CTA Startup

SuperVolatility · Dec 2, 2009

Hi letting everyone know I started a seperate discussion on "Best platform for CTA" http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=184483

I appreciate you guys commenting in the thread.

SuperVolatility · Dec 5, 2009

Quote from Aaron:

I chose the EAFE index to invest in because it was an international index, denominated in international currencies and I wanted more exposure in my portfolio to international equities and wanted to diversify out of US dollars. I figured if I wanted these things, other people might also.

Yes, I switched from Ffastrade to Interactive Brokers several years ago when I automated my trading through IB's programming interface.

CTA's don't have to generate statements. The client will get their statement from their broker. They just need to compute thier management fee and bill the client.

CPO's, on the other hand, are commodity pool operators. A pool is a managed futures fund. A registered CPO will have to prepare monthly financial statements for its investors. They'll also have to prepare an annual report and have it audited and then submit it to the NFA. I use Quickbooks and Excel for this accounting.

Aaron - your fund was named Shindler Fund in the early 2000's ... did you change strategy and fund/business all together? Performance on your site only 2 years old.

Aaron · Dec 8, 2009

Quote from SuperVolatility:

Aaron - your fund was named Shindler Fund in the early 2000's ... did you change strategy and fund/business all together? Performance on your site only 2 years old.

Yes, besides strategy changes there were other changes: lower fees, shorter notice period for withdrawals, daily NAV reporting, increase in minimum investment, and lower leverage.

Aaron Schindler

SuperVolatility · Mar 1, 2010

Aaron,
are you CTA and CPO?

Aaron · Mar 1, 2010

Quote from SuperVolatility:

Aaron,
are you CTA and CPO?

Yes, my firm is both a registered CTA and CPO. We offer both a pool and separately managed accounts.

It is easiest to start with just a CTA, but if you form a pool and go the CPO route, there isn't much more cost, work, or compliance involved in also offering separate accounts.

Good trading,
Aaron Schindler

nihao1234567890 · Mar 2, 2010

Quote from Aaron:

Yes, my firm is both a registered CTA and CPO. We offer both a pool and separately managed accounts.

It is easiest to start with just a CTA, but if you form a pool and go the CPO route, there isn't much more cost, work, or compliance involved in also offering separate accounts.

Good trading,
Aaron Schindler

Hi, Aaron,
I noticed that you have 35.8% return in 2009.
That is outstanding ......

Aaron · Mar 2, 2010

Quote from nihao1234567890:

Hi, Aaron,
I noticed that you have 35.8% return in 2009.
That is outstanding ......

Every money manager has ups and downs. It's nice of you to focus on the positive, Nihao. Thanks for being supportive!

Good trading to you,
Aaron

SuperVolatility · Mar 2, 2010

Aaron,
I thnk you work from your home office.

funny question - if you trade from home...did you ever had to meet with customers face-to-face and if yes...where did you meet with them..at home?

MarkBrown · Mar 2, 2010

i have never traded for or ever would trade for a cta that didn't share in commissions. granted the thought comes to mind to churn and make some money. but you may have to defend your stated method one day in court and tell why you took those trades.

you never have a problem if you state your average is 5k rt's per mil and it stays that way on avg. then you do 3x's that much inquiring minds wanna know wazzup.

you disclose, share and move on you have to make a living and be at the post trading every day and that takes money. i am not ashamed to take commissions - especially if you earn it.

SuperVolatility · Mar 2, 2010

Quote from MarkBrown:

i have never traded for or ever would trade for a cta that didn't share in commissions. granted the thought comes to mind to churn and make some money. but you may have to defend your stated method one day in court and tell why you took those trades.

you never have a problem if you state your average is 5k rt's per mil and it stays that way on avg. then you do 3x's that much inquiring minds wanna know wazzup.

you disclose, share and move on you have to make a living and be at the post trading every day and that takes money. i am not ashamed to take commissions - especially if you earn it.

what are you saying? I am not sure we talking about comish??