I'm trying to figure out exactly how the payout system works for prop traders. Here's an example:
Say your trades net $5,000/month (before your 40% payout) over the first 4 months. So at the start of month 5 you are up $20,000 net (before payout). Then during month 5 you lose $5,000 net, bringing you down to a level of positive $15,000 net since you started. Now I can understand that you get paid say $2,000 (40% of $5,000) for each of the first 4 months and nothing for month 5 (assuming no holds and delays). But then month 6 you earn $5,000 net again which brings you back up to your previous (career) high balance of $20,000. The question is, do you get paid for this $5,000 net gain for month 6 or not? Do you get paid whenever you have a positive net for the month and your running total is above $0 (ie: you are a profitable trader over your career)? OR do you only get paid for the amount you earn above your career high (ie: only get paid on what you earn after I have got back up to $20,000 net)?
Sorry for the long question/example, but I really want to understand this before I consider joining a prop firm. Thanks
Say your trades net $5,000/month (before your 40% payout) over the first 4 months. So at the start of month 5 you are up $20,000 net (before payout). Then during month 5 you lose $5,000 net, bringing you down to a level of positive $15,000 net since you started. Now I can understand that you get paid say $2,000 (40% of $5,000) for each of the first 4 months and nothing for month 5 (assuming no holds and delays). But then month 6 you earn $5,000 net again which brings you back up to your previous (career) high balance of $20,000. The question is, do you get paid for this $5,000 net gain for month 6 or not? Do you get paid whenever you have a positive net for the month and your running total is above $0 (ie: you are a profitable trader over your career)? OR do you only get paid for the amount you earn above your career high (ie: only get paid on what you earn after I have got back up to $20,000 net)?
Sorry for the long question/example, but I really want to understand this before I consider joining a prop firm. Thanks