Pattern Day Trader
An SEC designation for traders who make four or more trades (buys and sells) in a particular security in a single day over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
Investopedia Commentary
An individual deemed a pattern day trader must hold a minimum of US$25,000 in equity in his or her account before he or she is allowed to day trade. This $25,000 equity amount must be maintained in the account at all times since it addresses the additional risks inherent in leveraged day-trading activities and ensures that customers, before continuing to day trade, cover any losses incurred in their accounts from the previous day.
Related Links
Defining Active Trading
Day Trading: An Introduction
Introduction To Technical Analysis
See also: Day Trader, Equity, Head and Shoulders Pattern, Institutional Investor, Leverage, Pattern, Securities & Exchange Commission - SEC, Swing Trading, Technical Analysis, Trade