I would like to understand the different charges and commissions charged by prop firms. I would like to know how commission works ? So if I buy 1000 shares of X at $1 and sell it at $1.5 My gain is 0.5 * 1000 = $500 Cost = $5 per 1000 shares So net profit = $ 495 ???? I buy 1000 shares of Y at $50 and sell it at $52 Gain = 2 * 1000 = $2000 Cost = $5 per 1000 shares So net profit = $ 1995 ??? Am I correct ? Other than $5 per 1000 shares what will I be charged I am just exploring the options of joining a prop trading firm in Chicago with a 10k capital contribution and 90-10 profit spilt.
That is essentially correct, except remember to add the commission for the sell side too. So for 1000 shares it's $5 in and $5 out. Other charges to include: ECN charge - could be a charge or a credit based on whether you add or remove liquidity and which ECN/Exchange you traded on. (some places will include this in the $5 commission as one 'flat' rate). SEC tax - only on the sell side, it is currently $19.20 per $1million. So the sell of 1000 @ $52 would incur a $1 charge for SEC taxes. FINRA Trading Activity Fee - only on the sell side, $.000090 per share up to max of $4.50 (as of July 1, until then it's $.000075/$3.75). If you are looking for a firm in Chicago, I am at Great Point Capital LLC. You can PM me or check out our website www.greatpointcapital.com.