Can You Trade Full-Time? Part 2
Be sure to check out Part 1 of this series if you haven’t already, as it offers some important groundwork for this series.
Here’s part 2 in the 4-part series on “Can You Trade Full-Time.” I’m asked this regularly and wanted to compile a list of considerations as a resource to you as you wonder whether you’re equipped with what it takes to make it.
Keep in mind that the things I’m sharing here are my opinions of things I think are needed in order to trade full-time, but your unique situation may differ.
Here in Part 2, we’ll look at the question of “Do I have enough to trade with to make a full-time income?”
We’ll also take a closer look at what you’ll need to be starting with in terms of both capital and trading tools.
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
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EricM | Oct 4, 2011 | Reply
Hi Jeff. Nice video series. I think realistic expectations are important. I would have liked to see some return percentages that you feel are realistic. What kind of returns on capital did you make starting out? Now?
I studied an option selling income strategy where the mentor said that when you have some experience with the strategy, you should be able to earn 1% per month. That isn’t a bad return when compounded, but unless you have a fairly large account I don’t see that as ones sole source of income. I’m assuming day traders and shorter term swing traders look to earn a higher return for weekly income.
What’s realistic?
Anonymous | Oct 4, 2011 | Reply
Hey Eric,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments here, I appreciate it and am glad you’re enjoying the series. Parts 3 & 4 will be posted this week as well to wrap it up, just fyi.
In terms of returns, it’s going to vary greatly depending upon the trader’s style, capital base, and the market being traded. An equities day trader might make 2-3% on a good day, so by that measure 1% per month is paltry.
So it’s hard to make an across-the-board statement about what can be done, but I do think it’s realistic to aim for at least 1% per week, after everything. That may be a lofty goal for some and may be low for others, but I know it’s do-able for a trader with a reasonable capital base.
Hope this helps!