Four horizons, four evidence demands
These working descriptions help you compare the research needed; people use style labels differently. The right question is whether your data and process can represent the rule you intend to study.
| Horizon | Research question | Evidence to check |
|---|---|---|
| Scalping | Can a small move survive the modeled execution costs? | Fine-grained data, order timing, spread, depth and both-side fees |
| Day trading | Does a fixed rule survive a defined intraday boundary? | Timezone, session exit, intraday prices and overnight handling |
| Swing trading | Does the rule remain observable across several sessions? | Full holding period, gaps, funding if applicable and exit rules |
| Position trading | Can a longer thesis be invalidated and reviewed? | Exposure, instrument terms, carrying costs and review dates |
Compare constraints before strategy ideas
- Record how often you can observe the market and the longest gap between checks.
- Match the rule's decision interval to verifiable data; hourly bars cannot validate a seconds-level fill.
- Write down the instrument, venue rules, cost assumptions and conditions for standing aside.
- Choose one falsifiable question and define what would make you stop the study.
The planner does not score you or rank styles. Unknown data or costs stay unknown until you can obtain or bound them.