Most traders are taught to fear volatility—but volatility isn’t the real danger.
In this episode of the Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market Podcast, Brian Montes explains why he does not trade stocks using leverage or margin, and why conflating volatility with risk is one of the most expensive mistakes retail traders make.
You’ll learn the critical difference between volatility and risk, how margin trading introduces hidden dangers like forced liquidation and time compression, and why disciplined swing traders actually benefit from volatility when trading without leverage.
If you’re swing trading, building a growth portfolio, or trying to trade consistently without blowing up your account, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about risk management.
Volatility creates opportunity, not danger.
Risk comes from over-leverage, not price movement
Margin removes your margin of error and compresses your time horizon
Brokers—not traders—control leveraged positions during volatility spikes
Survival is the first edge in trading
Consistency beats intensity every time
If this episode helped reframe how you think about risk and volatility:
👉 Follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes
👉 Leave a review—it helps more traders find real education
👉 Download the DTA A+ Setup Checklist and start trading with clarity, not leverage. https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9
Remember:
The goal isn’t to trade more.
It’s to trade long enough to let the edge compound.