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The Dark Side of Prop Trading: Factors Leading to Financial LossA few years ago, few people were familiar with prop trading, but it has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional PAMM accounts. With PAMM accounts, traders manage investors' funds but must first attract and convince these investors. In contrast, prop trading offers a more straightforward approach to fund management that initially appears more convenient. A trader pays a fee (up to $1,000) to enter a challenge, and if successful, can be granted up to $1 million in management funds. However, the reality is more complex. A study conducted in the United States revealed that many prop traders are dissatisfied with their experiences working with prop trading firms. 📍 The Performance Of Prop Traders: Results Of A 2023 Study A study conducted in 2023 examined the performance of prop traders by surveying 10 randomly selected prop trading firms in the United States. Additionally, the study included responses from 3,000 traders who had experienced varying degrees of success in their trading endeavors. The data was sourced from the website of the CFTC regulator, statistics from an investigation into a complaint against the prop firm MyForexFunds, and publicly available information about another prop firm FTMO. 📍 General Analysis Results The study revealed some striking insights regarding the performance of prop traders: ◾ Approximately 94% of traders fail to complete the challenges during the first or second phase, with only 6% successfully meeting the profitability and drawdown requirements. ◾ A significant 73% of traders who fail believe their outcomes are unjust, attributing their failures primarily to the prop firms rather than their own mistakes. Many contend that the firms manipulate results, undermining their chances of success. ◾ Of the small percentage 6% who do succeed in completing the challenge, an overwhelming 98% choose to sever their ties with the prop firms within the following six months. The failure rates at both the first and second phases of the challenges are approximately equal. This suggests that the stricter conditions imposed during the second phase do not significantly influence the overall outcome. Instead, it indicates that the mistakes and challenges encountered are consistent across both phases. Importantly, the survey revealed that inexperience is not a primary factor in the failure of the challenges. Over 80% of traders reported having prior trading experience, with many having actively traded on demo accounts for several months. These traders stated they understood the risks involved, were aware of their trading strategies, and had previously achieved positive results during their demo trading sessions. 📍 1. Reasons Cited By Prop Traders For Failing The Challenges ◾ Lack of Time (79%). Many traders feel pressured by high revenue targets set by prop firms, which often need to be achieved within a limited time period of just 1-2 months. Although, since 2023, almost all prop firms do not set such strict time limits. ◾ Technical Problems (61%). A significant number of traders reported encountering technical issues during the challenge process. Problems such as unreliable quotes, slow platform performance, and unexpected widening of spreads were commonly mentioned as major obstacles to their success. ◾ Violation of Risk Management (27%). A smaller but still notable proportion of traders admitted to breaching risk management rules. Common mistakes included engaging in high-risk gambling behavior, mismanaging leverage, and neglecting to set stop-loss orders. Some traders reported that their lack of understanding of the prop company's terms and conditions led to unintentional rule violations. Specifically, many were unclear about the guidelines surrounding practices such as copying trades, trading during news releases, and the use of trading advisors. This confusion contributed to their unsuccessful attempts in the challenges, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and thorough understanding of the rules set by the prop firms. 📍 2. Most Frequent Complaints From Traders About Prop Firms ◾ Non-Market Prices (92%). A staggering majority of traders reported issues with prices that do not reflect real market conditions. ◾ Order Execution Failures and Canceled Profitable Orders (73%). Many traders experienced problems with their orders not being executed as expected, particularly when they were set to generate profits. ◾ Slippage (67%). A significant number of traders reported encountering slippage, where their orders were filled at prices different from those expected. ◾ Technical Problems with the Trading Platform (52%). Technical glitches and issues with the trading platform were cited as major frustrations by more than half of the traders surveyed. ◾ Ambiguous Contract Conditions (45%). Many traders found the terms outlined in their contracts to be unclear, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. ◾ Insufficient Support Service (19%). A smaller proportion of traders expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate assistance from customer support. ◾ Kicking Out from the Market Due to Non-Market Gaps (11%). Some traders noted instances where they felt they were unfairly removed from trading positions due to non-market gaps. ◾ Other Complaints (7%). A few traders reported additional issues not covered by the aforementioned categories. Traders often encounter hidden rules when working with prop firms, such as minimum holding periods for positions, strict limitations on the minimum length of stop-loss orders, and restrictions on the use of certain trading strategies. Additionally, many traders express concerns about the lack of transparency in the operations of prop firms. On average, over 50,000 traders attempt to pass these firms' challenges each year, but only about 6%, or around 3,000 traders, succeed. Once qualified, these traders are offered between $100,000 and $1 million of the firm's capital, which is sometimes claimed to be sourced from investors. However, there is little clarity regarding how these prop firms can amass such significant investor capital to support 3,000 traders annually. 📍 3. Main Difficulties Encountered By Prop Traders During The Challenge Phases ◾ Sharp Spread Widening and Violation of Maximum/Daily Drawdown Level Requirements (44%) ◾ Automatic Position Closures and Stopping of Challenges by the Company Due to Drawdown Violations (34%) ◾ Other Reasons (51%) It's important to note that traders could cite multiple reasons for their difficulties. The survey results indicate that many successful traders perceive prop firms as having a vested interest in creating obstacles to intentionally disadvantage traders. ◾ Difficulty of Challenge Conditions. 89% of traders described the challenge conditions as difficult, stating they were able to pass only due to their prior experience. ◾ Funding Amounts. 96% reported receiving an amount equivalent to their initial challenge deposit, typically ranging from $20,000 to $200,000. The anticipated funding of $1 to $2 million, as promised by the prop firm, is not accessible until at least one year of successful trading. ◾ Retention Rate. 98% of traders exited the program within six months. In theory, prop firms claim to offer the same trading conditions on a live account as they do during the challenge phases. Additionally, these firms are transparent about their model; traders often operate on demo accounts, while analysts copy their trades. A significant number of traders cited emotional burnout as a primary reason for leaving the prop firms. The tough conditions, restrictions on instrument use, and the risk of having their agreements terminated due to breaches create considerable emotional pressure. Once traders recover the costs associated with the challenge fees and their time, many choose to transition to independent trading, where they can set their own restrictions. 📍 CONCLUSION Prop trading presents several problems that diminish its appeal for novice traders. Many beginners struggle to pass the challenges, while seasoned professionals prefer the freedom of individual trading, free from the constraints typically found in prop trading. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣
Education
by Lingrid
9
USD/SGD Approaches Key Demand Zone: Anticipating a ReboundUSD/SGD is steadily declining towards our identified Demand area around the 1.31128 level. At this juncture, we anticipate a potential price rebound that could present a promising opportunity for a long trade setup. Our analysis is rooted in a combination of Supply and Demand principles, which help us understand the underlying market forces, as well as a thorough review of the latest COT (Commitment of Traders) report, offering insights into the positioning of major market participants. By integrating these critical factors, we have strategically placed a Buy limit order, positioning ourselves to capitalize on a potential upward movement in the price from this key support zone. ✅ Please share your thoughts about USD/SGD in the comments section below and HIT LIKE if you appreciate my analysis. Don't forget to FOLLOW ME; you will help us a lot with this small contribution.
Long
by FOREXN1
1
AUD/USD faces key test with US CPI and Aussie jobs data loomingThe AUD/USD has found a bit of resistance around the 0.6640/0.6650 area ahead of the release of US CPI shortly. The small pullback is largely due to profit-taking ahead of US inflation data and Australian employment data due for release in the early hours of Thursday. The underlying trend is bullish and so long as we don't see a hot inflation report from the US, the path of least resistance would remain to the upside. The trend turned bullish on the Aussie ever since it created a false break reversal pattern beneath prior low around 0.6362. The sharp recovery from that level once it was reclaimed has lifted rates above several levels, including the 0.6500, 0.6565 and the 200-day average around 0.6600. These are now the key support levels to watch, especially the 0.6600 handle. As mentioned, the focus is now turning to US inflation data. Following a weaker PPI report on Tuesday, investors will be hoping for a weaker CPI print today compared to a headline and core prints of +0.2% m/m expected (or 3.0% y/y for headline CPI). If seen, or even if the data is line with forecasts, this could further cement expectations for a 50-basis point rate reduction in September and a total of 100 bp cuts for 2024. This scenario should further boost the AUD/USD outlook. However, a strong print, which is evidently not priced in, could have a big negative impact on this and other major FX pairs. By Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at FOREX.com
Long
by FOREXcom
NZD/CHF: Historical Low Signals Potential ReversalThe NZD/CHF pair recently reached a significant milestone, hitting its lowest historical point around 0.48551. This drop has caught the attention of traders, particularly as it aligns with a potential reversal pattern. Analyzing the situation through the lens of the Commitment of Traders (COT) data and seasonality trends, we've identified a promising opportunity to enter a long position in anticipation of a price surge. The drop to 0.48551 marks a critical level where the pair has historically struggled to go lower, making it a key area of interest for buyers. The significance of this bottom cannot be understated, as it represents a psychological barrier where demand is likely to increase, leading to a potential reversal. The initial signs of this reversal are already in motion, with the price showing signs of recovery from this low. Further supporting our decision is the analysis of the COT report, which provides insight into the positioning of large market participants. The latest data suggests that there has been a shift in sentiment among these traders, with an increasing number of them positioning for an upward move in the NZD/CHF pair. This shift in sentiment is a strong indicator that the pair might be poised for a recovery. Seasonality also plays a crucial role in our analysis. Historically, certain periods have been more favorable for the New Zealand dollar, leading to a rise in the NZD/CHF pair. Our study of seasonal trends aligns with the current technical setup, reinforcing the likelihood of a price surge. In light of these factors—the historical low, COT analysis, and seasonality study—we've chosen to enter a long setup in NZD/CHF, anticipating a significant upward movement in the near future. Traders should consider this opportunity, as the potential for a reversal from this historical low could lead to substantial gains. ✅ Please share your thoughts about NZD/CHF in the comments section below and HIT LIKE if you appreciate my analysis. Don't forget to FOLLOW ME; you will help us a lot with this small contribution.
Long
by FOREXN1
1
GBPUSDThe beginning of the week looks like a very calm day without much volatility, but the scenario looks very good to take advantage of sales for the opening of London and purchases to our psychological point in NY as long as when Frankfurt breaks upwards at its opening, I will be on the lookout and I will make a decision based on what the price presents to me. Remember that a trader is not a fortune teller but an interpreter of the language of price. Greetings from yours truly and have a good day.
Long
by handerBankFX
The Illusion of Patterns: Why They Often Fail in TradingThe theory of pattern trading suggests that candlestick formations are rooted in psychological behavior. For instance, when a triangle or box pattern breaks out, it often signals a sudden surge of buying or selling following a period of consolidation. However, it's important to note that not all patterns yield reliable results. In this post, we will explore the reasons why some patterns fail and discuss how to enhance their effectiveness. A strong support level at which a doji appears, a breakout of the trendline by a large candlestick upwards is a clear signal for an uptrend. However, after the breakout, a new pattern appears, crossing out the signal of the previous one. The support level is eventually broken by the ongoing downtrend. Why don't patterns always work? Why should they work at all, considering that it's ultimately the trader who must take action? It's akin to expecting a hammer to drive nails without any effort on our part. A common misconception is to believe that the mere appearance of a pattern guarantees a certain outcome, while neglecting other crucial factors that can influence market behavior. A pattern is primarily a visual representation that should encourage traders to conduct a deeper analysis, not serve as a definitive signal for entry points. The theory behind patterns can be misleading; rather than promoting an analytical mindset when a pattern is identified, it often fosters a rigid response: “Buy if this pattern appears, and sell if that one does.” This approach is fundamentally flawed. A pattern is merely a compilation of historical data presented in a particular format, which does not inherently predict future price movements. Instead of relying solely on patterns, traders should focus on analyzing the broader context and underlying factors influencing the market. 📍 Why Patterns Do Not Work in Trading ? 1. Identification Errors. Once you've familiarized yourself with 15 of the most popular trading patterns, you may notice two significant points. First, theoretical analyses often feature illustrations rather than actual screenshots. This makes sense—capturing a "butterfly" or a "cup with a handle" can be quite challenging and may require either a vivid imagination or years of chart analysis. Second, patterns can transition from one to another; for instance, a long-tailed bar might evolve into three crows or soldiers. Additionally, there are instances when patterns may even contradict each other, further complicating their reliability. 2. Wishful Thinking. Traders often fall into the trap of wishing a pattern exists where it does not. This bias can lead to misguided decisions. 3. The Dominance of Other Factors. In addition to identification errors and wishful thinking, other factors—particularly fundamental ones—often have a much stronger influence on market movements. Patterns do not occur in a vacuum; they must be considered alongside economic indicators, news events, and broader market sentiment. Have you noticed that there is little research on the effectiveness of trading patterns? The reason for this is that accurately identifying the presence of a signal can be quite challenging. A pattern is simply a specific candlestick formation that has occurred in a particular way, but it does not guarantee any subsequent price movement. In contrast, indicators offer clear interpretations: for example, when the price crosses a moving average, that's a signal, or when an oscillator enters the overbought or oversold zone, it's a preliminary signal. The appearance of a doji, on the other hand, represents merely a balance in the market and is not always a definitive signal. Patterns cannot be rigorously tested like indicators because their signals tend to be ambiguous. 📍 How To Make Patterns More Effective ? • Remember that it’s not the pattern that dictates a trend or a reversal; it’s the underlying trend that shapes the pattern. For example, if a "triangle" forms within a consolidating market, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that a new trend will emerge. • Patterns tend to be more reliable over shorter time frames, typically represented by one to three candles. On the other hand, indicators provide an average value and, while less precise, they can have a longer-lasting impact. This means that following a reversal pattern, an opposing pattern might develop within just a few candles. If an indicator shows a significant deviation from the average price, there's still a good chance that the price might revert to the mean. Thus, while identifying corrections using patterns can be beneficial, we should exercise caution when predicting reversals. 📍 Conclusion Why don’t patterns always work? The answer lies in the approach taken by the trader. Patterns are merely tools; their effectiveness greatly depends on the skill and understanding of the person using them. There are no perfect tools in trading, but experience plays a crucial role in enabling traders to navigate various market conditions and make informed decisions. By honing your skills and deepening your understanding of both patterns and the broader market context, you can enhance your ability to utilize these tools effectively and respond to different trading scenarios. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣
Education
by Lingrid
11
GJ is still generally bearish, 2 scenarios belowAlthough it's generally still bearish, but sometimes GJ surprises us with a move against any bias, so we always need to have 2 scenarios in mind, the explanation is inside the picture itself. The highest probability will be for a sell but I keep the buy in mind as well. Here are the trade execution rules: 1. Do not take a trade inside the zone. 2. Wait for the 30m candle to actually close above or below the zone (with a wick) before executing. 3. Trade can be executed on the 15 minutes afterwards 4. Do not trade outside volume-hours, volume hours are 1 hour before London open till 1 hour after it opens, one hour before NY open and one hour after NY open. Regards, Marwan
Short
by Marwan_Moallem
1
GBPUSD: Your Trading Plan For Next Week 🇬🇧🇺🇸 GBPUSD is trading in a global bullish trend. We see a correctional stage on the pair at the moment. The market is currently stuck within a falling parallel channel - a bullish flag pattern. A bullish breakout of the resistance of the flag - a daily candle close above that, will be a strong bullish signal. It will signify the end of a correction and a resumption of a bullish trend. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Long
by VasilyTrader
3