A stock trader is an individual or entity that buys and sells shares of publicly traded companies in the stock market. Their goal is to profit from price fluctuations in these stocks. Traders can operate on various time frames, from seconds to days, and may use different strategies, such as day trading or swing trading, to maximize their returns. Stock traders often rely on market analysis, which can be technical or fundamental. Technical analysis involves studying price charts and patterns, while fundamental analysis focuses on a company's financial health and performance. Successful traders stay informed about market trends and economic indicators that can impact stock prices.