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.

Dinerotrader

How Much Time Do You Spend?

Recommended Posts

I was just wondering how much time others are putting in on a daily basis related to their trading career. I was trying to add up what I spend right now and thought it would be nice to see how much time others are also spending. If you would be so willing, please post your time spent on average per day as broken out below.

 

A = Actual trading (watching the DOM, entering orders, etc..)

B = Trading methods review, review of the day’s trading, record keeping, etc..

C = Researching new methods, reading books, reading TL for new trading ideas

 

Here are my current numbers:

A - 4 hours

B - 2 hours

C - 2 hours

Total daily average: 8 hours

 

I do expect that number to come down after a year or so more of trading but for now, I have a lot to learn.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A = Actual trading (watching the DOM, entering orders, etc..)

B = Trading methods review, review of the day’s trading, record keeping, etc..

C = Researching new methods, reading books, reading TL for new trading ideas

 

A: 3-5

B: 1-3

C: 0-3

 

As time goes on, I spend less time on C and more on A and B.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A = Actual trading (watching the DOM, entering orders, etc..)

B = Trading methods review, review of the day’s trading, record keeping, etc..

C = Researching new methods, reading books, reading TL for new trading ideas

My numbers are as follows:

 

A - 12 hours

B - 3 hours

C - 0.5 hours

 

A and B are overlapping since I am watching the markets during Asian hours all the way to US morning while reviewing stuff throughout the day. C is something I have cut drastically over the past year. I have stopped learning new or other peoples method but instead sharpening my own.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Here are my current numbers:

A - 4 hours

B - 2 hours

C - 2 hours

Total daily average: 8 hours

 

That's impressive Dinero, considering you also work full-time (if I'm not mistaken).

 

If you don't mind, would you be willing to share your daily trading/work schedule (which hours you trade, which hours you work)?

 

Thanks,

 

Cory

 

EDIT: I don't mean to be intrusive...I was just curious because you appear to post/trade during the typical work day...I may have to get a full-time or maybe part-time job in the future, depending on how trading's going, so this topic is of particular interest to me...

Edited by Cory2679

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Previously when longer term trading

A=2 hrs

B=1hr

C=3 hrs (including reading papers, the internet, everything)

 

Now attempting to day trade more.

A=8 -10 hrs

B=1hr

C=8 -10 hrs (same as watching the DOM really)

 

Actual financial results seem to have a negative correlation to the hours spent so far.....which should be telling me something. (I should stick to my longer term trades)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
That's impressive Dinero, considering you also work full-time (if I'm not mistaken).

 

If you don't mind, would you be willing to share your daily trading/work schedule (which hours you trade, which hours you work)?

 

You forgot to post your own numbers Cory.

 

Yes, I am a CPA working a full time job at a fortune 500 company. I basically just get the work I am required to do completed and trade all other times. I go to work 2 hours early to trade the 1st 2 hours of oil and I can normally trade the 3rd hour uninterrupted as other employees trickle in (I live in Arizona so pit open is at 6:00am my time).

 

I am too risk adverse to quit my job until I am making more than my current income with real money trading. I have 4 sons (twin 5 year olds, a 3 year old and a 1 year old) with another boy on the way and the wife doesn't work so I don't have a lot of room for failure. I have gradually traded more and more over time at work and made sure my superiors knew I was a "do the bare mimimum" kind of employee so they wouldn't give me more responsibilities. Thank goodness for Open ECry because they are the only broker I have been able to download and use on my corporate computer. More info than you wanted but I got on a roll.

 

I hope more traders post their numbers here. I think it is really good for new/aspiring traders to see how much work time is actually put into trading. It also helps me to get motivated to make more time for trading development.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Previously when longer term trading

A=2 hrs

B=1hr

C=3 hrs (including reading papers, the internet, everything)

 

Now attempting to day trade more.

A=8 -10 hrs

B=1hr

C=8 -10 hrs (same as watching the DOM really)

 

Actual financial results seem to have a negative correlation to the hours spent so far.....which should be telling me something. (I should stick to my longer term trades)

 

Actually what it's telling you DD is that daytrading is not something that can be mastered in a short period of time. It will take you years to master this trade.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You forgot to post your own numbers Cory.

 

Fair enough. :)

 

Week:

 

A: 10.5 hours (Forex - EUR/USD: 8am-2:30pm, 7pm-11pm, eastern time).

B/C: about 1.5 hours

 

Weekend:

 

B/C: Varies a lot...on average, probably about 6 hours per day.

 

I would work from sun-up to sun-down every single day, except for my girlfriend...I sacrifice some of my trading time for her.

 

Some may see that as a lack of dedication, but we have been together for 7 years and it's a relationship I wish to maintain...even if it means that success in trading is put off just a little longer.

 

-Cory

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Actually what it's telling you DD is that daytrading is not something that can be mastered in a short period of time. It will take you years to master this trade.

 

Very true - after years of market making doing sometimes 200 trades a day, then trading longer term trend trading, you would think it might be easier, however I sometimes think I have more habits to break - I have to get into the habit of taking profits. Not usually a problem for many people. Its a very different discipline, related but different.

 

I certainly wish I had the dedication of Dinero - good luck - give my best to your wife - I come from a family of 5 boys so I can sympathise with you. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Fair enough...

 

I added up the hours I posted to 72 hours per week...it's really probably more like 80 if I factor in all the time I spend working on trading (for example, I'm up now, almost an hour past "quitting time").

 

I was talking to my girlfriend about it...I think it'd be interesting to essentially keep a time card for a week for any time spent working on trading. I figure I'd probably average around 80.

 

I think that's reasonable...when Goldman Sachs was at my school, one of their recruiters told me that the analysts work, on average, 80 hour weeks (but some weeks as many as 120!). I can safely say that I never work 120 hour weeks, but I do probably average around 80.

 

I am too risk adverse to quit my job until I am making more than my current income with real money trading...

 

Plus, if you ever want to be pulling down the big numbers, you're going to have to compound your returns and let your account grow. For me, even when/if I'm making decent money, it'll probably be a good long while before I'm willing to spend any of it.

Edited by Cory2679

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A = Actual trading (watching the DOM, entering orders, etc..)

B = Trading methods review, review of the day’s trading, record keeping, etc..

C = Researching new methods, reading books, reading TL for new trading ideas

 

Full time job as an owner/physician of an ER group. So my trading goes in spurts & fits. When home (and not tending to the 1 year old, or getting the other 2 girls off to school)

A: 4-8 hours

B: 0.5-1.0

C: TL has upped this a bit lately. 1.0-1.5 including 1-2 books usually being read at any given moment.

 

My glaring inability is category B - which to me means keeping that daily journal with (its better , but still only 60-70%) all of the trades. If I cant get my act together on that process (trade in AZ - so market closes = kids home from school = afternoon activities, then dinner, then inability to walk into office and do the hard work which is critiquing the day) If I cant get any better on keeping the diary up I may start to enact a 2 hour doldrum rule. Automatically turn off the feed on TS/T4 around 9AM local and log the AM trades as well as update the trade diary.

 

As someone who used to work 110-120 hour work weeks during my residency - I have found that trading is much more difficult mentally but alot easier physically. I do see the correlation that it takes a good 10,000 hours to become adept at this profession. That would leave another 4 years at this rate. I do enjoy the hours - and think the camaraderie that is found here in TL is very similar to that of a residency. Consists of alot of varied people taking their licks - seeking advice from the more experienced - and returning day after day to perfect their craft despite what curveball got thrown their way 24 hours earlier.

 

Weeks that I am working a fair # of shifts are typically no-trade weeks or perhaps having one glorious day in front of the screens. (Massive disappointment if that happens to be a quiet day!) So the hours can vary, but thats a good average.

 

I haven't entrusted myself enough to frequently trade the "set & forgets" - but do think that will be the next step in the evolution over the next couple of years. Which leads me to another question for the group - how many say they successfully swing & day trade? Or due to the mindset - are they mutually exclusive? (Perhaps for another thread).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A = Actual trading (watching the DOM, entering orders, etc..)

B = Trading methods review, review of the day’s trading, record keeping, etc..

C = Researching new methods, reading books, reading TL for new trading ideas

 

A - 2. I only trade the first two hours of the session

B - 1 including pre-trade prep

C - ??? 1 or 2 not really something I do 'every day', more when I have free time.

 

I reserve most of 'B' to the weekends. Maybe 8 hours over the weekend.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I was just wondering how much time others are putting in on a daily basis related to their trading career. I was trying to add up what I spend right now and thought it would be nice to see how much time others are also spending. If you would be so willing, please post your time spent on average per day as broken out below.

 

A = Actual trading (watching the DOM, entering orders, etc..)

B = Trading methods review, review of the day’s trading, record keeping, etc..

C = Researching new methods, reading books, reading TL for new trading ideas

 

Here are my current numbers:

A - 4 hours

B - 2 hours

C - 2 hours

Total daily average: 8 hours

 

I do expect that number to come down after a year or so more of trading but for now, I have a lot to learn.

 

How do you define category A (in more detail)?

Do you include breaks in your 8 hours (lunch, coffee, cigs, etc) as in normal 8-hour day-job?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
How do you define category A (in more detail)?

Do you include breaks in your 8 hours (lunch, coffee, cigs, etc) as in normal 8-hour day-job?

 

No inclusion of lunch, coffee, cigs, pot, heroine, etc. Category A would be actually monitoring positions or watching for entry/exits. Don't get too hung up on the details.;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
How do you define category A (in more detail)?

Do you include breaks in your 8 hours (lunch, coffee, cigs, etc) as in normal 8-hour day-job?

 

If this is the lbj that I know locally, please stay! We love you in Cleveland!

 

:thumbs up:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice comments all.

 

A- 2 hours morning session, 2 Hours late day some days, not all.

B-1 hour per day M-F. Then i do a top down review on Sunday for 1 hour

C- I like to read or re-read some books, once every other week.

 

Try not to absorb any other traders systems or look at this or that ideas. Once you master Basic Price Action, market Phases, and know how to use a FIB your set. like Bathrobe said............ KEEP IT SIMPLE!

 

Happy 4Th.

 

Ed.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
If this is the lbj that I know locally, please stay! We love you in Cleveland!

 

:thumbs up:

 

I smoke, so nothing to do with Cleveland! Do any soccer players still smoke?!

Do any soccer players now trade (not sure they need the money)?!

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.