It doesn't really matter where a trader starts. As long as he starts somewhere, ideally using other peoples money. Most traders on their own struggle just to find one profitable strategy and still get that wrong. Being in an environment where there are profitable traders, however they make their money is important. Teaches so many things, especially how to carry ones self, and what traits the profitable traders exhibit. But not only that, give a newbie time to figure out the basics of trading and wether they even like it or not. Personally I think it's rediculous for new traders to put their own money on the table, why not play at a prop for a year or two, cut your teeth, then go it on your own if your confident. And when you trade other peoples money, it takes the emotional roller coaster experience out of the game. And while your doing that, read every book and watch every dvd you can, then lose 50 to 100 grand of your own money, and only then if you've paid your dues, you will start to become profitable consistently. And then the money flows easily after that. Good luck.
I agree, if you also have access to all US Mkts and charts, $190 sounds cheap. Like any Independent Contractor you will have some expenses. You can get Training(textbook & simulator) on-line, in house training varies from company to company. Training new traders costs money someone has to pay. I think new traders should pay their own way. Trading is not for tire kickers Happy Trading V2k
How does the average person without a masters degree from some useless university get a job at UBS or a big brokerage firm trading? And getting paid to trade while not even profitable? I agree though, paying for basic expenses and chair fees is a joke, and on the cheap side of the equation. No need for it.
I would love it if someone would hand me a job and pay me a small salary plus bonus to do trading for them. It would seem more legitimate in the eyes of my family However I understand these prop firms basically take anyone off the street and show them how it's done. I would rather be given a chance to show them what I've got and pay a nominal fee then try to compete with experienced traders for the job.
Thanks to technology, many more get to try their hand at this career/game. Getting connected to the markets is getting easier. Paying jobs might be limited and tough to get (Winnipeg, Sudbury etc). You don't have to be stuck in an office, just disciplined, clever , resourceful & now a high speed connection. happy trading V2k
Swift is absolutely a scalp firm. They make most of their money from scalping, or from "pass through" fees. At least that's how it was when I was there. They didn't believe in or use tech analysis. The ideas is that if they put enough monkeys in front of the screen some of them will figure it out, most won't. When I was there we had 6 months to reach 3 months of consistent profitability of 3k a month, then you would go on payroll and start getting paid. I learned a lot about the fine market mechanics of stocks, watched the market makers manipulate the markets, made a lot of trades! It was a great experience but at times it was like a mad house. Lot's of anger and undiscipline with some of the traders. They don't teach much else except how to execute your trades. That was like 5 years ago now though, they have no doubt evolved. I'm convinced that if they taught proper money managment position sizing and expectancy rules more traders would do well because they would actually understand why they are winning/losing over the long run. The nice thing is they have the market maker edge. Anyone want to set up a trading office in Calgary, rent some space, etc?
I seen from a SEC stats that over 25% of trader makes over 200,000 and over 25% of trader makes over 100,000. I wonder does that include proprietary day trader. What are the chances of a day trader making over $100,000 or 200,000? Is it a impossible dream?