Getting started — frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to start?

Enough to trade at 1 percent risk with sensible stops. On micro lots, 500 to 1,000 allows that on major forex pairs. Anything less forces oversized positions. For cash shares, fractional shares mean almost any amount works, but commissions on very small trades can be disproportionate.

Should I start with forex or stocks?

Stocks are easier to understand: a company, a product, a profit. Forex is easier to access with a small account and is open around the clock. Most people find it easiest to learn the mechanics of trading on one liquid market — EUR/USD or the S&P 500 — and expand later.

Demo or live?

Demo first, for at least a month and through at least one major economic release. Then live at the smallest possible size. The transition matters more than the demo period.

Is trading legal in my country?

Trading itself is legal almost everywhere. What varies is which brokers may serve you and which products they may offer. See the regional page and check your national regulator’s register.

How much can I make?

Professional discretionary traders target something like 10 to 30 percent a year with controlled drawdowns. Claims of consistent monthly double-digit returns are marketing. Most retail traders lose money; the regulators’ published statistics say so.

Do I need to pay for signals or a course?

No. Everything on this site is free. Paid signals remove the one thing that produces long-term results, which is your own understanding. If you pay for anything, pay for data and a good platform.

What time should I trade?

For forex, the London–New York overlap. For US stocks, the first and last hour of the cash session. For everything else, when the market you trade is in its main session.

How long until I’m profitable?

Typically one to three years of consistent practice. Anyone promising faster is selling something.

Can I trade with a full-time job?

Yes, with a swing-trading approach on daily and four-hour charts. Day trading with a job usually fails because you are never fully present.

What is the single most important thing?

Position size. Everything else can be learned while you are still in the game; sizing decides whether you stay in it.