Trading glossary
Going long means positioning for a price rise; going short means positioning for a price fall. Learn how long and short positions differ.
Long and short describe the direction of a market position. Going long means holding an asset, or a position, that is expected to benefit if the price rises. Going short means taking a position that is expected to benefit if the price falls. Together they let traders express a view in either direction rather than only when prices are climbing.
A long position is the more intuitive of the two. A trader acquires exposure to an asset and holds it, expecting the price to increase over time. If the price rises, the position gains value; if it falls, the position loses value. Buying and holding a cryptocurrency in the hope it appreciates is a simple example of being long.
A short position seeks to benefit from a decline. It typically involves borrowing an asset to sell it, with the aim of returning it later at a lower price. Shorting carries distinct risks because losses can grow as a price rises. On Tyrian Trade, these concepts are educational; the platform does not execute trades and is not a broker. Markets involve risk, including loss of capital.
Going long means holding a position that is expected to benefit if the price rises. The simplest example is buying and holding an asset in the hope that it appreciates over time, so the position gains value as the price climbs.
A short position aims to benefit from a falling price, typically by borrowing an asset to sell it and returning it later at a lower price. If the price drops, the position can gain; if it rises, the position loses value.
Shorting carries distinct risks because a price can keep rising, and losses can grow as it does. Both directions involve risk, and no position is guaranteed to be profitable. This is educational information, not personalized advice.