I heard my name summoned back a few posts.
Through 2000 (2001 is better, but we don't have the stats yet).
Approximately 70% of traders who make it through the "learning curve" are successful with our firm after 1 year. 2 years it is about 80%, and of course after 3 years nearly everyone (who would keep doing this otherwise).
Many don't make it the first year. It has ranged from 30%-70% over the years, and since this is an "individual sport" - outside circumstances have a great impact on the numbers.
Since the requirement for licensing, our percentages have improved greately (we get very few "looky loos" and "hey, let's try stock trading, or Real Estate with no money down" types any longer).
About 95% of retail traders fail (according to the NASAA ...not me, so send your cards and letters to them).
About 90% of floor traders are gone in 1 year or less, according to my sources.
I think we have one of the best "batting averages" available. And just because a trader doesn't make it the first year, doesn't mean they have lost all their money....many simply to back to doing something else if they don't have the knack or skills for trading.
My Compliance Officer hates it when I post numbers, but I am sure that these are the correct stats reported to the regulators....(correct me if I am wrong, Diane!).