It'd be interesting to see a side by side comparison of the various programs with the key factors, granted I think we all know what they are. I wonder if the SMB only 1 step is a good thing thing. I took a quick look and looks like you need 15 trading days. Basically same days as TST but at least with TST you don't have to go all the way back if you are on level 2 and break a rule. As well I saw on SMB it said if you make the goals and still have X days left and basically just do tic tac trades to make it to 15, those won't count. Granted, I feel like people (from my short observation on various forums and videos) are looking to scrape by to get funded and as quickly as possible. With that mindset it doesn't really matter which program since most will fail. I come at it from both sides though since I'm one of the ones in the TST level 1 trying to get by with minimal/no resets and just get to funded, all the while boning up on education and learn. The stats definitely aren't appealing on the success levels and profits in any case. One last point I just thought of - if you know - is 91 traders funded meaning 91 new traders funded, or there are 91 total funded traders. Sadly the numbers might be even worse if those are just new traders, and there's actually say 500 or 1000 total funded traders only withdrawing $87K.
I think that 91 is probably the total funded traders period--not new funded trader just in January alone--I could be wrong but thats my take
Now that doesnt mean that a prop funded trader cant make huge amounts of money--some prop traders do--even on 50-50 splits. The problem with a lot of these firms is: what is the upside limit of your funding with them if you have something that consistently works? If you are trading with a firm that (over time based on results) has the ability and funding to provide you with 6 figure, 7 figure and even 8 figure risk capital then its a different story Most of the firms that can offer mid 6 figures to 7 figures+ funding dont offer tryouts but require that you already have 12 months or longer of live profitable trading history. so the real value of some of these firms like E2T, ST and SMB is just to consider the limited funding they offer a stepping stone that you need to do for at least 12 months then if you really have a consistent edge that works you can take that 12 month trading history with E2T, ST or SMB and then apply to firms that offer substantial funding
People could save themselves a bunch of time and money if that actually sought out successful prop traders and model their path to success. You don't even need them to "mentor" you...just follow the path they took...assuming the path still exists.
I get what your saying but the issue is finding an actual profitable trader that will want to spend time convincing someone they are profitable showing proof of the profitability not scamming for subscription fees. Someones elses trading method can mess you up I think we all have heard of Mr Yen on twitter he is a scalper i would image most people can attempt to mimic his trading style which seems to be hold until your right added at extremes for a mean reverse and most would loss money. On the calculation of average withdrawals I think its a wash because we know most traders dont make money. I agree the preferred method would be to only pay one 20% fee especially since your paying the professional data fee. I havent done SMB but from what i heard I thought you had to go through their specific training to do their combine?
That is what I thought as well but that is not the case for Futures tryout https://smbcapital.lpages.co/smb-futures-proprietary-trading/ but if they did require that you pay for training at some point I would definitely be against that and would not do it
I like TopStepTrader because 1. I only trade 1 contract 2. The $2000 trailing drawdown is not a problem for me as I should not have trailing drawdown that much unless I am fucking up somewhere. 3. $165 is affordable for me per month. 4. $3000 is reasonable profit target for me. SMB or TST, does not matter. Stop all the bullshitting and just make the money man. Spending too much time bullshitting. Trade the market and move on it with. You guys going wayyy to far with it, when you need to be studying and trying to make money trading. Stop worry about damn peanuts and focus on the making the money. Who gives a rat ass TST or SMB, just pick one and get funded.