Typical margin to equity ratio for CTAs is about 10-12%. If you have 10 big S&Ps the total notional is about $2,750,000. I think that utilizing $275,000 in cash for that is not only appropriate but it is probably quite conservative. Each big figure move on 10 SPU4 is only $2500.
I think I'd be wary of someone who talks about how large a position he is swinging. If you did sell that many euros, then you'd have the sense to know not to talk about it...unless you're trying to impress someone. And if you do sell 185 euros, you should be successful enough to not have to impress anyone. And just b/c you carry a big position, doesn't mean your opinion carries any more weight...hack.
I took you off ignore the other day because I needed to be entertained. Let me respond as though it were you responding: your response: *rolling eyes* obviously, any idiot can read that I said that I wouldn't be SURPRISED if it closed higher today, which I wouldn't have been. Clearly, I was not predicting a higher close today, mearly I was indicating that I wouldn't be surprised. In fact, after writing that, I went into super-scalper mode and made about exactly 20 scalps for a total of 250 ticks in profit and at the same time, I lowered the average price of my trade to 1.1950 without even trying!!! All the while, the market played right into my hands as usual and the dumb traders gave me yet another big profit day!!! **bawaahhHH!!!*** my response: yes, it seems as though I was wrong and I lost a little money. good thing that i had a stop loss in place so that my losses for the day were only about 400k (while i still maintain a small position) relative to my gains of 600k for yesterday. One way or another, I will be back in a full position by the close for what will hopefully be a rally in the EUR next week. Best, Neal.
your right krupcakes, i'm really a piker trying to be a big shot. sometimes i let people like coinz bait me into big shot talk. my real size was about $185,000 notional. i just felt that i could add the extra 3 zeros and get away with it. someday i hope that i can even dream that big. one thing that i don't understand is why can i talk about the size that i am trading if i am a little guy, but, if i get bigger then i have to have more sense than to talk about my size? is it somehow illegal to trade large size and we need to keep that quiet? should i be afraid that the people on the message board will alert the media that i am trading such size? what should i be fearing if and when i get to that level? i'm just looking for some enlightenment. i didn't know that when you get older and hopefully more successful, that you needed to stop having fun. please inform me oh wise one.
krupcakes, you have nothing to say about mr. coinz? seems like he is a bit self-absorbed as well, no? are you two butt buddies maybe? i'm interested to know your feelings about brother coinz and his inflaming boasts.
Someone needs a hug {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{NEAL}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Honestly though; it's somewhat pointless to talk your book to this extent. That's enough size to trade against. Pissing contests are fruitless; Coinz trades mini-lots and you run a hedge fund... it's akin to debating econometrics with a cabbie. I've learned my lesson; I suggest you put Coinz back on ignore and get back to the serious business at hand, running your fund.
it has to do with humility, and not fear. Basking in your success is a surefire way to head straight to the bottom. The best traders don't talk about the size they trade. Your statistics about your size or your p.l. really had nothing to do with the topic, and seemed to be thrown in there to validate yourself as a good trader...again, its sad. But hey, who am I.