One-Minute Strategy: Your Guide to Implementing Intraday Trading in the

The One-Minute Strategy is a trading style based on entering and exiting the market very quickly, typically within a time frame that does not exceed one minute per trade. This strategy is classified as a fast trading method, also known as 'scalping,' where the trader aims to achieve small profits from slight and repeated price movements. In the Saudi market, the appeal of this strategy is evident with the presence of highly liquid stocks and narrow bid-ask spreads, which facilitate rapid order execution. Traders using the One-Minute Strategy rely on precise technical analysis tools, such as minute candlestick charts and real-time indicators (like RSI and short moving averages), and apply strict risk management by accurately setting stop-loss points. The main objective is to accumulate small profits throughout the session while avoiding sudden market movements. The strategy is most effective in the Saudi market when liquidity is high and price volatility is suitable, with a focus on large-cap, highly liquid stocks to ensure fast order execution.

The One-Minute Strategy differs from other trading styles in terms of time frame, objectives, and risk management. While traditional investing focuses on buying and holding stocks for long periods to achieve capital growth or receive dividends, day trading seeks to benefit from price movements within a single session, with trades sometimes held for several hours. The One-Minute Strategy, on the other hand, targets extremely short price movements (seconds to a minute) and involves executing a large number of small trades daily. This style requires real-time market monitoring, high-speed execution, and strict discipline in applying entry and exit points. The risks also differ; long-term investors are exposed to larger market fluctuations over days or months, while one-minute traders face slippage risk and higher trading costs due to frequent trades. The One-Minute Strategy focuses on quantity and accumulating small profits, whereas other styles rely on gains from larger price moves or dividends.

To achieve effective results when applying the One-Minute Strategy in the Saudi financial market, several key conditions must be met. First, select stocks with high liquidity and large daily trading volumes, such as Aramco, Al Rajhi Bank, or Saudi Telecom Company, as this facilitates rapid order execution and reduces slippage. Second, use a modern electronic trading platform that allows for real-time order execution and price monitoring. Third, rely on advanced technical analysis tools capable of reading real-time signals (such as RSI, short moving averages, and real-time trading volume). Fourth, apply strict risk management by setting automated stop-loss and take-profit points, and avoid risking a large portion of capital on a single trade. Fifth, understand peak times for liquidity and volatility (often the first and last 30 minutes of the session), and avoid trading during lulls. Finally, maintain psychological discipline and avoid greed or random attempts to recover losses. Meeting these conditions creates a suitable environment for the One-Minute Strategy and reduces its risks.

The Saudi financial market witnessed economic and regulatory developments in 2024 and 2025 that enhanced the potential success of the One-Minute Strategy. According to data from the Capital Market Authority, the average daily trading volume reached about 2.5 billion shares in the second half of 2024, with more than 300,000 daily trades on average, reflecting high liquidity and an active environment for intraday trading. Elevated oil prices and stable local currency reserves also boosted economic confidence and supported market movements. On the regulatory front, the Saudi Capital Market Authority introduced amendments in 2024 that reduced the minimum trade size, allowing individual traders to execute smaller, more flexible trades. Additionally, faster and more advanced electronic trading platforms were launched, and some brokerage firms began employing artificial intelligence to support intraday trading decisions. These regulatory and technological developments have made the One-Minute Strategy more suitable for active traders in the Saudi market, with a continued emphasis on compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Selecting the right stocks is a critical factor for the success of the One-Minute Strategy. Traders prefer to focus on stocks with high liquidity and large trading volumes, as these allow for rapid order execution with minimal slippage. Among the top stocks in the Saudi market that may suit this strategy are: Saudi Aramco, Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Saudi Telecom Company (STC), and other major companies with high daily trading volumes. It is advisable to avoid small-cap or low-liquidity stocks, as executing orders quickly or at reasonable costs may be difficult. Also, monitor the bid-ask spread and choose stocks with narrow spreads to increase profit potential and reduce trading costs. Finally, track stocks that show regular price volatility and avoid those with sharp fluctuations or sudden major events that could affect intraday trading success.

Applying the One-Minute Strategy relies heavily on advanced technical tools and fast electronic trading platforms. Key tools include 1-minute charts for real-time price tracking, short-term technical indicators such as RSI, short moving averages (5, 9, or 13), and real-time momentum indicators. Additionally, some Saudi trading platforms offer quick order entry features, automated stop-loss and take-profit tools. In recent years, some brokers have started providing automated trading bots that can be programmed for short-term strategies, reducing the impact of psychological factors on trader decisions. Using limit orders is also important to avoid slippage, especially during rapid market movements. Lastly, traders should ensure high-quality internet connections and rely on trusted platforms to guarantee the fastest possible order execution.

Risk management is the cornerstone of success when applying the One-Minute Strategy. Given the large number of trades and the small profit per trade, any mistake in risk management can lead to rapid and accumulating losses. First, it is essential to use tight stop-loss points, exiting trades immediately if the price moves against expectations by a predetermined number of points. Second, trade size should be limited to a small percentage (usually 1%-2%) of total capital per trade to minimize the impact of any sudden loss. Third, diversify trades across several stocks or financial instruments and avoid relying on a single stock throughout the session. Fourth, monitor commission costs and spreads, as these greatly affect overall profitability in this trading style. Finally, stick to a clear trading plan, avoid emotional reactions or random attempts to recover losses, and regularly review performance to improve the strategy.

The One-Minute Strategy offers several advantages that make it attractive to certain traders, most notably the potential for daily repeated profits from small price movements and reduced exposure to unexpected news or events due to the short holding period. This strategy also helps improve trader discipline by enforcing strict entry and exit rules and contributes to increased market liquidity through a high number of trades. On the other hand, there are disadvantages and challenges to consider, such as high commission and spread costs due to frequent trades, increased slippage risk in low-liquidity stocks or during sharp volatility, and the need for continuous market monitoring, which can lead to psychological stress and pressure. Ultimately, this strategy may not suit all traders, especially those lacking sufficient experience or the ability to handle advanced intraday trading tools.

There is no listed company named "One-Minute Strategy," but several entities in the Saudi market provide services and tools that support this trading style. Leading local brokerage firms such as Al Rajhi Capital, NCB Capital, and Riyad Capital offer advanced electronic trading platforms with high-speed execution. Some fintech companies have begun developing specialized intraday trading applications, including real-time alert apps, fast trade management platforms, and real-time technical analysis software. The Capital Market Authority also plays a key regulatory role by updating regulations and providing a suitable regulatory environment. Additionally, real-time data providers and financial software developers enhance the intraday trader experience. Competition in this sector is marked by rapid technological innovation and high-quality services to attract active traders.

The years 2024 and 2025 saw several developments impacting the intraday trading environment and the One-Minute Strategy in the Saudi market. Notably, the Capital Market Authority announced new amendments reducing the minimum trade size, giving individual traders more flexibility to execute small, fast trades. Most banks and brokerage firms also launched updates to their electronic trading platforms, improving order execution speed and reducing technical failures. On the technology front, some brokers began integrating artificial intelligence and smart bots to support intraday trading decisions and enhance risk management. Official statistics also showed a 15% increase in the number of individual traders over two years, boosting market volume and liquidity. Meanwhile, the Authority maintained warnings about the high risks of fast trading and emphasized the importance of compliance with regulations and avoiding random trading. These developments reflect the market's move toward a more suitable environment for intraday trading while maintaining strict regulation and risk management.

Traders using the One-Minute Strategy face multiple psychological and regulatory challenges. Psychologically, intraday trading requires intense focus and quick decision-making, which can lead to stress and mental fatigue, especially when facing a series of rapid losses or unexpected market movements. Self-discipline and avoiding emotional reactions or reckless attempts to recover losses are crucial for success. On the regulatory side, full compliance with market laws and Capital Market Authority regulations is essential, as the Authority monitors fast trading methods to ensure transparency and prevent manipulative or unfair practices. Using automated trading tools or smart software may also require special licenses or regulatory approvals. Traders should stay updated on the latest regulatory instructions and platform updates to ensure their activities remain compliant.

Recent years have seen significant advances in the use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies to support intraday trading strategies, including the One-Minute Strategy. Some brokerage firms and banks in the Saudi market now offer smart trading bots that use advanced algorithms to analyze real-time data and make automated entry and exit decisions based on specific criteria. Machine learning technologies are also used to analyze historical price patterns and predict short-term market movements, enhancing the accuracy of intraday trades. These technologies help traders reduce psychological biases and improve execution discipline, as well as enable the execution of a large number of trades in a very short time. The ongoing development of AI is expected to further enhance the effectiveness of the One-Minute Strategy, provided these tools comply with local regulatory systems.

All trading activities in the Saudi financial market are supervised and regulated by the Capital Market Authority, which sets clear rules to ensure transparency and protect investors from risks and illegal practices. The One-Minute Strategy is legal as long as it is implemented within regulatory frameworks and does not involve manipulation or insider information. The Authority prohibits practices such as price manipulation, placing fake orders to mislead the market, or trading on non-public information. The use of automated software or trading bots may require special approvals in some cases, especially if the systems are designed to execute a large number of orders in a very short time. The Authority also imposes disclosure and transparency requirements on brokers and platforms to ensure fair execution. All traders are advised to stay updated on the Authority's instructions and regulatory updates and avoid any practices that could expose them to penalties or legal risks.

The One-Minute Strategy is fundamentally different from long-term investing in terms of objectives, analytical foundations, and risk management. Long-term investing relies on studying company fundamentals and holding stocks for years to achieve capital growth or benefit from dividends, while the One-Minute Strategy focuses on real-time technical analysis and exploiting precise price movements for repeated small profits. In terms of risk, long-term investors face larger market fluctuations but benefit from time to recover losses, whereas one-minute traders face execution risks (slippage, accumulated commissions, psychological stress) and need strict capital and stop-loss management. While the potential short-term returns of the One-Minute Strategy can be high, the associated costs and risks are also significant. The most suitable strategy depends on the trader's abilities and preferences, and it is essential to consult a licensed financial advisor before making any decisions.