Friday, 17 April 2009

Successful CTA Careers Can Take Years to Build

By Bill Johnson

Money makes the world talk, and commodities trading advisors play a key role in that conversation. According to the National Futures Association, a CTA is defined as an individual or firm that directly or indirectly advises clients on buying or selling futures or options contracts. As professional money managers, CTAs must be registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.

Although there's no formal education process to become a CTA, it's advisable to first work at a trading firm prior to beginning a CTA career. Previous experience with a firm doesn't guarantee your success, nor is it a federal requirement. Many CTAs with no formal trading education prove themselves successfully in the market. However, first trying your hand with such a firm could indicate if you have a talent for trading.

Although a formal education process isn't required, credentials are. Before applying to the NFA, you must first pass the Series 3 exam that measures your understanding of the makeup and regulations of the futures market.

Many planning to take the Series 3 test first practice with online study packages that provide sample tests as well as test-taking strategies. Having an idea of what to expect can keep you from being blindsided on test day.

First, you must determine if you are ready to become a CTA. How much success have you had playing the stock market over a long period time? A certain amount of success may be fleeting and simply a luck of the market. Real talent can sustain such success over an extended period of time through a variety of market conditions.

Also, consider your finances and personal situation. Starting an investment business is risky, and timing is everything. Unless your CTA firm has a substantial amount under management, you can pretty much count on not seeing a paycheck the first year or two. Even managing a $1,000,000 account with a 2 percent management fee would only earn you $20,000 a year, or $1,600 a month.

Plus, you'll also face trading costs, rent, technology costs and fees for traditional support. Establishing a successful CTA career takes time. Be sure you have money in the bank before you begin.

Yet, if you have a natural knack for investment, your career may pay off considerably in the end. Even in rocky financial times like these, CTAs play a vital role in the marketplace. Learning to spot changes and trends ahead of the curve is the key to sustaining a career over time.

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