$50,000 isn't really a factor to me for trading. I've been trading long enough. The leverage is what I'm curious about.
I agree that is probably too much leverage for most trading styles. 2 -1 is sometimes too much. On my some of the systems I run the expectancy of the system is high but lots of drawdowns in the process. I have one system though that is right about 95% of the time. The problem is it only generates a signal about once every 3 or 4 months. This is where I would like to use maybe 5 -1 leverage or 6-1 MAX with a tight stop of course.
I just talked with Brighttrading, but you trade for them. Put up $25,000 as a security deposit. A penny per share cost w/max of $25. $600 per month rent for office space, software, T1 line, Satelitte feed, squwak box to S&P pit, and computer equipment. Considering it costs over $900 per month for a live squwak box into the s&P pit that isnt' too bad.
I have another option , I am good friends with the daytraders of
http://www.careerdaytrader.com. They would let me trade with them at home/ or thier office. $25,000 minimum.
They make an extra $1.50 on all of the traders who trade through them on commissions per trade. That would be waived for me. 10 -1 leverage. Series 7 required just like above (which I happen to own) but the account is only one account (all of their money is pulled together)
That's scary, ....so ex that.
Stocktrade.net is another one, but they haven't answered my email yet.
Robert