Quote from Hydroblunt:
Hey Don, ironically, that "non-member, non-broker/dealer, non-NASD, unlicensed, firm" actually utilizes and teaches a very similiar concept as pair trading. Just without all the bells and whistles, or the fees for the special training class or a boot camp program. And scalping is not pushed, far from it. Good volume traded to gross profit ratio is promoted.
By the way, being NASD licensed is nothing more than extra costs & regulations. It's not a favor or benefit. You can spin it anyway you want, but once the leverage advantage was gone, there is absolutely no sane reason to want to be licensed.
Pair trading is a safer strategy most of the time, it's just that you can get blown out by one anomaly. It's happened and will continue to happen. It's not a fool proof strategy but it does work. And it does bring up commission volume and interest charges, let's be honest. It is what it is. Does not make you guys sheisters or whatever, unlike most equity "prop" firms, you promote a style that actually works.
Well, gee, this is almost like the proverbial "kissing your sister" LOL - let me just say, that I'm really glad that the other type firms are doing some sophisticated pairt strategies (in all sincerity, it does no one any good to either lose, or see someone else, lose money when trading).
For the most part, and please correct me if I'm wrong, pairs strategies that our people take part in do tend to be a bit capital intensive, and most firms, regulated or not, don't have the money to allow these strategies. Now, I'm just talking about "my world" - and I'm sure there are firms that give their traders $millions to utilize - and from what I can attest to, based on traders joining us from other firms, we seem to offer an excellent overall package, otherwise these smart, successful traders would be somewhere else.
All the trading aside, running a successful business requires a heck of a lot of dedication..whether it be from the individual trader, or the family that does their best to facilitate their requirements.
Some choose the licensed contractor, some choose the "other guy" - heck, I've worked with both, and we've all seen "Holmes on Homes" right, LOL. Anyway, thanks for the adult and congenial post (I mean that).
Don
