[syamster]

Hi,

What percentage do you look to make on a daily or weekly basis. For example, if I invest 10,000 which would give me 40,000 of buying power, is it realistic to think I can make 600 - 800 per day? Or 12,000 - 16,000 per month.

If these numbers are not realistic, please tell me what is.

Syamster

[Soultrader]

Hi syamster,

Are you trading stocks or futures? If you have $10,000 capital and decide to trade the emini's, $150/day is a realistic goal. This is 30 points of the Dow or 3 points of the S&P 500.

If you plan to make $600-$800 a day, I would recommend starting off with at least $40k for the emini's. This is because I recommend 1 contract per $10k. $40,000 would get you 4 contracts. 30 points a day with 4 contracts will get you $600. Trying to make $12,000 - $16,000 a month with $10k is not impossible but highly unrealistic.

[ant]

No, I don't think that's realistic. That's a return of 6% to 8% a day and a return of 120% to 160% per month! Perhaps less than 1% a day is realistic.

[earsha]

Syamster,

Most Probably...

First hurdle is the day trading rule regarding your account balance. In order to day trade every day, you must have atleast $25,000 in your account. There are ways to do a trade every day where you buy just before close, based on specific parameters, and sell in the morning (Charline's method), thereby circumventing these rules.

Of course, the big determinator is your stock picking ability.

One trade - 1,000 shares of a stock that moves 60 - 80 cents with perfect entry and exit, and you're done for the day. There are many stocks that will move this much. I've watched them do it without having a position in the stock. Finding them is the secret.

Of course, there are many trade combinations that will give the above results. However, most active stock movement occurs in specific, short, time frames, making it difficult to have multiple trades on at a time with limited funds. Look for stocks that have a broad daily trading range, become familiar with them, learn their habits until you can nail them. As everyone says "paper trade." And even that won't prepare you for reality. There are many lessons in reality.

I am trading for a living and have not reached my goal yet. I have learned many lessons. Let me know how you do.

Earsha

[syamster]

earsha and soultrader, thankyou for your advice and agree with you on many levels. The day trading parameters of $10,000 or $25,000 is not a problem. I have been focusing on a few stocks that have a tremendous amount of volume and have been watching their patterns. Also, I usually only have one trade going on at a time so I can stay focused and give each trade my full attention. BUT I'm really curious if the amounts I mentioned are realistic. On 40,000 buying power, can I average 1.5 - 2 percent profit per day.

Syamster

[earsha]

In my opinion, it is very possible to get your 1.5 to 2 percent per day. The variable is all in your ability to find the right stocks, get the right entry, manage the trade with a balance of fear and greed (risk to reward), and finish with a timely exit.

I have made more than 2 percent in a day before, but I am not yet consistent. I have also had a profit and let it drift away, greed making me think it would come back. I have also exited too soon, fear limiting my profits. It's all in your skill and the balance you achieve between all the variables.

Bottom line, yes, it is very possible, however, you will probably not achieve that right away. I consider myself an intermediate trader as far as experience goes. I would ask that some of the more advanced traders on the board give you some input as well. I have spent a lot of time watching stocks move. There are plenty of them out there that can provide what you seek. It's all a matter of finding them and working them with finesse. My wish for both of us is that we achieve that rapidly.

Earsha

[Soultrader]

Hi syamster,

In day trading stocks, you need $25k which will give you $50k buying power. In futures you get more leverage.

With $50k... I am sure you can find stocks that will give you $1 a day. But you need to consider the risk. 1-2% is not impossible. But because of your high expectations you may take more risk for gain. This can turn out positive or can lead to financial suicide.

If you have a strategy that is already tested and works... go for it. With $40k - $50k capital... getting $600-$800 a day is very realistic. Just make sure you control your size.

But with just $10k.... this is pretty unrealistic.

[johalber]

One trade at a time, thats not make sense. These stocks don't all move at the same time or like each other. That's why on any given day, some will move more than others. You're going to have the opportunity on some of them every day. Remember, all you're looking for is a 2 to 3% change. That happens all during the day. So my opinion is split your money and do more trades. Watch those stocks for several days and you will see the long smooth runs on the charts.

Johalber