selling. While short-term trading offers the potential for quick profits, it also comes with higher risks and requires a significant amount of time, attention, and expertise. Short-term investors need to closely monitor market conditions, news, and economic indicators to make informed decisions in the dynamic and fast-paced world of short-term trading.