What is BTST Trading?
- 06 Oct 2024
- By: BlinkX Research Team
Open Demat Account
The term BTST in the stock market represents "Buy Today Sell Tomorrow." BTST trading strategy refers to buying shares one day and selling them the next. This approach makes most of the stock market overnight price fluctuations. The BTST technique is useful for investors who want to hold onto a stock for more than a day but lack the necessary finances to do so overnight. BTST means enabling traders to purchase shares now and sell them tomorrow without having the trades show in the trader's Demat account. In such a way, traders can profit from higher stock prices in the near future. In this blog, we’ll learn what is BTST trade, what BTST trade means, and more.
How to do a BTST Trade
Traders must access both an online trading account and a Demat account in order to make BTST trades. The steps involved are as follows.
- The shares are bought by traders who plan to sell them the next day in a BTST trade. Let's look into the scenario where shares are bought on Friday.
- In accordance with the trade settlement cycle, the shares are credited to their Demat account on Monday (T + 1 day).
- These shares are set to be delivered as part of the sale transaction scheduled for Monday.
- The settlement is finalised when the shares designated on Monday are debited on Tuesday.
Table of Content
- How to do a BTST Trade
- How To Use BTST Trading Strategy?
- Advantages & Disadvantages of BTST Trading
How To Use BTST Trading Strategy?
Now that we understand what BTST trading means along with its merits and demerits, let’s learn to effectively use the BTST trading strategy.
1. Choose the Right Stocks
Identify stocks that exhibit potential for short-term price movements. Look for stocks with sufficient liquidity, trading volume, and volatility, as these factors can enhance the effectiveness of the BTST Trading strategy.
2. Conduct Technical Analysis
Utilise technical analysis tools and indicators to identify potential entry and exit points. Analyse charts, patterns, and trends to determine favourable buying opportunities. Common technical indicators include moving averages, support and resistance levels, and oscillators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD).
3. Perform Fundamental Analysis
Consider the fundamental strength of the stock before executing a BTST trade. Analyse company news, earnings reports, industry trends, and any relevant market developments that could impact the stock's price movement. Fundamental analysis helps ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the stock's potential prospects.
4. Set Entry and Exit Criteria
Define specific entry and exit criteria for your BTST trades. Determine the price level at which you plan to buy the stock and the desired profit target. Additionally, establish a stop-loss order to limit potential losses if the trade moves against you. Setting clear criteria in advance helps manage risk and maintain discipline during the trade.
5. Monitor Market Conditions
Stay updated on market news and events that could impact your BTST trades. Keep an eye on relevant economic data releases, company announcements, and any other factors that may influence the stock's price movement. Market conditions can change quickly, so it's important to monitor developments that could affect your positions.
6. Execute Trades
Place the buy order at the desired entry price before the market closes. Ensure your brokerage account has sufficient funds or margin to hold the position overnight. It's important to adhere to the specific rules and regulations set by your broker or exchange for BTST trades.
7. Set Exit Strategy
Monitor the stock's price movement and evaluate whether it meets your predefined exit criteria. If the stock reaches your profit target or if it violates your stop-loss level, consider selling the position. It's crucial to stick to your predefined exit strategy rather than making emotional decisions.
8. Review and Analyse
After closing the BTST trade, review your performance and analyse the results. Assess the effectiveness of your strategy, identify any areas for improvement, and learn from both successful and unsuccessful trades. This feedback loop can help refine your approach and enhance your future BTST trading decisions.
Advantages & Disadvantages of BTST Trading
Now that you understand what is BTST trading, let’s find out the benefits and drawbacks of the strategy. BTST trading can offer the potential for quick profits. It carries increased risk due to overnight market fluctuations and limited trading time.
Advantages of BTST Trading | Disadvantages of BTST Trading |
Opportunity for quick gains within a short timeframe from overnight price movements. | Exposure to high risk due to sudden price fluctuations and potential losses. |
Eliminates costs associated with holding stocks overnight by selling the next day. | Requires a 40% margin deposit with no margin facilities provided by brokers. |
Benefits from short-term price variations without long-term commitments. | Success relies on precise timing and quick execution, with penalties for delivery failures. |
Conclusion
The BTST strategy requires thorough research, risk management, and adherence to specific rules and regulations set by brokerage firms and exchanges. It offers advantages such as extended trading opportunities, reduced intraday volatility, and flexibility. However, it is essential for traders to continuously educate themselves, adapt to changing market conditions, and monitor their trades diligently. Traders should conduct a comprehensive analysis, define entry and exit criteria, and employ proper risk management techniques to mitigate potential risks and maximise the chances of success Utilising a reliable stock market app can assist traders in tracking market trends and managing their trades effectively.