A Guide to Using X as a Day or Swing Trader

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If you're trading FOMC events or chasing fast market moves, X (formerly Twitter) is your real-time edge — but only if you cut through the noise and use it wisely.

Hey folks, Jeff Bishop here. 

Yesterday’s FOMC presser was a reminder of the critical importance of X (formerly known as Twitter) for anyone into day or swing trading.

In the lead-up to the event, I used it to read predictions from my favorite analysts. 

Then, during the event, I checked it for up-to-the-minute updates and impressions.

Of course, the thing I’m most focused on when I’m trading FOMC meetings is the QQQ chart on 1 minute, because the market will respond quicker than I can read anything.

Still, having X open added context and helped me understand the market moves.

These days, I find myself tuned into X more than any other news/media outlet.

If you’re diving into day trading or swing trading, you’ve probably heard that X is a goldmine for market news and trade ideas. Or maybe you use it already…

This writeup is for those of you on the fence about getting on X or those who are looking to get started, though I hope even X long-timers will get some value out of it.

Why Should Traders Care?

X is a social media platform where anyone — CEOs, journalists, hedge fund gurus, or retail traders — can post short messages, share links, and debate. 

Most of the big names in finance who are under 70 years old (and many who are over 70!) are on the platform, sharing their thoughts.

X is a pulse on what’s moving markets, from Elon and Trump’s latest broadsides to tariff rumors to the latest economic data. 

For traders chasing intraday or multi-day moves, X delivers info faster than traditional news outlets. In fact, CNBC and the Wall Street Journal often have to resort to reporting about things posted on X.

All that said, there’s still plenty of noise to cut through…

The Advantages

1. Breaking News Before It’s News

X is where stories break first. 

Company earnings, FDA approvals, or curveballs like Trump’s tariff threats hit X before CNBC’s talking heads can catch up.

Seasoned users set up alerts for keywords like “earnings” or specific tickers to stay ahead.

I once heard that when Tucker Carlson was still at Fox, he used to check his X/Twitter account during commercial breaks so he could be on top of the latest news. 

I’m sure he’s not the only journalist doing likewise.

2. Trade Ideas Galore

X is a buffet of trade setups.

Traders share charts, technical analysis, and hot takes on everything from crypto to small-cap biotech stocks. 

Traders can discover strategies by following some of my favorite accounts like @JSpitTrades, who drops bold, actionable trades, and @PrimeTrading_ for polished setups.

Just be sure to curate your feed to focus on quality posters. Focus on accounts that are more right than they are wrong, and that take ownership when they miss things.

3. Learn from a Diverse Crowd

X connects you to pros and everyday traders alike. 

Users can follow accounts like @801010athlete for relatable trading grind or @mwebster1971 for swing trade gems. 

Be sure to follow a variety of voices to avoid echo chambers.

If you’re bullish on the market or particular stocks, it can help to follow bears who can challenge your assumptions to keep your edge sharp.

The Disadvantages

1. Fake News and Scams

X’s dark side is misinformation. And I don’t mean the political buzzword. I mean genuinely false info put out there to mislead readers.

Pump-and-dump schemes and fake “breaking news” can trick you into bad trades. 

On April 7, for instance, an X user misinterpreted an interview with a White House insider about a 90-day pause on tariffs.

The claim got amplified by bigger accounts and eventually made its way to a banner on CNBC. 

The result was a 10% surge in the Nasdaq within minutes. Cheers erupted on the New York Stock Exchange floor.

But once the White House declared it “fake news,” the markets plummeted. The S&P 500 wound up having its largest intraday range since March 2020.

Traders always want to be ahead of the curve, but do your best to verify claims with sources like company filings or Reuters before acting. 

2. Too Much Noise

X can overwhelm you with endless posts. 

One second, you’re eyeing a setup from @1ChartMaster (another of my favorite accounts); the next, you’re lost in 100 takes on the Fed’s rate decision. 

For beginners, it may be best to start with a small, curated list of accounts in order to avoid paralysis. Seasoned traders can use filters or mute keywords to cut the clutter.

3. Emotional Whiplash

X’s fast pace can mess with your head. A single post about a stock crashing might make you panic-sell. 

Traders should stick to their trading plans to avoid impulse moves. 

If you find yourself getting caught up in the frenzy too often, it may be best to limit X checks during trading hours to stay disciplined (easier said than done!).

How to Use X Like a Pro

Getting Started

• Sign Up: Create an X account at x.com or download the app.

• Follow Smart Accounts: Start with the accounts I mentioned above, then add reliable news outlets, journalists, and your favorite companies and their CEOs.

• Search and Explore: Use the search bar for tickers (e.g., $AAPL) or keywords like “earnings” to find hot topics.

• Set Alerts: Tap the bell icon on accounts or keywords to get notifications for key updates.

• Engage: Ask questions or comment on posts to learn from the community. Just don’t get caught in pointless debates.

Tips to Thrive

• Verify Everything: Cross-check news with primary sources. Don’t consider a post a trade signal until you confirm it.

• Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that match your style (technical, fundamental, etc.) and unfollow noise.

• Use Tools: Set up lists to organize accounts or use third-party apps like TweetDeck for better filtering.

• Stay Disciplined: Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) or panic posts derail your plan. Check X for ideas, not emotions.

• Learn the Lingo: You’ll come across slang like  “to the moon,” “bagholder,” and much, much more. The website urbandictionary.com is great for keeping up. Having teenaged children also helps!

Final Thoughts

X is a game-changer for day and swing traders, whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro. 

It’s unmatched for real-time news, trade ideas, and market sentiment, giving you an edge in fast-moving markets. 

At the same time, the fake news, noise, and emotional traps can burn you if you’re not careful. 

Verify everything and always stick to your plan. X is a tool — wield it wisely, and it’ll help you trade smarter.