I day traded the SP 500 and Nasdaq 100 on and off for about 8 years! Now, I trade stock and commodity markets on a much longer term! Days to Weeks! I've got better things to do with my time than watch 3 monitors all day long!
I think that it's very difficult to stay focused and disciplined all day every day and make money consistently! 1999-2001 provided some very good opportunities to day trade (large range days).
Now, the ballgame is much different with lower range days, decimalization of equities, lower commissions on e markets it seems more competitive to make money day trading equities and the mini's! Too many Big $$$ players tick "phuckin" for a 1/4 pt ($6.25) here or there in the mini's.
I always get a chuckle when a newbie says he wants to day trade the mini's! Day trading those markets is a sure way to the "nut and poor" house, IMHO. "Good luck", is what I say to those who wish to conquer the mini's!
Now for those who wish to "Day trade" a market, I suggest you look over at the CBOT Interest Rate products, especially the 30yr T-Bond and 10 yr T-Notes. You may find it easier, but still difficult to make money in these products. These markets provide some really nice intra-day ranges, and the tick size ( $31.25 for the 30-yr and $15.625 for the 10 yr makes it a much more attractive market to day trade verses the equity e-mini's, IMO!
In the end, all I really can say based on my experiences trading many different markets and time frames is that I am doing much better personally and financially as a longer term trader! I like to follow trends!
Good luck.
