Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

wskid

Trading Capital

Recommended Posts

Hello, I've been trading futures for a year now for a prop shop. I was wondering how much capital would it take to trade 1 lot on the e-minis. Putting the margin is not enough, you need a cushion, how much is enough? Also, is Ninja trader the best for a low budget guy like me? What's the best setup. I'm used to trading with DOMs. Thanks for the help!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hello, I've been trading futures for a year now for a prop shop. I was wondering how much capital would it take to trade 1 lot on the e-minis. Putting the margin is not enough, you need a cushion, how much is enough? Also, is Ninja trader the best for a low budget guy like me? What's the best setup. I'm used to trading with DOMs. Thanks for the help!

 

There will be people you say you only need $1,000 per contract and people who say you need $5000 per contract. IMO it depends entirely on you. You've been trading for a year now so you should know what your equity curve, max draw down, and accuracy look like.

 

Some systems take large draw downs, some don't. My personal view is that if you begin trading with, say, $1,500, that gives you a full $1,000 before you can't no longer trade (given a $500 intraday margin). For me, If I lost $1,000 trading 1 car, something would be seriously wrong and I would want to go back to sim and see what I could do to fix it. For others that kind of draw down may be acceptable. It depends entirely on what your system's risk profile looks like IMO.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Depends somewhat on the approach 50:50 type methods with say a 2:1 reward to risk have lumpier equity curves than (for example) a 70% method with a 1:1 RR. The key metric is the risk of ruin which is calculable if you have an idea on how your method performs. You can get to a point where it becomes negligible or (as many do) you can size more aggressively.

 

Out of interest, are you trading the same approach you did with your prop shop?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I guess from what I've seen so far, ppl throwing size around I figured I needed at least 15K to start. Right now I trade 5 contracts on fixed income derivatives with a scalping and sometimes position trading. With 5 contracts my max drawdown is $500/day but I seriously think it's too much. With one contract It should be around $100-150. In essence from what I understand to be safe it would take around 5K, but with which platform, I currently use TT costing me with desk fees $2500/month, which really kills me. I heard ninja trader was not bad. I really don't care about spreads for now so the important thing to me would be to have a DOM for the cheapest price. Also what broker offers the best rates?

 

Again, my prop shop keeps us in the dark a bit and being new to the business, I feel a bit cheated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I guess from what I've seen so far, ppl throwing size around I figured I needed at least 15K to start. Right now I trade 5 contracts on fixed income derivatives with a scalping and sometimes position trading. With 5 contracts my max drawdown is $500/day but I seriously think it's too much. With one contract It should be around $100-150. In essence from what I understand to be safe it would take around 5K, but with which platform, I currently use TT costing me with desk fees $2500/month, which really kills me. I heard ninja trader was not bad. I really don't care about spreads for now so the important thing to me would be to have a DOM for the cheapest price. Also what broker offers the best rates?

 

Again, my prop shop keeps us in the dark a bit and being new to the business, I feel a bit cheated.

 

Damn $2,500 a month? Ninjatrader costs me $190 every 3 months, my broker charges $4.80 or so per RT.

 

Then again I don't know anything about how you trade, maybe you do something much different than me that requires something I'm not aware of.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My TT only costs $1500 per month, my broker charges 1.68 RT and add an overhead of $1000 for the prop shop. Yeah its bad....that's why I want to trade my own account, trade less and take longer positions. So your ninja trader is 63 per month? I heard you can buy the platform for 1K.

 

I trade high frequency for small amounts, like 2-5 ticks. It doesn't suit my style, though and where I am now they don't let me take overnight positions so I am forced to trade intraday.

 

What do you trade? How long has it been?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I trade high frequency for small amounts, like 2-5 ticks. It doesn't suit my style, though and where I am now they don't let me take overnight positions so I am forced to trade intraday.

 

Just because you trade intraday does not mean you need to trade frequently for bird seed. You could choose to apply yourself to developing an approach that allows you to catch 20-100 tick moves. It can be done.

 

Ninja is free if you use it just for charting, but you will need either a broker whose feed connects to Ninja, or you will need to lease a compatible data feed. I use Ninja for charting, but I trade from my broker's DOM or TWS.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Thales

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Dude if your going solo - find a broker that offers TT free. You wont get the pro version but you get most of the features. The catch is that you will pay a bit higher commission - closer to 3.50 RT.

 

As far as funds to start - the late great George Lane (inventor of stochastic) argued that regardless of how much capitol you have never give a broker more than $5000. With 5k there are numerous brokers that will let you day trade 8-10 cars. If you know what you are doing you can make a decent living with a 5k account.

 

If you need to trade more size I would suggest using multiple brokers. I think its quite obvious I don't trust ANY broker. Keep em on short leashes and regularly withdraw profits.

 

just my 2¢

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

its encouraging to hear that 5K is feasible, I'm only looking to trade 1-2 lots in the eminis. I also would like to know if any of you guys know of brokers that accept Canadian clients. Any of them offer TT for free? I know AMP futures offer some interesting rates and TT but I don't know if they deal with Canadian clients.

 

Enochbenjamin, I agree with withdrawing profits regularly haha.

 

BTW thanks for the help guys I appreciate it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
    • Does any crypto exchanges get banned in your country? How's about other as Bybit, Kraken, MEXC, OKX?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.