Day trading, the adrenaline-pumping world of buying and selling securities within a single day, beckons with the allure of quick profits and market mastery. But let's be honest, the barrier to entry can feel like Fort Knox. Between the hefty capital requirements and the constant gnawing doubt of "am I good enough?" Getting started can be a daunting task.
But before diving headfirst, a critical review is crucial. Can Apex Trader Funding (ATF) be trusted? Is it a legitimate steppingstone to success, or a potential pitfall?
This review delves into the nitty-gritty of Apex Trader Funding, scrutinizing the evaluation process, potential bonuses, and the inherent risks of day trading. We'll address your concerns:
By dissecting the realities of Apex Trader Funding, this review empowers you to make informed decisions as you navigate the often-uncertain waters of day trading.
Apex Trader Funding is a prop trading firm, meaning they provide capital to day traders in exchange for a share of the profits. It's a company that specializes in funding evaluations for futures markets, not stocks or other financial instruments. They offer traders the opportunity to trade with a funded account, meaning they are given capital to trade with, in exchange for a share of the profits generated.
ATF don't directly "teach" traders, but they do offer funded accounts that allow traders to demonstrate their skills and potentially gain access to larger amounts of capital.
How does ATF evaluate traders?
Promo Code for Evaluation:
Use the coupon code NRWRQEYW during checkout to claim the current discount.
Do you need a license or degree?
No, you don't need a license or college degree to participate in Apex Trader Funding's program.
Do you need to be good at math?
While basic math skills are helpful, strong analytical and risk management skills are more crucial for success in day trading.
Focus on play, not losing the game:
This statement highlights the importance of risk management in day trading. While aiming for profits is important, prioritizing avoiding significant losses is essential for long-term success.
Buying, Selling, Entry, and Exit:
These are fundamental concepts in any type of trading and understanding them is essential for effective market participation. However, mastering these concepts requires dedicated study and practice beyond the scope of this summary.
Apex Trader Funding boasts several benefits designed to appeal to aspiring and experienced day traders. Here's a breakdown of their key offerings:
Reduced Evaluation Time: You can qualify for a funded account in as few as 7 trading days (compared to the standard 10 days) by meeting their profit and risk management goals.
Flexible Risk Management: They offer a "trailing threshold" which eliminates the stress of daily drawdowns. This dynamic limit automatically adjusts based on your account equity, allowing you to manage risk more effectively.
Extended Trading Hours: You can trade 23 hours a day, including holidays and during news events (between 6 PM ET and 4:59 PM ET). This provides greater flexibility to align your trading schedule with your preferences.
Uncapped Position Sizing: Unlike some prop firms, Apex doesn't limit your position size. However, their system automatically caps your positions to prevent exceeding risk parameters.
News Trading Freedom: They allow you to trade your normal strategy even during news releases if it doesn't involve specific prohibited tactics like directional news trading or pre-news entries.
Simplified Qualification Process: The evaluation process is streamlined: achieve your profit target before reaching the maximum drawdown within 7 days, and you qualify for a funded account.
Have you encountered the need for an account reset following a failed evaluation? Apex Trader Funding (ATF) introduced a new policy effective from 5/1/22. In cases where your account renews but remains in a failed status, ATF will automatically reset the balance and trading days to their original values. This proactive policy ensures that if your account renews while still in a failed state, you are only required to cover the renewal cost without facing additional reset charges. This user-centric approach aims to streamline the process for traders facing account challenges, offering a seamless experience within the ATF ecosystem.
In order to provide clarity regarding the activation fees associated with Apex Trader Funding's Performance Accounts (PA), we have outlined the key points below:
Key Points:
Account Size | Rithmic | Tradovate |
25k | $130 | $150 |
50k | $140 | $160 |
75k | $180 | $200 |
100k (Full & Static) | $220 | $240 |
150k | $260 | $280 |
250k | $300 | $320 |
300k | $340 | $360 |
The main difference between the Rithmic and Tradovate plans offered by Apex Trader Funding lies in the platform used and the associated monthly fee.
Platform:
Monthly Fee:
Other Similarities:
Choosing Between Rithmic and Tradovate:
The foundation of Apex Trader Funding (ATF) is deeply rooted in the visionary leadership of Darrell Martin, the CEO. Martin's passion for creating a world where trade can occur seamlessly, coupled with his dedication to providing essential guidelines for risk management and startup funding, has been instrumental in ATF's growth. As a self-taught trader driven by a strong sense of responsibility towards his family, Martin's journey from diligently studying and seeking mentorship to overcoming challenges in scaling his trading endeavors embodies the spirit of empowerment that defines ATF. His aspiration to provide aspiring traders with opportunities reflects ATF's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive trading environment.
This section clarifies the key differences between the rules for the evaluation and the funded account at Apex Trader Funding, focusing on the 50k Tradovate plan:
Evaluation Rules:
Funded Account Rules:
Payout Rules:
Additional Notes:
Key Strategies for Passing the Evaluation:
Pros:
Cons:
Important points to understand:
Key rules:
In the realm of proprietary trading firms, looking for an alternative to Apex Trader Funding can lead you to discover various options. Here's a comparison showcasing how these alternatives fare against Apex Trader Funding:
This comparison highlights the competitive landscape and presents alternative options to consider when exploring proprietary trading firms beyond Apex Trader Funding.
Determining whether Apex Trader Funding is "legit" depends on your specific definition of the term. Here's what you need to consider:
Legality:
Reputation:
Risks:
Therefore, while Apex Trader Funding might be a legitimate company, it's crucial to approach it with caution.
Here are some resources to help you make an informed decision:
Apex Trader Funding offers a prop trading program with several benefits, including a potentially faster qualification process, flexible risk management tools, and extended trading hours. However, it's crucial to understand that these benefits come with significant risks. Day trading itself is inherently risky, and participating in a prop firm amplifies that risk as you're trading with borrowed capital.
While Apex Trader Funding appears to be a legitimate company, it's essential to conduct your own research, understand your risk tolerance, and consult with a financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Remember, day trading and prop firms are not suitable for everyone, and only invest what you can afford to lose.