This whole thread is rather useless. Like said, most prop traders trade with millions. Are those 'big guys' ? I don't think so. Besides, it isn't even very clear if topic opener is talking about buying power or the value ex leverage.
to day trade in the equity market recommend a minimum $50K. to day trade in the futures market such as Emini S&P 500 recommend a minimum $100K.
I entered the market with 400K This was part of the proceeds from a real estate investment I made in 2000. I am a real estate investor who has come back to stocks which was what got me started (Start up Capitol) With real estate investing. I guess these other guys are just rich... (Millions) Poor me
One related and interesting questuion could be : What percentage of your account do you use for day trading/swing trading/long term investing ? What do succesful day traders do with the bunch of their capital when they probably can get away day trading on margin ? Buy and hold ? swing ? or totally different investments ?