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Monday, April 27, 2009

Becoming a CTA Takes Time and a Savings Nest Egg

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.

To become a CTA, there's no formal education process. Although its advisable to first work at a trading firm prior to starting a CTA career, it doesn't guarantee your success, nor is previous work with a firm required in becoming a CTA. Plenty of CTAs have no formal trading education and still have proven themselves successfully capable in this business However, first trying your hand with a trading firm can help determine whether you have a natural talent for the work.

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.

It's also important to consider personal finances and other life situations. You should have a considerable savings in the bank, as chances are you won't see a single paycheck the first year or two, unless your CTA firm already has a substantial amount under management. Even handling a $1,000,000 account with a 2 percent management fee only brings in $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.

If you have a natural eye for investment, however, you should do pretty well in the long run. CTAs are a vital to the marketplace. Learning to spot the changes in the industry before they happen is the key to a sustainable and lasting career. - 23162

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