Was hoping to compile a list of Futures Prop Firms..2 lists actually..the ones that seem to be popping up these days that don't require capital contribution but usually have a demo stage hurdle structure(Top Step, MES, Savius..etc) and perhaps the more established(traditional) ones that might be a bit more flexible on their requirements to provide prop funding as long as you show some sort of "acceptable" record. Not interested in the "send us your 10 year trade records and we'll respond if interested" Thanks, J.
My advice: Forget about them. Those low cost, low vigilance scam firms. I'd never lend money to a guy that succeed a combine. Why do you want to get there ? Because you're a loser ? That's the reason why retailers dream big about those scheme. They don't make money, lose their money. But wanna be funded. Trade your money. No excuse with all those extra low margins. Start with 1K or 5k (More room for errors) and make it. But don't be scammed by those firms that ask nothing. Once you feel lonely. You'll have a 10y track record. And you'll be able to join a prop firm. A good one. For a good reason.
I think most firms require a 15k account to even start..at least TD Ameritrade does. Doesn't matter that the margins are $500/contract. They want 15k in the account.
Depends on your age. But IB 2,5k if under 25. Otherwise 10k. Then AMP or Global futures ... 1K ? There are lots of possibilities. Why do you want to stick with TD ? You can grow your account from a low cost. Then open an account with TD.
J, The margin for a most future's contracts are much greater than $500. ES is currently $4750. Many firms will allow you to trade greater margin when day-trading because the exchange does not calculate your requirement until EOD. IMO, trading ES contracts with $10K to 15K and higher day trading margin is a difficult path. Very easy to blow out.
I think that he's daytrading. So 5k to start is far from enough. It's 8 ticks risk on ES per trade (2%). Large & Benign enough to day trade.
Which way ? 2 points SL on ES ?! I'll do it. @schizo do it. % of traders ?! XD ... There are 95% losing money. Who care about %. We wouldn't be there. If you want a sure thing. Apply to a normal job. And the question isn't how many, but can I do it ? You can't ok. Some do it. We're glad for them.