What is the difference between speculator and investor?

The primary difference between a speculator and an investor lies in their approach to risk and time horizon. Speculators typically seek short-term gains by trading assets based on market fluctuations and trends, often taking on higher risks. In contrast, investors focus on long-term value, analyzing fundamental factors of assets to build wealth over time, and generally adopt a more cautious approach. While both aim to profit, speculators are usually more concerned with price movements, whereas investors prioritize the underlying value of their investments.