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Intraday vs Positional Trading in Commodities: A Complete Guide

Writer
Nidhi Thakur
timer
August 21, 2025
Intraday vs Positional Trading in Commodities: A Complete Guideblog thumbnail

Key Takeaways

  • Intraday trading = short-term, high-risk, high-reward.
  • Positional trading = long-term, trend-based, less stressful.
  • Both require SEBI compliance, risk management, and reliable brokers.
  • Swastika Investmart offers strong research, regional support, and SEBI trust.
  • Choose based on your risk appetite, time, and market knowledge.

Introduction: Commodities Trading

Commodity trading has been a cornerstone of India’s financial markets, offering investors exposure to gold, silver, crude oil, agricultural products, and more. With SEBI-regulated exchanges like MCX and NCDEX, traders today can participate in commodities either through intraday trading or positional trading.

But which strategy is better for you? This guide breaks down Intraday vs Positional Trading in Commodities, using real-world market insights, beginner-friendly explanations, and best practices.

What is Intraday Trading in Commodities?

Intraday trading means buying and selling a commodity within the same trading day.

  • Positions are squared off before the market closes.
  • Popular among traders seeking quick profits.
  • Relies heavily on price volatility and technical analysis.

Example: A trader buys crude oil futures in the morning expecting a price spike. By afternoon, they exit the trade with a small profit (or loss).

What is Positional Trading in Commodities?

Positional trading involves holding commodities for days, weeks, or months depending on broader trends.

  • Focuses on long-term fundamentals.
  • Less stressful compared to intraday.
  • Ideal for investors who cannot track markets constantly.

Example: An investor holds gold futures for several weeks, anticipating global uncertainties to drive prices higher.

Key Differences: Intraday vs Positional Trading

Factor Intraday Trading Positional Trading

Time Horizon

Minutes to Hours (same day)

Days to Months

Risk Level

High (market volatility)

Moderate (trend-based)

Analysis Required

Technical charts, indicators

Fundamental + Technical

Capital Requirement

Lower (leveraged trades)

Higher (longer holding)

Stress Level

High (constant monitoring)

Lower (longer horizon)

Which is Better for Beginners?

For new traders, positional trading is generally safer. It provides:

  • More time for decision-making.
  • Reduced exposure to intraday volatility.
  • Learning opportunity to understand commodities’ fundamentals.

That said, intraday trading can be rewarding if you have the time, discipline, and strategy. Always start small and never risk more than you can afford to lose.

Role of Brokers in Commodity Trading

Your choice of broker plays a critical role in both strategies:

  • Zerodha & Upstox → Popular for active, cost-sensitive traders.
  • Groww → Simple UI, suited for beginners in equities & MFs.
  • Angel One → Strong research content, advisory-driven.
  • ICICI Direct → Trusted among traditional investors with full-service features.

👉 Swastika Investmart stands out for:

  • Strong research-backed recommendations.
  • SEBI-compliant operations ensuring investor protection.
  • Technology-driven trading platforms for both beginners and active traders.
  • Regional presence & customer trust built over decades.

This makes Swastika a reliable partner whether you want to start with intraday strategies or positional commodity investments.

Best Practices for Commodity Traders

  • Always check SEBI guidelines before trading.
  • Use stop-loss orders to manage risks.
  • Diversify across multiple commodities.
  • Track global cues like crude oil prices, US Fed announcements, or weather patterns (for agri commodities).
  • Test strategies via paper trading before going live.

FAQs

Q1. Can I start commodity trading without a Demat Account?
No. For delivery-based trades, you need a Demat account linked with NSDL/CDSL. For derivatives like futures, some brokers allow margin trading without holding physical commodities.

Q2. Is commodity intraday trading riskier than equities?
Yes. Commodities like crude oil or silver are highly volatile, making intraday trades riskier than equities.

Q3. Which brokers are best for commodity trading in India?
Brokers like Zerodha, Angel One, Upstox, and ICICI Direct are well-known. Swastika Investmart is trusted for research, advisory, and beginner support.

Q4. Can beginners make money in commodities?
Yes, but only with discipline, research, and risk management. Beginners should start small, preferably with positional trading.

Conclusion

Both intraday and positional trading in commodities have their advantages. Intraday offers quick opportunities but comes with higher risks. Positional trading allows you to ride long-term trends with less stress.

For Indian investors, the key lies in aligning your strategy with your risk appetite, time availability, and knowledge level. And most importantly, trading with a SEBI-regulated, trustworthy broker like Swastika Investmart ensures safety, support, and research-driven guidance.

👉 Ready to start? Open your account today: 🔗 Swastika Investmart Web
📱 iOS App
📱 Android App

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