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For indulging in share market transactions, several strategies are designed to help traders maximise their returns. A widely used tactic is BTST trading, which stands for Buy Today, Sell Tomorrow. But what is BTST trade, and how can it benefit traders? 

This article will explain BTST trade meaning, how it works in the Indian stock market, and why it is useful for those looking to buy shares online using a trading platform in India.

BTST trade meaning: what does it stand for?

BTST (Buy Today, Sell Tomorrow) trading is straightforward: it involves purchasing shares on one trading day and selling them the following trading day before the shares are actually credited to the trader's Demat account. Normally, when you buy shares, they are credited to your Demat account two days after the transaction under the T+2 settlement cycle. In the stock market, BTST allows traders to sell their shares on the next day, even if the settlement process is not yet finished.

How does BTST work in the share market?

To understand what is BTST trade, it’s important to know how this strategy works in the context of the share market:

  1. Buy today:

In a BTST trade, you buy shares on Day 1 with the expectation that their price will increase by the following day.

  1. Sell tomorrow:

On Day 2, before the shares are credited to your Demat account (under the T+2 settlement rule), you sell them to book profits if the stock price has moved favourably. You can complete the transaction without waiting for the shares to be delivered to your account.

Why is BTST trade popular among traders?

The BTST trade strategy has become increasingly popular among short-term traders in India, and here are some reasons why:

  1. Avoid T+2 settlement delays:

Normally, when you buy shares, they are credited to your Demat account only after two working days. BTST in the share market allows you to sell the shares the very next day, giving you more liquidity and quicker access to profits.

  1. Benefit from market volatility:

Stock prices can be highly volatile, often moving significantly from one day to the next. BTST trades enable traders to capitalise on these price fluctuations and exit their position quickly before the market turns.

  1. No delivery obligations:

In a BTST trade, you don’t need to take physical delivery of the shares to sell them. This means you are not bound by delivery rules, giving you greater flexibility in executing your trades.

  1. Lower risk of short-selling:

BTST trading is typically considered less risky in comparison to short-selling. When short-selling, traders sell stocks they don’t own, with the intention of buying them back at a lower price. This involves borrowing shares, which can carry higher risks. In contrast, BTST allows you to sell shares you’ve already purchased, eliminating the need for borrowing.

How to carry out a BTST trade on a trading platform in India?

If you’re looking to engage in BTST trading, using a trading platform in India makes the process seamless. Here’s how you can execute a BTST trade:

  1. Open a trading and demat account:

To begin trading, you must open a trading and Demat account with a registered broker on an Indian trading platform. The platform should offer features like real-time market data, low brokerage fees, and easy-to-use trading tools.

  1. Choose the stock to trade:

The following step is to choose the stock you wish to trade. This requires some research, including analysing price trends, studying news reports, and looking at technical indicators.

  1. Buy the stock:

Once you’ve identified a stock with potential short-term gains, place a buy order for the stock on Day 1 using the trading platform.

  1. Sell the stock on the next day:

On Day 2, if the stock price rises as you expected, place a sell order before the shares are delivered to your Demat account. This completes your BTST trade.

  1. Monitor the market:

It’s important to closely monitor market movements and have a clear exit strategy. Since BTST trades are short-term, timely decisions are crucial to booking profits and minimising losses.

What are the advantages of BTST in the share market?

Understanding BTST trade meaning helps traders see the numerous benefits this strategy offers. Here are the key advantages of using BTST in trading:

  1. Quick profits:

The primary benefit of BTST is that it allows you to lock in profits quickly. If you predict an upward price movement after the market closes, you can capitalise on it the very next day.

  1. No risk of short-selling penalties:

Since BTST involves buying shares first and then selling them, you avoid the penalties associated with short-selling, such as charges for not delivering the shares on time.

  1. Lower brokerage fees:

Many trading platforms in India offer reduced brokerage fees for BTST trades, as they are executed within a very short period. This makes it a cost-effective strategy for frequent traders.

  1. Ideal for volatile markets:

If you expect a stock to perform well over the short term due to positive news, earnings reports, or other market events, BTST allows you to take advantage of these movements without committing to a long-term position.

Should you use BTST trade in your strategy?

Understanding what is BTST trade and how it works can be a valuable tool in your trading arsenal. BTST in the share market provides a quick, efficient way to profit from short-term price movements without waiting for the T+2 settlement cycle. For those who buy shares online using a trading platform in India, the BTST trade strategy offers liquidity, flexibility, and the ability to capitalise on market volatility.

While the strategy has its benefits, it’s essential to weigh the risks and execute your trades with caution. By staying informed, monitoring the market, and using the right trading platform, you can make BTST an effective part of your trading approach.