By traderdollar – Forex & Futures Trader | Based in France | 10+ Years of Experience
Trading isn’t a game. It’s not poker, and it’s definitely not a casino. For me, trading is a disciplined, strategic pursuit—one that I’ve built over more than a decade of self-education, market observation, and daily execution. I trade Forex and index futures with my own capital, and I do it with a long-term goal in mind: growing my capital steadily, without gambling on luck or hype.
🌍 Why I Chose Forex
The Forex market is open 24 hours a day, five days a week. It’s global, liquid, and constantly evolving. That rhythm suits me perfectly. Living by Japanese time, I follow the Asian session—especially Tokyo hours—with great attention. It’s quieter than London or New York, but it often sets the tone for the day ahead.
I trade major currency pairs like EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD. These pairs offer tight spreads, high liquidity, and clear reactions to macroeconomic news. The U.S. dollar is my anchor—it’s the world’s reserve currency and a powerful indicator of global sentiment.
Why I Trade Index Futures (Not Stocks or ETFs)
In addition to Forex, I trade stock indices—but only through futures contracts. I don’t touch individual stocks or ETFs. Futures give me the leverage, transparency, and macro focus I need. My go-to instruments are the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones futures. They reflect broader market sentiment and allow me to act quickly without the noise of earnings reports or sector-specific news.
Futures also align with my day trading style. I open and close all positions within the same day—no overnight exposure, no surprises while I sleep.
🚫 Why I Avoid Oil, Gold—and Crypto
Oil and gold are popular among traders, but I avoid them. Why? Volatility. These markets can swing wildly on geopolitical headlines, central bank whispers, or sudden supply shocks. I’ve seen too many traders get burned chasing those moves.
And then there’s crypto. I don’t trade cryptocurrencies. Not because I don’t understand them—but because I don’t trust the structure of the market. It’s unregulated, highly speculative, and often driven by hype rather than fundamentals. I’ve seen too many people treat crypto like a lottery ticket, and that’s not how I approach trading.
I prefer markets that reward analysis and discipline—not emotional reactions or social media trends. That’s why I stick to Forex and index futures.
A Self-Taught Trader
I didn’t come from finance. I taught myself everything—through books, online resources, and thousands of hours in front of the screen. I’ve made mistakes, taken losses, and learned the hard way. But every setback became a lesson. Today, I trade with my own capital, using strategies I’ve refined through experience.
That independence is everything. I don’t rely on prop firms or outside funding. I trade on my own terms.
My Daily Routine as a Day Trader
Discipline is my edge. I start each day by reviewing the Asian session, scanning economic calendars, and preparing my watchlist. I trade actively during the London and New York sessions, when liquidity is highest.
I follow a strict daily plan:
- No trades overnight
- All positions closed before I sleep
- Risk capped at 1–2% per trade
- Every setup backed by analysis
I don’t chase the market. I wait for high-probability opportunities and execute with precision.
Trading Is Not Gambling—It’s Long-Term Capital Building
I’m not here for adrenaline. I’m here to build. Each trade is a brick in the foundation of long-term capital growth. I don’t rely on luck—I rely on preparation, patience, and strategy.
This mindset separates traders from gamblers. I’m not chasing jackpots. I’m compounding results over time.
What I’ve Learned After 10+ Years
Here are four truths I’ve learned:
- Losses are part of the game. Accept them, learn from them, move on.
- Consistency beats brilliance. Flashy trades fade—discipline endures.
- Adaptability is key. Markets evolve. So must you.
- Humility matters. The market doesn’t care about your ego. Stay curious.
My Trading Tools
My setup is simple:
- Technical analysis + macro fundamentals
- Real-time data feeds
- Clean, customizable charts
- Economic news alerts
I don’t overload my screen with indicators. I focus on what works—and I stick to it.
Global Awareness Is Essential
Trading Forex means being globally aware. I follow central banks from Tokyo to Frankfurt, monitor elections in emerging markets, and track inflation data from every major economy.
Every event has a ripple effect. Understanding those connections is key.
Looking Ahead
I’m not trading for excitement. I’m trading for clarity, purpose, and growth. Forex has given me a lens through which to understand the world—and a way to build something meaningful.
I’ll keep refining my strategies, learning from the market, and staying focused on the long game.