Following the trend is probably the easiest trading strategy for a beginner, based on the premise that the trend is your friend. Contrarian investing refers to going against the market herd. You short a stock when the market is rising or buy it when the market is falling. This may be a difficult trading tactic for a beginner. Scalping and trading the news require a presence of mind and rapid decision-making that, again, may pose difficulties for a beginner.