@spencer00
It is possible to be both an investor and a trader. You would need to keep separate accounts, one for long term investments and one for short term trades that take advantage of market fluctuations. You can make the trader election for next year. The problem is that trading always seems to be something people fall into when they don't have a job; the business lasting usually a year.
In addition, the IRS will only treat it as a business if you show gains 3 out of every 5 years. Otherwise, they treat it as a hobby.
