Topsteptrader

[Xela]

Step 2: Funded Trader Preparation
- during this step I have to use the scaling plan, so for the first $1500 I can only trade using two lots even though the previous step allowed for me to trade using 5 contracts...?

Yes, quite right, and as Joe so rightly says, above, you really need to consider trying to trade the combine as if it were a live account.

First, it will help you a lot to use all the same parameters for the Combine, the FTP and the live account.

Secondly, the fact that you're allowed to trade 5 lots in the $50k Combine doesn't make it a sensible thing to do. For myself, if trying a $50k Combine, I would routinely trade one lot, adding one additional lot to some of my winning positions after adjusting their stop-losses to lock in some profit, and no more. TST's parameters predicate that you have far more to lose than to gain from large position-sizes: assuming that you have a genuine edge (and you wouldn't be doing a Combine at all, without assuming that?), you'll want to bear in mind that there are no time limits, and you'll "get there" and pass it, if you don't fall foul of the various loss limits.

The last time the overall Combine pass-rates were independently audited, they were just over 20%. Since then, there have been rule changes which were clearly designed to increase that figure, and I'm sure they have increased that figure, but I'd give long odds that the failures include traders who do have a genuine edge but have still blown it by using too-big position-sizes.

TST's entire procedures are based around their need to identify traders who appreciate that successful trading is all about risk-management, not profit maximization. I'm "just saying" ...

 

[SimpleMeLike]

In the simplest of terms, the way to view the live account is as follows:

ALL live account balances on Day 1 will start at "ZERO" (i.e., the "starting" balance).

On Days 1 through 10, your goal is to build up the balance (i.e., equity). During this time, you are being financially backed with whatever maintenance margin is required for the maximum allowable lot sizes you are allowed to trade, PLUS the allowance for the maximum allowable draw during the first ten days only. These ten days do not have to be consecutive calendar days, just 10 days of trading in total.

On Day 11, you will either have a positive or negative balance. If you are BELOW the "$0" starting balance (i.e., negative equity), then you will lose the funded trading account.

On Day 11, if you are ABOVE the "$0" starting balance (i.e., positive equity), then you can continue with the funded trading account.

However, on Day 11 and beyond, you are being funded with MAINTENANCE MARGIN ONLY, since the "equity" is what you created in the first 10 days of the live account. In your example, you would have $2,000 in equity, not a balance of $32k, since all live accounts start at zero. That $2,000 is the maximum allowable amount you are allowed to lose, until of course, you build more equity.

The key is to follow the scale up rules, and try and maximize it during the critical first 10 days of the live account, ensuring that your equity is high enough to justify trading.

https://topsteptrader.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/1950862-funded-trader-scaling-plan

Thank you so much ScalperJoe for responding.

Great detail answer and it makes sense to me now. You are correct, the first 10 days is critical of building up enough equity to trade and cover the money loss days.

Thanks you,

 

[CME_Trader]

"i wonder why many of TST traders choose CL initially..."

1. volatility
2. adapts to the "base 10" model (1 tick equals $10 bucks, 10 ticks equals $100 bucks, etc.)
3. only 1 restricted event per week (must be flat pre/post number), whereas TST requires a trader to follow 18 "restricted events" for ES.
4. CL is priced similar to a stock, and most traders are familiar with stocks, so it's an easy adaptation to trade CL initially.
5. promotion of those who passed the combine with CL will generate more interest in CL.

Here's the latest report from CME regarding the leading products:

http://www.cmegroup.com/education/files/cme-group-leading-products-2016-q2.pdf

that's right.but i still i wonder how they will handle "slippage" of crude in higher lots .CL & NQ are best for directional trend traders.the ES is suitable for chop traders & accepts huge size .

 

[ScalperJoe]

that's right.but i still i wonder how they will handle "slippage" of crude in higher lots .CL & NQ are best for directional trend traders.the ES is suitable for chop traders & accepts huge size .

First, by "higher lots" there has to be a trader actually clipping 20 lots of crude in a funded live account. TST has made no such reference, except for the one trader who had the equity to justify 20 lots of ES, and that trader apparently is no longer with TST.

So in theory you're correct, they WOULD most likely face challenges given the slippage with crude, especially during volatility and "air pockets" often found at certain support/resistance levels. However, in reality, to clip a 20 lot crude trade, there would have to be enough real equity in the account to justify such a move.

And yes, ES is suitable for "chop traders" taking size, given the liquidity.

 

[SimpleMeLike]

FYI, TST does not allow you to trade with a trading mobile app. Since 90% of my trades is taking with my trading android app while at work. Unfortunately I can not join TST.

I am glad I did my due diligence before I got the funded account and removed from using a mobile app to take their trades.

However, I do recommend TST to traders with little capital.

Thanks,

 

[ScalperJoe]

Thank you so much ScalperJoe for responding.

Great detail answer and it makes sense to me now. You are correct, the first 10 days is critical of building up enough equity to trade and cover the money loss days.

Thanks you,

No problem. It's good that you're conducting due diligence, and observing the opportunity objectively by reading all of the rules.

 

[SimpleMeLike]

No problem. It's good that you're conducting due diligence, and observing the opportunity objectively by reading all of the rules.

Yes, I am proceeding with the TST combine to earn a funded account. I belive in myself and I like their rules. For me, doing the combine is a no brainer. The reward exceeds the risk by far.

I will post my results soon.

Thanks.

 

[Pekelo]

Unfortunately I can not join TST.

Yes, I am proceeding with the TST combine

 

[Xela]

You've missed the point, Pekelo. Not for the first time, on this subject.

SimpleLikeMe explained that he couldn't join TST using a mobile app, and so he's found a way of not using it, so that he can.

You misunderstood what he said, mistakenly thought he was contradicting himself, quoted him out of context, and because of your own misunderstanding, you're now trying to ridicule him? Are you sure you should be posting in this thread??

(Nice cat, though: I'll grant you that.)

 

[SimpleMeLike]

Hello Pekelo,

Lol, no offense taken at all. I am just trying to get it right.

I use the ET forum as away to confirm my thinking process in hopes that other people either I agree, disagree, or challenge my thinking. I fully I understand I do not know it all or care to know it all. That's why I post here to for smart guys like yourself can respond. As well, as share my helping with other somewhat newbies like myself.

This business requires alot of thinking by yourself and I am lucky to have ET and experienced traders respond to my questions and thoughts.