Determining if prop firms are beneficial isn’t a straightforward “yes” or “no” question—it varies based on multiple elements. Which prop firm are you considering? What broker do they partner with? What trading limits are in place? What fees are involved for traders? Not all traders will find value in a prop firm, depending on their stage in the trading journey.
Let’s delve into the realm of prop trading.
What is Prop Trading?
There are various prop firms, but I will concentrate on one in particular: Proprietary trading firms, or prop firms, are financial entities that provide traders with the firm’s capital to trade in return for a share of the profits generated.
How Does Prop Trading Work?
Top-tier prop firms equip traders with a live trading account, allowing them to retain 80-90% of their profits based on the specific firm’s policy. However, traders must first clear an evaluation phase.
The Evaluation Process
This involves testing a trader’s profitability using a demo account with specific targets. What do these targets include? They might consist of:
- Profit Target: Traders must increase the account by a certain percentage of the initial demo balance.
- Maximum Drawdown: The evaluation halts if the account drops by a set percentage from the starting deposit (often 8-10%).
- Daily Loss Limit: Trading is suspended if the account’s value falls by a specified percentage or dollar amount within a single day.
- Trading Days: Some firms require hitting the profit target within a set number of days to show consistency.
- Maximum Winning Day: At most, the most profitable day should be a certain percentage of the profit target to encourage consistent, repeatable results over multiple days.
What Happens After the Evaluation Process?
Successful traders are granted a live account with a specified balance and continue to apply the same risk management strategies from the evaluation phase.
Payout Policy
Prop firms set specific terms for payouts. Generally, traders can choose how often they receive payouts, and firms typically process these requests within a few days.
Which Markets Can I Trade with Prop Firms?
Prop firms often offer trading across various markets, including Forex, metals, equities, and crypto. Some are specialized in futures trading only.
What are the Prop Trading Costs?
Typically, the only expense is the evaluation fee, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the desired starting balance for the live account. Most prop firms allow traders multiple attempts without requiring an additional fee. However, some may charge a monthly payment once the trader moves to the live account stage.
How Much Money Can I Make in Prop Firms?
Traders earn a share of the profits, usually between 80-90%. Some of the best prop firms in forex may start traders at a lower percentage and increase it as they demonstrate consistent profitability. The earning potential is substantial, with successful traders earning payouts ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. For instance, as of this writing, the highest payout recorded at FTMO was $1.2 million. The actual profits a trader can expect depend on the initial balance, which typically ranges from $10k to $200k, with most prop firms adjusting the entrance fee based on the starting balance.
Can I Lose Money in Prop Trading?
The primary financial risk to the trader is the entrance fee; beyond that, the prop firm absorbs all trading risks. This arrangement is a significant advantage of trading with a prop firm.
Pros and Cons: What are the Potential Risks and Rewards of Trading with a Prop Firm?
Pros:
- Profit Potential: Access to more capital and the ability to retain a high percentage of profits are key motivators for traders considering a prop firm.
- Structure: Profit targets and risk management rules imposed by prop firms help traders succeed by providing a structured framework.
- Support: Prop firms often offer educational resources and personalized coaching. They also facilitate collaboration and networking with other traders, which can be especially beneficial.
Cons:
- Trading Restrictions: Some prop firms impose conditions that may not align with every trader’s style, such as prohibiting open positions over weekends or during significant news events.
- Evaluation Fee: This is generally the only upfront cost, but it can be a barrier for some.
- Broker Restrictions: Traders must use the prop firm’s chosen broker, which can be a drawback if the broker has poor execution practices or benefits from widened spreads at the trader’s expense.
- Psychological Factors: Managing a larger balance in a live account can be challenging for some traders, impacting their performance.
Should I Use a Prop Firm or Higher Leverage?
In jurisdictions like the U.S., E.U., U.K., and Canada, where leverage is capped, a prop firm may offer better conditions than seeking higher leverage in less regulated environments. While some traders prefer higher leverage for potentially higher returns, it often comes at the cost of decreased regulatory protection.
Bottom Line
Prop firms provide traders with an excellent opportunity to access additional capital, enhancing their profit potential. Successfully passing a prop firm’s evaluation, which includes meeting profit targets within designated risk parameters, is crucial. Using a prop firm’s broker can have both positives and negatives. Still, the structure, support, and regulatory framework provided by reputable prop firms can significantly contribute to a trader’s success.