No matter what type of trader you are its likely that you have a favorite strategy. In each style there is a popular method or approach that most seem to focus on so today we will discuss the most popular strategy for each style of trader.
The Day trader - By far the most popular strategy for day traders is to play gaps. From the pre-market session day traders actively look for those big movers that they can trade on the open. Gapping strategies have been what has helped day trading maintain this image of "little effort and time, huge reward" to those that are interested. Many people flock to the markets each year in hopes of becoming a stay at home, day trading rock star.
While there are many analogies of gapping stocks the foundation is the same. Find stocks that are gapping to a point that will cause an influx of buying, or find stocks that are gapping to a point that would cause short selling or profit taking.
The Short term trader - This one could go a few different ways but, currently the favorite strategy of those looking to "swing trade" seems to be stocks pulling back. These short term traders are looking for strong, up trending stocks that have recently, calmly pulled back in the short term. The idea is that as long as the markets remain in this massive uptrend then a "rising tide will eventually lift all boats". By looking to buy temporary weakness the short term trader hopes to capitalize on a return to strength.
The Long term investor - By far the most popular strategy for the long term trader is the breakout. Mastering a technical breakout combined with a fundamentally improving company can spell a long term trend that long term investors love to ride. Utilizing current, fundamental analysis and longer term charts this one strategy has remained one of, if not the most popular strategy for the long term investor.