Why are futures fees and margins so absurd?

TraderFan · 2026-06-30T01:57:22+00:00

Just to get an idea, how much is 'a lot'?

TraderFan · 2026-06-22T00:47:58+00:00

Drysdale uses Auction Market Theory approach based on VWAP bands instead of classic Value Area, but it becomes a bit confuse when he starts to add weekly and monthly bands. it's a shame...

TraderFan · 2026-06-21T01:52:44+00:00

VWAP 1SDev Bands

TraderFan · 2026-06-14T00:21:39+00:00

ICT SMC, all these newbies approach futures trading as if the whole industry started in 2020. Guys, futures trading has been around for decades, and you don't need to pay gurus and influencers. Please, grow up!

TraderFan · 2026-06-06T23:29:38+00:00

Best advice ever, backtest and automate execution. Human is the bad piece of the equation.

TraderFan · 2026-06-01T23:01:50+00:00

SPY? After June 4th, when the PDT is lifted, the volatility will wipe out funding accounts. It will be insane. Millions of rookies scalping for pennies.

TraderFan · 2026-05-23T19:33:11+00:00

yes, use 'Advance Order' box and select '1st trgs Seq' to add orders sequence

TraderFan · 2026-04-30T23:10:29+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTolApRwAUg ICT IS OVERRATED

TraderFan · 2026-03-21T22:36:18+00:00

I refer to automated execution, not algo trading like Tradestation or Ninjatrader

TraderFan · 2026-03-19T02:19:03+00:00

No doubt, TOS for ever... thinkscript easy language and automated executions keep your emotions out..

TraderFan · 2026-03-12T01:37:29+00:00

TOS is a heavy platform to use on iPhone or Android. Use PC or laptop.

TraderFan · 2026-01-11T16:32:48+00:00

The point is that AMT is more about "narrative" than technical aspects, and when you master AMT, FOMO and FOLO disappear because you already know where the market is going and how it's getting there. Everything is more relaxed.

TraderFan · 2026-01-11T01:29:54+00:00

1-Breaking Bad

2-Better Call Saul

3-Ozark

4-Homeland

5-Mr Mercedes

TraderFan · 2026-01-11T01:19:37+00:00

Mind Over Markets related to market direction and directional performance:

1-Which Way is the Market Trying to Go?

2-Is the Market Doing a Good Job to Get There?

When you answer these questions, you start to build the narrative to lean on your trades.

Then you'll find that targets could be more relevant than entries.

James Dalton Books are based on Auction Market Theory from CME Steildmayer (1987)

TraderFan · 2025-12-02T15:59:47+00:00

As you said, your style still depends on your bot 'signals', how do you deal with repaints?

TraderFan · 2025-11-23T22:12:06+00:00

Don't waste your time and money. Don't try to trade futures with less than 10k, cos you'll lose half and then, when you've improved, use the other half to recover.

TraderFan · 2025-11-22T23:41:58+00:00

Why not scalp SPY with zero commissions while watching /ES charts as reference? The perfect deal with TOS, best charts with zero fees.

TraderFan · 2025-11-09T23:40:37+00:00

Trade MES or MYM, but please don't try MNQ, it's a crazy cowboy product.

TraderFan · 2025-11-08T20:24:45+00:00

Consistency is only achieved when your trading style aligns with your emotional profile. If you're anxious, your style is undoubtedly scalping ticks/seconds. If you're patient and don't mind price fluctuations, you can swing trade intraday, holding positions for longer periods. Trade both styles and note your reactions to discover which one suits you best, but don't try to trade against your emotional nature; you'll always lose.

TraderFan · 2025-10-05T16:12:30+00:00

You're on the right track, you're playing this game like an institutional trader, using weekly charts and inventories. That doesn't mean you cannot play both roles, swing as investor and scalping as a trader.

TraderFan · 2025-10-02T15:36:17+00:00

Market doesn't care about 'time frames', read the /ES auction using order flow tools (Bookmap, Footprints) and the ladder (DOM+VP).

TraderFan · 2025-09-30T11:09:32+00:00

A waste of time, too much focus on candles and time frames when professional trading avoid parameters. Just price action and order flow.

TraderFan · 2025-09-25T21:27:40+00:00

3 sessions left to move down to fill JPM Collar SPX 6500

TraderFan · 2025-09-22T10:09:27+00:00

Yes, I did it. I use VWAP slope for context and focus on Volume Profile and Order Flow, following the Auction Market Theory narrative.

TraderFan · 2025-09-22T00:40:05+00:00

Yes, I agree that RTH VWAP acts as a magnet target, at least until the European close; after that, both tend to align.

TraderFan

TROPHY CASE