Author: Desmond Brooks

The Securities and Exchange Commission is set to lose 10% of its workforce, as nearly 500 employees take a $50,000 buyout. These SEC staff cuts come as part of a wider federal downsizing effort led by the Trump-Musk administration. The voluntary separation program was open to staff hired before January 24. Those who accepted agreed to leave through retirement, resignation, or transfer. If they return to the agency within five years, the full incentive must be paid back. Enforcement and Legal Divisions Affected The most affected areas include the Enforcement Division, the Office of Examinations, and the General Counsel’s Office. Insiders say…

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) posted strong March metrics with daily trading volume up and client numbers growing sharply. The brokerage saw a 44% year-over-year rise in Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs), totaling 3.471 million for the month. Despite a 4% dip from February, trading activity remains high. Client Account Growth Continues IBKR ended March with 3.62 million client accounts, up 32% year-over-year. The firm added 87,700 new accounts in the month, though 13,300 were escheated to authorities, lowering net growth to 74,400. Customer Assets and Balances Stay Strong These figures stayed mostly stable month-over-month, reflecting continued investor activity. Breakdown of Commissions and Fees Interactive Brokers reported an average commission of $2.85 per cleared…

New integration blends investment tools with broker platforms, turning CRM systems into fund management hubs. Broctagon and Takeprofit Tech introduce CRM upgrade that allows forex brokers to manage client accounts like small hedge funds. This partnership adds fund management tools directly into Broctagon’s broker platform, expanding its use beyond basic operations. The key update is the integration of EasyMAM, a portfolio solution by Takeprofit Tech, into Broctagon’s AXIS CRM. Brokers can now oversee multiple investor accounts from a single interface, helping them act more like fund managers. Broctagon Expands CRM Role Broctagon CEO Don Guo said the CRM should act as a growth engine for brokerages.…

The Trading Pit has integrated the cTrader platform into its trading system, making it available exclusively for its Prime CFDs challenges. This follows a broader trend of prop firms adopting cTrader, coming just a day after Hoorahannounced its own integration. The company says this move is about enhancing the trader experience with better tools and greater flexibility. “We’re excited about this partnership because it gives our community access to one of the most advanced trading platforms available. Bringing cTrader into our system reinforces our commitment to a smooth, transparent trading experience,” said Daniela Egli, CEO of The Trading Pit. Expanding Trading Capabilities With this integration, The Trading…

Forex grid trading takes a different approach from traditional strategies. Instead of predicting market direction, it places buy and sell orders at set intervals around the current price. This allows traders to profit from price fluctuations regardless of the trend. But is grid trading profitable? And what are the risks? Let’s break it down. How Forex Grid Trading Works Grid trading uses a series of buy and sell orders at fixed price levels above and below a central price point. This creates a “grid” of trades that execute as the market moves. For example, a trader might place grid orders…

Gold and bitcoin are often compared as stores of value, but they couldn’t be more different. Gold has been a reliable asset for centuries, while Bitcoin is a newer digital alternative. As Bitcoin adoption grows, some wonder if it could eventually replace gold. This comparison looks at regulation, security, utility, liquidity, volatility, and long-term viability. Bitcoin: The Rise of “Digital Gold” In December 2024, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said, “People use Bitcoin as a speculative asset. It’s like gold, only it’s virtual.” While this doesn’t mean Bitcoin will replace gold, it shows how people view it—as a store of value rather…

Prop firms give traders access to capital if they can prove they’re consistently profitable. You don’t need years of experience, a degree, or a specific location to join. Instead, you must pass an evaluation, commonly known as a “Prop Firm Challenge,” before getting funded. This guide explains how these challenges work, what they require, and strategies to succeed. What Is a Prop Firm Challenge? A prop firm challenge tests whether a trader can make steady profits while managing risk. Traders use a demo account with set profit targets and loss limits. If they meet the requirements, they get access to…

Retail prop trading has exploded in popularity, with traders eager to access funded accounts. But many don’t fully understand how do proprietary trading firms make money. While they promise opportunities, their business model is designed to ensure the firm profits first. Here’s a breakdown of how these firms operate, where their revenue comes from, and what traders should consider before paying to take a challenge. How Retail Prop Firms Operate Retail prop firms aren’t like traditional proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, or high-frequency trading firms. Instead of making money directly from trading, they rely on fees paid by traders. Key…

Trading has been around since the 1600s, but technology has changed the game. Today, anyone with internet access can trade, but making consistent profits takes skill, strategy, and discipline. If you’re serious about trading as a career, learning the right way is crucial. Is Short-Term Trading Right for You? Short-term trading isn’t for everyone. It requires patience, emotional control, and a deep understanding of the markets. Unlike long-term investors, short-term traders aim to profit from quick price movements—sometimes within minutes or hours. There are different trading styles to consider: Many successful traders start part-time before going full-time. The key is…

A lot of people look for extra income, and part-time trading has become a go-to option. The pandemic pushed more people to explore new ways to make money, and short-term trading became a popular side hustle. If you’re thinking about trading while keeping your full-time job, this guide will help you get started without risking your main source of income. Why Is Short-Term Trading So Popular? Technology has made trading easier than ever—you just need an internet connection. While long-term investing is still common, short-term trading attracts people who want quicker returns and more control over their financial choices. Retail…