The stock market is a wild beast, and day trading through recessions can help increase your income. It can be up one day and down the next. Many people, including financial investors, try to time the market but often lose money. One way to make money in a downturn is through day trading. This post will discuss what a recession is relative to a day trading investment strategy and how you can make money in a downturn.
What is a Recession?

A recession is a significant decline in economic activity and sometimes a financial crisis that lasts for months or even years. Experts declare an economic recession when a nation’s economy experiences negative gross domestic product (GDP), rising levels of unemployment, falling retail sales, and contracting measures of income and manufacturing of consumer staples for an extended period. Recessions are considered an unavoidable part of the business cycle—or the regular cadence of expansion and contraction that occurs in a nation’s economy.
Since the 1950s, America has experienced 10 recessions. The most recent recession, which began in December 2007 and ended in June 2009, was the longest and deepest since World War II. The stock market was significantly impacted during this time. The S&P 500 Index, a broad measure of the U.S. stock market, fell more than 50% from its October 2007 highs to its March 2009 lows. Many people lost a lot of money during this time.
Causes of Recessions
Economic Shock
A sudden economic shock can cause a recession. The most recent example is the coronavirus outbreak, which shut down economies worldwide. Other examples include the 1970s oil crisis and the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Economic Policy Uncertainty
Uncertainty about economic policy can also lead to a recession. This was the case in 2008 when the subprime mortgage crisis caused a financial panic. The resulting uncertainty led to a decrease in consumer spending, which helped contribute to the Great Recession.
Inventory Glut
An inventory glut is when businesses produce too much product, and there is not enough demand to sell it. This can lead to lower prices, layoffs, and decreased production. In the early 2000s, an inventory glut in the semiconductor industry led to a recession.
Too Much Inflation
If there is too much inflation, central banks can raise interest rates to control it. This can cause a recession if it’s done too quickly or too much. Out-of-control inflation was an issue in the 1970s, and the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to break the cycle. This caused a recession.
Too Much Deflation
While runaway inflation can create a recession, deflation can be even worse. Deflation is when prices decline over time, which causes people to spend less money. This can lead to businesses closing and layoffs. The Great Depression was caused by deflation.
Technological Change
The stock market can also be impacted by technological change. For example, in the late 1800s, there were waves of labor-saving technological improvements. The Industrial Revolution made entire professions obsolete, sparking recessions and hard times. Today, some economists worry that AI and robots could cause recessions by eliminating whole categories of jobs.

How to Make Money Day Trading Through a Recession
Now that we have discussed what a recession is and some causes, let’s discuss how you can make money in a recession!
There are many ways to make money in a recession. One way is to invest in companies that are doing well despite the economic conditions. Such companies can help you to save money and hedge your risks against economic uncertainty in a bear market. Another way is to start your own business.
Dollar Cost Averaging
One way to reduce your risk when day trading during a recession is to use a technique called dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging involves buying a fixed dollar amount of a security at fixed intervals. By buying securities in this way, you reduce the impact that market volatility has on your investment. This technique is especially useful while investing during a recession, when the market is more volatile.
Focus on Other Financial Markets While Day Trading Through a Recession
Another way investors tend to trade during a recession is to focus on sectors that are doing well despite the economic conditions. Healthcare, tech, utility companies, and consumer staples are all examples of sectors that tend to do well during a recession. By focusing on these sectors, you can take advantage of opportunities that other investors may be missing. Similarly, you should consult your financial advisor for more information on index funds, mutual funds, and blue chip stocks to remain resilient during market crashes.
And yet another way is to day trade.
Why Does Day Trading Through a Recession Work Well
As stated, recessions are challenging times for everyone. But there are ways to make money even in a recession. One way is through day trading.

Day trading is investing where you buy and sell stocks within the same day. You can make money if the stock price goes up or down. Many people find success with day trading because it offers flexible hours, you can work from home, and there is potential to make a lot of money.
If you are interested in day trading, you should know a few things. First, you need to have a good understanding of the stock market and how it works. Second, you need to have the capital to start with. Day trading can be risky, so you should only use the money you can afford to lose. Finally, you need to be disciplined and have patience. Day trading takes time to learn and master.
If you are willing to work, day trading can be a great way to make money in a recession. With the right strategies and discipline, you can find success even when the economy is struggling.
There are a few reasons why day trading works well during a recession. First, many want to make quick and easy money during a downturn. This creates more volatile markets, which can be profitable for day traders. Second, there are often more opportunities to find bargains during a recession. Businesses are struggling and may be forced to sell assets at a discount. Finally, day trading can help you take advantage of the fact that people are often more risk-averse during a recession. This means that more money is often needed in volatile markets.
Day Trading through a Recession: 3 Tips
Now that we’ve discussed why day trading works well during a recession, let’s discuss how to do it.
- First, you need to be aware of the risks. Day trading is risky, and you can lose money if you’re not careful. Make sure you have a solid plan and stick to it.
- Second, look for opportunities in sectors that are doing well despite the recession. This could be anything from healthcare and mutual funds to exchange traded funds, tech, and consumer staples.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to take advantage of bargains. If you see a stock that looks like it’s about to take off, don’t hesitate to buy it.
Summary: Day Trading Through Recessions
This lesson presents an overview of day trading through recessions and how to make money in a downturn, including dollar cost averaging and earning passive income through other consumer staples companies and sectors. An economic recession can be challenging times for businesses and consumers alike. However, there are opportunities to be had – especially for day traders. A solid plan and research can make money during a recession. So don’t be afraid to take advantage of the market volatility!
Learn More
Would you like to learn more tips for earning as much money as possible by day trading during a recession?
Maurice Kenny has helped over 600 people become financially free through one-on-one coaching, mentorship, and options trading strategy. Many of these new traders are now full-time traders, and they all started by watching his 1-hr webinar.
Feel free to check out other FREE educational resources to help guide you as you begin your new journey to financial freedom.
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