“Don’t chase the market, let it come to you”

Traders often tend to look for what they want to see in the market, even when it isn’t actually there, especially after waiting for a signal for a long time. Impatience can lead them to perceive trading opportunities where, according to their rules, none exist. How do our new FTMO Traders combat this challenge?

Trader Daniel Paul: “Don’t listen to others, find your own path.”

What does your risk management plan look like?

Flexible depending on volume. If volume is good and markets are correlating, I use 0.75 - 1.25% risk. If markets are not correlating 0.5 - 1% risk. Managing throughout the trade.

Where have you learnt about FTMO?

The feedback and the analysis have helped me understand what I do without intentionally doing it, which is a confidence booster. It helped me be more strict with journaling as well.

What was the most difficult during your FTMO Challenge or Verification and how did you overcome it?

On my stage 1 I had a lot of drawdowns. Well, more than I would have liked, it forced me to trust my plan and not do anything stupid and it paid off. The win percentage was made lower due to this losing streak but thanks to management in the trades I still got the 10% whilst following the same plan.

How did loss limits affect your trading style?

They didn’t, I understand there are losses and stuck to my plan. 2024 I was working a lot on the mental side of trading which helped me a lot in this challenge.

What do you think is the key for long term success in trading?

Mentality and understanding.

What would you like to say to other traders that are attempting the FTMO Challenge?

Don’t listen to others, find your own path, create your own system and trust yourself. Use the FTMO analysis to pinpoint and adapt if needs be.

Trader Jacob Stuart: “The arrow doesn’t seek the target. The target draws the arrow.”

What do you think is the most important characteristic/attribute to become a profitable trader?

Patience, consistency and the ability to stick to your plan. Don’t chase the market, let it come to you. The arrow doesn’t seek the target. The target draws the arrow.

What was more difficult than expected during your FTMO Challenge or Verification?

Having an open position closing in on my profit target during the Verification stage then all of a sudden reversing and moving in the opposite direction.

How did you manage your emotions when you were in a losing trade?

Remain focused and do not let emotions overwhelm you or fool you into making a poor decision. Let the trade ride - we can’t be right 100% of the time, accept it and move on! If we were always right, we’d never know what’s wrong!

Has your psychology ever affected your trading plan?

Yes, most definitely. In the early stages it can be hard to control emotions and stick to a plan which is only exaggerated by the fact we’re dealing with money which can affect our emotions & mental clarity. There is a plan for a reason - stick to it.

Describe your best trade.

I can’t say that I have one. I’ve taken some great positions in my time trading but every trade I take is a good one if it meets my plan. Regardless of whether I win or lose.

What is the number one advice you would give to a new trader?

Don’t rush the process. Learning this craft takes time and will challenge you in so many ways but enjoy them, they will make you a better person overall, in life and in trading.

Trader Jerry Junior: “Follow your plan no matter, especially if you have a system that is working.”

How did Maximum loss limits affect your trading style?

It allowed me to change my risk management approach to give each one of my trades the breathing room it needs to play out according to my trade setup.

Do you plan to take another FTMO Challenge to manage even bigger capital?

Yes, I do. I want to achieve the 400k and then scale up to the highest capital possibly available.

What does your risk management plan look like?

Between 0.25-1% risk per trade.

What do you think is the key for long term success in trading?

Follow your plan no matter, especially if you have a system that is working. Journal each trade so you can analyze and get some background as to why you took the trade. Make refinements necessary to the market conditions if needed. Most important of all is the risk management approach, without it your account will most likely be blown at some point because of the inconsistent risk being applied.

What was the hardest obstacle on your trading journey?

Making sure I stick to my plan and believe in it. Fear of missing out does tend to come in when you don't want to. It usually affected my consistency.

What would you like to say to other traders that are attempting the FTMO Challenge?

Take your time and do not rush your trades, follow your plan and apply risk management accordingly. If you do that, you set yourself with a stronger possibility to pass the challenge.

Trader Rene Gabriel: “I think the main thing is psychology and risk management”

How would you rate your experience with FTMO?

My experience was the best, the company met all my expectations, and I think it was the best decision I have made so far. Thank you very much FTMO for the opportunity.

What was easier than expected during the FTMO Challenge or Verification?

During Verification, what I liked most was the speed since it was less than 2 minutes, and my identity was already verified.

What do you think is the key for long term success in trading?

I think the main thing is psychology and risk management to be a profitable trader in the long term.

What was the most difficult during your FTMO Challenge or Verification and how did you overcome it?

I think it was in the Verification phase that psychology tried to get the better of me, but we continued to stick to our risk management and came out on a positive note.

What do you think is the most important characteristic/attribute to become a profitable trader?

I believe and think that it would be patience, temperance and definitely the love for this profession.

What is the number one advice you would give to a new trader?

I would tell him that the most important thing is to first work on developing his character and his emotions and then learn how to operate in the market.