My Thought Process: $AAPL

sspencerGeneral Comments, Steven Spencer (Steve's) Blogs, Trader DevelopmentLeave a Comment

Here is a timeline of my trading thought process starting on April 24th the morning after AAPL reported earnings through April 29th. I want to put this first StockTweet in context. After AAPL released their earnings report trading was halted. AAPL announced a capital plan to return about $100 billion dollars to shareholders via dividends and stock buybacks. They reported … Read More

Forex Trading: Hedging. Is There an Advantage?

mprincipatoMarc Principato, SMB ForexLeave a Comment

There was a time (before 2010) when you could open a forex account with any U.S. broker and have the ability to hedge your spot forex transactions in the United States. Residents outside the U.S. still have the ability to hedge their forex positions. On the surface, hedging sounds like the ideal situation: After taking your initial position, if you … Read More

Starting a Prop Desk

BellaGeneral CommentsLeave a Comment

Hi Mike, I have a couple of questions that I would like to ask you. First, what is the success rate of new traders once they go through the SMB program? And second, in your opinion what would be the ideal number to start a trading floor with? I realize you might refer to how much capital is available but … Read More

Understanding Market Structure

BellaMike Bellafiore's (Bella's) Blogs1 Comment

Hi Mike, 1.  Trade only the MOST in play stocks in the beginning as they have the best chance to move regardless of market action. 2.  Wait for the market to break previous day’s range or some similar range from previous couple days trading. 3.  Establish the the market itself is in play. Is there significant economic news, political unrest, … Read More

SMB Capital and Kershner Trading Group: A Powerful Partnership

BarryLGeneral Comments1 Comment

April 24, 2013, NEW YORK, NY—SMB Capital, a leading proprietary trading desk based in Manhattan, and Kershner Trading Group (Austin, Texas and now New York City), have teamed up to create a joint venture for a new trading office in Midtown Manhattan. The JV offers traders a true trading partner, where the firm provides technology with an edge, large trading … Read More