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Monday, April 27, 2009

Becoming a CTA Takes Time and a Savings Nest Egg

By Bill Johnson

Money controls every function of the world, and commodities trading advisors play a key role in that exchange. The National Futures Association defines a CTA as an individual or firm that directly or indirectly advises clients on the selling and buying of futures or options contracts. As professional money managers, CTAs are required to 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 there is no formal training process required, you still need the credentials. Even before applying to the NFA, you must pass the Series 3 exam. This 120-question, two-and-a-half hour test measures your understanding of the futures market, including its makeup and regulations.

There are numerous professional study guides available to help you prepare for the test. You can benefit from tips and test-taking suggestions, as well as try practice tests to 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.

Not only that, but you'll also face trading costs, technology costs, fees for traditional support as well as rent. It's important to have secure savings before you even 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. - 23218

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