speculator

A person who trades (i.e. derivatives, commodities, bonds, equities or currencies) with a higher-than-average risk, in return for a higher-than-average profit potential. Speculators take large risks, especially with respect to anticipating future price movements, or gambling, in the hopes of making quick, large gains.

Investopedia Says:
Speculators are typically sophisticated, high risk-taking investors with expertise in the market(s) to which they are trading and will usually use highly leveraged investments such as futures and options.

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Market participant who tries to profit from buying and selling futures and options contracts by anticipating future price movements. Speculators assume market price risk and add liquidity and capital to the futures markets. Speculators may purchase volatile stocks or mutual funds, and hold them for a short time in order to reap a profit. They may also sell stocks short and hope to cash in when the stock price drops quickly.

One who invests with the anticipation that an event or series of events will occur to increase the value of the investment.
Example: The value of Single-Family Houses has been appreciating rapidly for several months. Munson, a speculator, purchases several houses in anticipation that this rapid rate of Appreciation will continue.

noun

1. One who speculates for quick profits: adventurer, gambler, operator. See gambling, money.
2. A person engaged in buying and selling: businessperson, dealer, merchandiser, merchant, trader, tradesman, trafficker. See transactions.