If you back test this assumption, the result will show one will work harder for their money. But, the harder one works, the luckier they become generally speaking.
Many seasoned & professional traders trade in both shorter and longer time frame. The retail traders typically have a separate account for the longer term trades such as a 401k, Roth, or IRA for this. This used to be considered sort of the norm - to establish a long term trading plan first before getting into active trading. What's the point in going to great lengths to actively trade if your vulnerable to under performing the buy & hold crowd during bull markets? Besides, it can help smooth out your equity curve and optimizes your chance of being in your sync with the market.
I think most people have it wrong on Warren Buffett. He preaches more of a "Buy and Hold" but in real life, he doesn't. " …we observe a median holding period of a year, with approximately 20% of stocks held for more than two years. At the other end of the spectrum, approximately 30% of stocks are sold within six months" https://seekingalpha.com/article/394891-the-myth-of-buffett-buy-and-hold And about options: " describing derivatives as "weapons of mass destruction" Warren Buffett has reaffirmed his view that they pose a threat to the global economy and financial markets." and yet he sells billions of long term options. http://www.morningstar.com/articles/285699/warren-buffetts-comments-on-option-investing.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/baldwi...warren-buffett-sell-put-options/#3bdb37520afb People hear and see one thing, but I think now he has had to go another way to make even more.
So I am guessing you tried it and didn't go well? Many often say something is horrible when they have not conquered it. I was decent stock trader before venturing into Commodity trading long term and intra day, took 7 years to figure out how to do both well enough, and another 7 years to learn how to scalp well, so 14 years learning one minute bars. But what most traders don't seem to grasp, to become good at day trading, they should have a good system going for long term for diversification and taking that wisdom to apply to shorter timeframes. My long term got better because of learning intra day. As a scalper, I am adding to liquidity so that others can get out of their positions. I really went into scalping cause I was told it was the hardest thing to learn and profit well, "they" were right. I enjoy challenges and being able to do what most have not yet found the way. Wish I had same skills for tying a knot in ties, they come out looking like a three year old did it. LOL But if you are saying the blunt of wealth is longer term trading, I fully agree with you. But intra day for me allows consistency of something coming in when stocks/commodities are in a lull. And having automation is the best. Who is the favorites for Indy 500?
Buffett is right. Most traders spend all day staring at their screens, and they can barely beat buy and hold
BRK.A holds about 45 stocks. 5 of their core stocks, which are long term holdings, are worth more than the other 40 combined. Last quarter 2 stocks were dropped, and some positions were adjusted. Like dumping IBM and picking up more size on Apple. One of the busier quarters for BRK.A. True Buffet does not follow a buy & hold forever approach across the board, he advocates holding the best stocks (winners) and cutting those that lost their competitive edge. Not exactly a 100% turn over either as that college article claimed, seems they did not take into account the weighting of the positions. https://www.holdingschannel.com/all/stocks-held-by-berkshire-hathaway-inc/
I am similar somewhat - started with shorting the 2000 bust... then volatility went away and I naturally moved to other lower hanging fruits.. yes the short term work does help the long term.
One can actually do both. Establish a core position and then trade around it to hedge risk. For example, if I'm bullish the S&P, instead of just buying shares (SPY), I'll usually short an ITM put and then sell an OTM call to hedge it. So that way, if I'm wrong and the S&P drops a little or stays flat, I'll still make money. Worst case, SPY rallies and challenges my call, then I'll sell a higher ITM put and possibly higher OTM call depending on my outlook and how long until expiration. If SPY drops, I'll sell shorter-duration weekly or even daily calls. Objective is to keep lowering my cost basis.
I believe that Buffett is an excellent Market Timer. He was steeped in economics and markets at an early age, and by the time he was 27 knew more about them than most people learn in a lifetime. Long term Investing is a byproduct of knowing "when" to Invest.