What's the difference between SWOT and PEST analysis?

Most people assume that SWOT and PEST are completely different things. In reality, SWOT and PEST are used together in strategic analysis.

SWOT stands for Strenghts, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, and it is used to identify what external and internal factors can affect the future direction and success of a business.

PEST stands for the Political, Environmental, Social, and Technological Factors that can affect a business. It is complementary to SWOT in that it used to precisely explore the external Opportunities and Threats that affect the chances of a business strategy being successful.