How to Become A Day Trader South Africa

A day trader is a type of trader who executes a relatively large volume of short and long trades to capitalize on intraday market price action.

Below are steps to Become A Day Trader South Africa

Conduct a Self-Assessment

Successful day trading requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and traits as well as a commitment to a lifestyle.

Are you adept with mathematical analysis, full of financial knowledge, aware of behavioral psychology (in yourself as well as others), and do you have the stomach for entrepreneurship?

Arrange Sufficient Capital

No one can generate profits consistently. Intermittent and extended losses are part of the day trading game. (For example, a day trader may suffer eight loss-making trades in a row and only recover with profit on the ninth trade.)

Understand the Markets

Day traders need a solid foundation of knowledge about how the markets function. From simple details (like exchange trading hours and holidays) to complex details (like the impact of news events, margin requirements, and allowed tradable instruments), a trader needs to have a broad knowledge base.

Understand Securities

Stocks, futures, options, ETFs, and mutual funds all trade differently. Without a clear understanding of a security’s characteristics and trading requirements, initiating a trading strategy can lead to failure.

Set up a Trading Strategy

Novice traders entering the world of trading can begin by selecting at least two established trade strategies.

Both would act as a backup of each other in case of failure or lack of trading opportunities. One can move on to a greater number of strategies (with more complexities) later, as experience builds up.

Is day trading legal in South Africa?

It is completely legal to day trade in South Africa, according to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). South African residents may also trade forex CFDs and other financial instruments using offshore firms that are not regulated by the FSCA.

How much money do you need to be a day trader?

For day traders in the South Africa., the legal minimum balance required to day trade stocks is R 357066.24 If the balance drops below that level, day trading isn’t allowed until a deposit is made bringing the balance above R 357066 .

How much do traders make in South Africa?

An early career Trader, Commodities with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R388,500 based on 14 salaries. A mid-career Trader, Commodities with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R456,000 based on 16 salaries.

Is it legal to be a day trader in South Africa?

While day trading is neither illegal nor is it unethical, it can be highly risky. Most individual investors do not have the wealth, the time, or the temperament to make money and to sustain the devastating losses that day trading can bring.

Can day trading make you rich?

Day trading is risky but potentially lucrative for those that achieve success. Several factors come into play in determining potential upside from day trading, including starting capital amount, strategies used, the markets you are active in, and luck.

How much does it cost to start trading in South Africa?

Trading accounts can be opened for as little as 5 USD (70 ZAR), though most brokers require a minimum deposit between 100 USD and 200 USD.

Is day trading a good career?

The first thing to note is yes, making a living on day trading is a perfectly viable career, but it’s not necessarily easier or less work than a regular daytime job. The benefits are rather that you are your own boss, and can plan your work hours any way you want.