[streaming]

I have been looking at the futures markets for some time and can not seem to find a way to make money trading it.

Too erratic with not clear patterns. Is is possible to trade this market successfully?

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by streaming »

I have been looking at the futures markets for some time and can not seem to find a way to make money trading it.

Too erratic with not clear patterns. Is is possible to trade this market successfully?

They do seem tough but some the guys in this forum seem to do fairly well trading the eminis. There seems to be a totally different concept and strategy when trading futures. Very fast, very unpredictable, and hard to use tight stops.

[Soultrader]

Originally Posted by Lisa »

They do seem tough but some the guys in this forum seem to do fairly well trading the eminis. There seems to be a totally different concept and strategy when trading futures. Very fast, very unpredictable, and hard to use tight stops.

I disagree. By understanding the underlying financial instrument you are trading, you can understand the language of the market. I am stunned at the amount of times I can predict the market action based on market profile.

You need the ability to understand the concept of price acceptance and price rejection. The market talks to you as the trading day goes. You just need to learn how to interpret it in your own language.

For example: lets say the markets closed below value but during the overnight session prices were pushed back into value. The market language tells us that prices will most likely trade within or above value because there is strong buying presence below value. Once you grasp the bigger picture of market direction, then you pinpoint your entries based on that analysis.

Yes... the futures markets require quick fingers. Have a trading plan and follow it. This is the only way to make money trading. Good luck streaming.

[Fxtrader06]

Perhaps use a trading system?

Plus you need to open up your views. By convincing yourself that the futures markets are hard and impossible to trade, you will never be able to trade successfully. Your beliefs limits your ability.

[Piptrader]

Find your edge in whatever market you intend to trade. Maybe the futures markets isnt for you?

Stick with stocks, bonds, options, currencies, ect.. There are plenty of other markets that you can trade. Why do something you are not good at?

It is definitely possible to make money in the futures markets. Plenty of peopl do so. You just need to find the right opportunity. Play the good hands and when in doubt fold.

[Stockaddict]

Yes! It is possible to make a living at any market as long as you know what you are doing.

[TimRacette]

I guess this thread is a bit old, but yes I agree with stock addict, trading for a living is just like any other entrepreneurial venture, it takes a lot of hard work up front, but pays off down the road. Since it is scalable though, many fail.

[samanthasing]

Wow! Bringing a thread from the necropolis haha. I'm glad you did though, this is something that 99% of day traders will get hit hard by... and very few will overcome.

I think the advice about opening your mind is great, you can't tackle futures trading with only the problem solving tools you've used on other markets or problems, you need to be able to adapt and find niches/ patterns/ systems that are new and fit to your needs.

I also have noticed that more people seem to make livings from trading E-minis as well, but this may just be due to the futures traders within my immediate circle... and I wouldn't use it as a reason to not trade other contracts.

Ultimately, if futures trading as a career feels right to you then you should (and probably don't need to be told to) try it! However, if you think you'll never be happy and the other areas of your life suffer because of the volatile nature of it then listen to your gut and find something that does deeply satisfy you.