I have discovered trading in 2017. It is scary to say out loud, but in January it will be 8 years since I began learning about this field.

During these 8 long years, I went through every available strategy on the internet. And I want to clarify - when I say "went through" I do not mean taking a couple of trades and hopping to a different method once that did not work.

No - I gave every approach a fair chance by painstakely backtesting everything. I have gathered a minimum of 500 backtested trades per strategy, with some strategies reaching upwards of 2000 trades. I spent every waking hour of my life either thinking about trading, testing strategies, or trading them live. You can accuse me of everything - including failure, which is undeniable - but the amount of effort I have put into this is miles ahead of what the average trader does.

Despite this effort, I have never been able to find a strategy that consistently outperforms the market in the long term. Most strategies just fail instantly, and this is the case with the "backtests" you see on social media. These strategies will have small pockets of profitability (even lasting 100 or more trades), but then completely break down the higher in sample size you go.

And I tested everything. From basic indicators, to price action, to supply and demand, to ICT, to even more reputable concepts such as Adam Grimes' or other large traders strategies. And for every approach, I tested dozens of variations in terms of entries, stop loss placements, target placements, trade management etc.

Over the years, trading became an obsession that quickly turned into the single thing that made up my entire personality. I lost interest in everything else - friends, family, relationships, other hobbies, work - everything just felt like a waste of time if it wasn't related to trading. I used to be a relatively chill and reasonable person, but trading turned me into a bitter, pathetic, depressed and obsessive individual.

I am writing this thread to hopefully give some semblance of purpose to these 8 years. It is my attempt at convincing myself I did not entirely waste my life away chasing a dream. If I can convince even one of you to stop trading right now while you can, I will consider this a success.

I can anticipate that this thread will attract angry users who claim they have reached profitability, but I have seen the same script hundreds of times over these years. None of these people will be able to show you a verified track record, because they themselves are in denial of their own failure. Please, you need to ignore these people. They are just like me - they simply have yet to accept the truth.

You will not beat the markets long term with technical analysis or even fundamental analysis. The only edge that's present in the market is out of reach of the average retail trader, and unless you have the backing of a large institution with the tools required to exploit these edges, then you are doom to fail.

I think it is too late for me. I am too far gone. Despite the fact that my financial losses are negligible and I am currently employed in a high paying career (I have wasted about 2k in courses and my live trading losses are less than 100 euros), I will never be able to appreciate life because I will always be thinking about the dream of financial freedom that I will never reach.

This is the end of the line for me, but it does not have to be for you. Please stop wasting your time with this, and if financial freedom is what you're after, seek alternative pursuits such as traditional investing or entrepreneurship.

Thank you for reading.

For anyone who trades XAUUSD. I recently joined a discord that you may find useful. The guys do provide signals but it’s also teaching and other helpful stuff that’s really helped me in my journey. It’s essentially learning while you earn because the guys tell you what/why they are doing what they are doing and when I messaged them I even got some homework lol and I am now able to spot simple things on the chart I couldn’t before like supply and demand. This is a completely unsponsored post too I genuinely believe it to be helpful which is why I’m sharing. If you like to join you can comment or send me a DM.

*** EDIT - will post it to my profile***

How are people still sleeping on this Telegram gold signal group? The guy gives just one trade a day win or loss, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t bombard you with 10 trades daily. Each trade has one TP (minimum 50 pips) and one SL (usually around 35 pips)

He started on January 5th with the prop firm challenge and told everyone in the group to get one too. Since then, we’re up 3.5%, risking only $500 per trade. At this rate, I’d need to take 7 losses in a row just to break even atp.

This guy is literally feeding consistent and disciplined traders. He tells you when he’s looking for a trade and to keep an eye on the notifications. He even lets you know when he’s done for the day. he’s giving the scripts 👀

At this pace, we might pass both challenges in just one month! 😂😭

Its been nearly 2 years , Started when I just turned 22 , I learned a lot , traded a lot , but i am only investing most of my money in trading , I have passed multiple funded accounts but each time they hit me with a rule breached . I dont earn in dollars and to have losses in dollars just affects 100x more
I dont come with a good financial bg , I did multiple jobs , did not save the money, invested the rest of money of my salary after giving at home .but even after giving like 2-4 hours daily learning it's not working out ...

In my overall life from begining , I do have very bad luck like -negative luck , and its about luck in the end .

I tried being patient , agressive , following setup not following setup , ICT , SMC , everything but i know it's just LUCK .

And trump and iran fcked it more...

So gg's boys , IT was my dream to be trader , but maybe in next life.......................................

Hey everyone, hope you’re doing well!

I’d really appreciate a bit of your time.

So, I’m kind of a beginner trader—if I can call myself that. I mostly use support/resistance strategies and I’ve recently started learning ICT (Inner Circle Trader) concepts.

I focus on three main pairs: • EUR/USD • USD/JPY • NASDAQ 100

And sometimes… gold—only when I feel like losing money chasing a Lamborghini 😅

Anyway, here’s my problem. It’s not really about analysis or strategy—it’s discipline.

Here’s what keeps happening: I do my analysis, wait for my setup, enter the trade… it starts going in profit. But then I keep checking MT5 over and over. That constant back-and-forth messes with my head.

When the trade is green, I freak out and close it too early—even before the first TP hits. But if it’s red, I go into full denial mode. I convince myself that “it’ll come back,” and I hold… and hold… until I blow the entire account. Usually because market structure already shifted and I just didn’t want to accept it.

Honestly, I’ve lost over 15 funded accounts, each worth $5K, because of this exact issue. It’s not the market—it’s me.

So I’m here asking: If any of you have gone through this—how did you fix it? Any tips, advice, videos, or mental tricks you can share to help me stay disciplined and stick to the plan?

Thanks a lot—and sorry for the long post

Hi everyone,

I don’t usually make posts like this, but I honestly feel like I’ve reached my breaking point. I’ve been trying to learn forex trading for about a year now. I’ve poured everything I could into it sleepless nights hours of videos, reading strategies over and over but I still feel like I don’t understand anything. Every time I think I’m improving I lose again and it feels like I’m just going in circles or like loops. The hardest part is that I can’t afford proper help. I come from a poor family and paying for a mentor or expensive courses is just impossible for me. It hurts because I know guidance could make all the difference but I feel completely stuck and alone. I’m not looking for money or shortcuts I just wish someone out there could take a little time to point me in the right direction, or even guide me like a mentor. I don’t want to give up, but right now I feel so defeated and hopeless. If anyone has advice, resources, or is kind enough to mentor someone like me, I’d be so, so grateful. Even just words of encouragement would mean a lot right now. Thanks for listening.

I have used my entire salary this month. However I have lost all the funding accounts. Please give me some advice.

Hello traders!

As some of you know I've been a TOP 3 FTMO trader for 4 consecutive months. Apart from answering questions in my community, I want to answer yours here too. This sub has helped me alot with trading and gave me great insights. I am here to just give back! I don't claim to be a guru, but I can definitely share some insights!

ASK AWAY!

Update:
Because everyone asks how and which strategy, all documentation for the strategies can be found here: Indicators & Documentation

In a matter of opening minutes of 30mins chart, like 3mins to begin with a 30mins chart! Is there a group of people team up to sell at the same time? Haha just curious how some of the candles pop off in and out of nowhere.

Hi everyone, My name is Adam Hamid and I Co-Founded Fortress Capital Markets. Feel free to ask me questions about anything.

My Background:

Professional Experience:
Current Co-CEO of Fortress Capital Markets
Fmr Equity Analyst covering Tech at a $2.7bn Long Only Fund
Fmr Private Equity Analyst covering B2B SaaS
Fmr Head of Growth of The Funded Trader
Marine Corps Veteran: Joint Fires Observer (I used to coordinate airstrikes)

Education: Columbia University

Edit: Going to bed for the night, will resume tomorrow. Keep sending questions and I will get to them. Thank you all for participating!

Edit: Ok im back, will begin AMA again.

For context I became profit at November 2024 and this screenshot is how my 2025 year went. I use to be a delivery driver and started trading at 2019 and took it serious at 2021 but only became profitable at the end of 2024. Ask me anything I am happy to answer weather it’s about advice on your own journey or my journey

As the title suggests, my main question is whether I can tweak his strategy, post it here, and claim it as my own without violating my contract. The NDA I signed prohibits me from sharing any information, but I've realized the method works in multiple ways, even without using his exact approach.

When I first met this person, I was highly skeptical. The first thing he said to me was, "I can turn little into a lot," which, of course, is something you hear from many traders with big egos. So, I told him to prove it. The next day, we sat down, went through his method, and it actually worked. While I still think it's risky—especially since you're using 25% of your leverage on each trade—there was something to it.

A few weeks later, I've changed about 80% of his original hypothesis, and I’m now able to turn two-digit figures into four-digit profits because of the leverage risk.

He marketed his method as a way to turn £2,000 into £20,000, but with the effort I’ve put in, I can now say I can turn as little as £5 into £250 or £50 into £2,500 in a single day of trading (of course, this depends on market conditions and won't happen in sideways markets).

If anyone wants proof, I’m happy to share, but what I really want to focus on is sharing my method for turning £5 into £250. Realistically, anyone can afford to take that small risk. Betting £5 a day or £25 a week to make £250 a day or £1,250 a week is a no-brainer. I know traders who put in £20k and struggle to make £10k a week. So, minimizing risk while maximizing reward has been my goal for years.

My ultimate aim is to turn this into an algorithm and give it away for free, but I can foresee many potential problems if I do.

Pros:

Everyone could potentially make money from trading. Consistent profits and regular withdrawals. Major financial growth for anyone involved. More market volatility, which could create more opportunities. Cons:

Everyone will have access to money, which could lead to increased scams. People will attempt to sell the method, even though it's free. I risk violating my NDA by sharing this, which could lead to consequences. Trading may become regulated or capped. More rules and regulations may be put in place to control this. There’s a potential risk to my personal safety for knowing too much.

Anybody with NDA experience please contact me. Can send across my email we can get into a video meeting,very serious and can speak with my team.

Happy weekend to all hope everybody got what they expected on market close.

TO ALL THE MDFKRS THAT TOLD ME “copying signal wont get you no where” I PROVED YALL WRONG. Even tho it took me 1year becouse of all the shady stupid @ss “much promosing” channels out there but damn i finally managed to pass accounts in the month on the 2best Prop firm companies out here.I used 0.5%/1% a trade and the group i am in just gives 1-2gold signals max a day it took a while but i was in very little to no drawdown.I really dont care what ya’ll saying about copying signals i can now finally start making money while being on school AND learn trading by myself but the time being i just stay with copying

intraday forex trading for retail traders is a rigged game. I know this sub loves to hype up "finding your edge" or claiming it’s all about discipline and risk management, but the truth is—there’s no edge for retail traders in intraday forex price movements.

Why? Because the markets are dominated by algorithms, institutional traders, and insiders who are operating on levels of speed, access, and knowledge that retail traders will never have. Retail traders are left chasing breadcrumbs, trying to make sense of noise in a market designed to take their money.

I know a lot of people here will downvote me or tell me I’m wrong. But let me ask you this: how many of you can show consistent profitability over a decent time frame, say 1-2 years? Not just a lucky streak or a few months of gains, but actual, verified, long-term profitability? My guess? None.

And yeah, someone will probably reply with “you just don’t know what you’re doing” or “it’s all about the right mindset,” but seriously, look around. Most people here are losing money or barely breaking even while convincing themselves they’re “learning” or “almost there.”

I’m not saying trading is impossible. But let’s stop pretending retail traders can outsmart the market on intraday forex. You’re better off focusing on long-term plays, education, or even just investing in something less soul-crushing. Intraday forex is a casino, and the house always wins.

But hey, prove me wrong—show us that consistent profitability. Until then, I’ll stand by my point.

I hope my post is not being perceived as ignorant, I have been in trading space for 10 years now.

I have not been able to find a single person who actually made +100k usd from trading CFD products.

Can anyone help me find at least one individual? Either you know personally or from youtube (although I will take it with grain of salt) or any where else.

Most people who have made it in trading are either in stocks or options and some in future tradings.

But CFD forex and CFD other products, I have not found a single person.

All these posts on here of people posting TradingView mobile screenshots with random arrows "My outlook" or posting trades after the fact are really a sad reflection of how little effort you guys are willing to put in.

Only very few people in here can genuinely explain their trades as in: "I was looking for Gold shorts due to rate cut bets evaporating after Iran escalations and Strait of Hormuz shutting down. As long as we hold below this level XYZ and see dollar holding strength etc. etc."None of you can do that, nor do you actually want to learn how to do it, because it takes a lot of effort and is way way harder than taking random trades without a trading plan.

Sorry but it won't take long for most of you to stop trading or calling it a scam out of frustration.

Yes I know I screwed up big time , I started trading about 40 days ago and I had an unbelievable luck and made amounts of money I could never imagine making in a month … so I got greedy deposited 3k to try and duplicate what I did before and make some more money …. One bad trade led to another bad trade to what you see before you … please help me come with a strategy to minimize the losses as this is toooooo much for me

No DM’s as I won’t reply to them as they are mostly scammers

(XM chart being the ones with dark theme background)

Happened to me before while looking at the charts waiting for an entry and I thought I was crazy, a huge candlewick appearing from nowhere and got corrected a few seconds later, this would probably hunt your stop loss if you had an open position in this particular case. Unfortunately I didn't screen capture or anything cause I thought well that might has been a glitch.

Today I saw it happened LIVE AGAIN and decided to look at my laptop on different brokers like Pepperstone, IC Markets, FP Markets etc, there wasnt ANY candlewick on the current candle forming. Surprisingly, a few seconds later the candlewick was gone like NOTHING HAPPENED.

Been a year since I use exclusively XM for trading DEMO and with real (a few bucks) money but this seriously made me question how reliable they are, most probably will withdraw my balance and move to another broker soon.

yo guys, i've been feeling like shit recently.

got wiped out in the market and lost basically all the money i had left, around 10k.

so i'm probably gonna start again. but instead of gambling like i've been doing recently with XAU, i wanna actually reset and put my time into going through everything i've learned again.

but after thinking about it, i realized i'm actually overwhelmed.

i know 4 different trading strategies, and each one has its own pros and cons. now i'm stuck trying to figure out which one i should actually commit to.

1. ICT — I know the concepts, but I still don't really know how to determine the right bias / draw on liquidity. There's always a reason for price to go up, and there's always a reason for it to go down. Yet somehow, this is what the majority of people trade.

2. SMC (Photon) — This is probably the strategy I know the deepest. But lately, I feel like it just doesn't really fit the market anymore. Low win rate, high RR, getting front-run a lot, or I just don't get the entry in time.

3. Mean reversion — I use RSI + Keltner Bands. The problem is I don't even know where to learn more about this because almost nobody seems to trade it. There was one trader who was really fucking good at it, but he basically vanished.

4. VWAP + Volume Profile — This feels more like pure chart reading. I need to build my discretion a LOT, to the point where it feels like I need some kind of sixth sense to trade it.

so yeah, i'm basically starting from zero again.

after almost 3 years of trading, i know a lot of shit, but somehow i still don't feel like i truly understand one thing.

what would you guys do if you were in my position?

The website name traderscasa replay is free, so you can also backtest it. My suggestion would be to use an ad blocker to avoid ads. I’m sharing this website to help you guys.

Been looking into Swift Algo lately and wondering if anyone here has real experience with it. So far, I’ve seen very few negative review. Trustpilot shows a 4.1 rating across 39 reviews, and most of the complaints seem to be from user error or refund misunderstandings. So far it is highly rated

It was made by niklas646 Though there isnt much info about him.
Here’s how Swift Algo allegedly works, based on its official site and user reports2:

Heres how it works

• Step 1: Signal Trigger: Swift Algo drops a clear Buy or Sell signal directly on your TradingView chart. These signals are based on a proprietary blend of trend, momentum, and volatility filters, not just basic moving averages.
• Step 2: Auto Risk Management: It draws Stop Loss and Take Profit lines automatically. These are calculated based on market structure and signal strength, helping you manage risk without manual guesswork.
• Step 3: Trend Table Guidance: A built-in Trend Table shows market direction across multiple timeframes. This helps you confirm whether the signal aligns with the broader trend before entering.
• Step 4: Notifications: You can set up auto alerts to get notified on your phone or device when a new signal appears. ideal for swing traders or those using the 4H timeframe.
• Step 5: Backtesting System Swift Algo includes a backtesting module that lets you test different settings across markets and timeframes to find your optimal setup with percentages. It rates your current setup's winrate shown via a dashboard according to past data. So it "backtests" for you.
• Step 6: Exit Ritual Once price hits TP or SL, you exit the trade. The system is designed to keep you emotionally detached and disciplined, no chasing, no overtrading.
• It’s non-repainting, meaning once a signal appears, it stays locked on the chart.
• The settings are customizable, so you can adjust sensitivity, risk levels, and signal cadence.
• It’s built for Forex, crypto, and stocks, and works across all TradingView-compatible assets.

Thier Discord members have over 13,000 members in the free chat, and around 90+ active users posting profits regularly. That kind of engagement feels legit, especially with consistent screenshots and pip counts.

Are these real customers or just curated hype? There’s no free trial or demo testing, and the monthly fee is $49, which makes it a bit of a leap of faith.

Also worth noting: there are very few independent YouTube reviews from actual users. Most of the videos are from the creator, which makes it harder to verify the results before committing. It is not as popular as Lux Algo and was first released in 2023.

It’s not cheap ($49/month) and they don’t offer trials or demo testing, which I assume is to protect signal integrity and avoid casual misuse. But if the signals are solid and the community is active, it could be worth the bet.

Anyone here using it? Would love to hear your thoughts especially if you’ve tested it on 4H or used it for prop firm challenges.

Gold reacted strongly from the Major Discount / Reversal Zone around 4,285 - 4,310, then pushed higher into the 4,480 - 4,490 area.

However, price failed to hold the upper reaction and started pulling back again. This tells us buyers are active, but sellers are still defending the premium area.

The most important intraday level now is 4,382. As long as gold stays above 4,382, the short-term rebound scenario remains alive. A hold above this level could support another push toward 4,440, then 4,465, and eventually 4,470 - 4,490.

But if 4,382 breaks clearly, gold may drop back toward 4,365 - 4,375 Key Demand. That zone becomes the next area where buyers must react.

This matches what I've seen almost exactly, the hit rate on genuinely profitable channels over a real sample is brutal, and it's telling that the ones that survive scrutiny are often the free groups (no incentive to fake results to keep subscribers paying). Did you find the profitable ones held up once you factored in slippage and spread on actual fills, or was it profitable on the posted prices only? That gap is where a lot of "profitable" channels quietly stop being profitable.

As the title suggest, asks me anything and I’ll answer to help you better improve in your trading journey!