Prop Trading Vs Retail Trading: Which Is the Best?

Key Takeaways

• Proprietary trading firms offer significant benefits over traditional retail brokers, including access to larger capital, less personal financial risk, supportive trading communities, and aligned interests with traders, making them a preferred choice for traders seeking high returns.
• Prop shops foster discipline and consistency in trading and often result in higher success rates for traders, since the firm’s profitability depends on the success of their traders, unlike retail brokers.
• The choice between retail brokers and proprietary trading firms depends on individual circumstances and risk tolerance, but the rise of prop shops represents a shift in the day trading landscape, offering a viable, and often more advantageous, alternative.

The world of day trading is dynamic and ever evolving, presenting traders with a myriad of options. Among these are retail brokerage accounts and proprietary trading firms, each with its  unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. While retail brokers have been the traditional route for individual traders, proprietary trading firms, also known as “prop shops,” are rapidly gaining traction. This article delves into the differences between these two routes and why more traders might (and should) consider the proprietary trading path.

The Traditional Route: Retail Brokers

A retail broker provides a platform for individual traders to participate in the  financial markets. With a retail trading account, you can trade a variety of financial instruments like stocks, options, and futures. These accounts are relatively straightforward: choose a broker, open an account, deposit funds, and start opening positions in the market. Retail brokers often provide a good range of educational resources, including training videos, trading seminars, and articles. They also provide margin accounts, which allow traders to borrow funds to trade larger positions. However, these accounts are subject to specific margin requirements and securities regulations. For instance, the pattern day trader rule (PDT rule) restricts traders from making more than three intraday trades in a rolling five-day business period unless their account holds more than $25,000 in equity. While retail brokers provide a convenient way to start, they have some limitations. Traders operate without external resources (aka with their own money), making it challenging to execute certain strategies or purchase specific assets. Additionally, a lot of retail brokers earn from trade commissions, irrespective of whether the trader makes or loses money. Thus, their incentives are not fully aligned with the trader’s success.

The Emerging Trend: Proprietary Trading Firms

Proprietary trading firms offer an alternative path. The capital traded is usually that of the firm; hence,  a prop shop is encouraged to support its traders, as they make money thanks to their successful trades. One of the most appealing aspects of these businesses is the large capital they offer. A small investment (hundreds or even tens of dollars) can give access to funds hundreds of times larger. This leverage, coupled with no personal risk, presents an enticing proposition. In a modern prop trading firm, the risk of losing large sums of personal money, a significant stress factor for many traders, is removed. Moreover, a top prop firm sets rules that foster discipline and consistency, aiding people with a solid trading plan in maintaining  profitability, rather than hindering it. As a result, prop traders often have a higher success rate compared to retail traders. Unlike retail brokers, prop firms earn a share of their traders’ profits , aligning their interests with those of the traders. This alignment incentivizes prop firms to provide more prompt customer support, better tips, advice, and high-quality educational content. Another advantage of prop firms is the sense of community they foster. Navigating the market is often a solitary activity, but prop firms offer an opportunity to be part of a closely-knit community. Traders can exchange opinions, advice, and ideas, creating an environment conducive to learning and growth. For example, you could join FunderPro’s Discord server, and connect with many likeminded traders.

Making the Right Choice: Retail Brokers or Prop Trading Firms?

While both retail brokers and prop firms have their merits, the choice between the two depends on individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. Retail brokers can be an excellent choice for traders who prefer to trade independently and have sufficient capital. They offer simplicity and accessibility, making them ideal for beginners. However, for traders seeking larger capital, lower personal risk, and a supportive community, prop firms are becoming an increasingly attractive option. Their aligned incentives, coupled with the potential for rapid account growth and an immersive community, make them a viable choice, especially for those with an appetite for higher returns. If we then add the fact that top prop firms like FunderPro are making accessibility one of their priorities, the choice becomes quite easy: proprietary trading firms  offer access to larger capital, at a lower cost and lower risk. The rise of prop shops marks a significant shift in the day trading landscape. They offer an exciting alternative to traditional retail brokers, providing access to vast capital, fostering discipline, reducing personal risk, and creating a supportive community. These firms align their success with that of their traders, encouraging their growth and profitability. Furthermore, if we look at FunderPro, interests are even more aligned, as we offer a live STP account for funded traders, instead of a demo account.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while retail brokers remain a possibility, prop firms offer a compelling alternative that can significantly accelerate a trader’s career. They provide unparalleled advantages that can optimize capital, profit, and user experience, marking a new era in the world of day trading. The bare truth is that everyone should get a chance  independently of their financial means, and prop firms give  any talented trader a shot at becoming a professional who makes a hefty profit off their trades. Ready to take the challenge? Sign Up Now.