The profitability formula
Profit over time ≈ edge per trade × number of trades − costs − mistakes.
- Edge: a tested setup with positive expectancy. See Risk and reward.
- Number of trades: enough opportunities for the edge to show.
- Costs: spreads, commissions, swaps. Choose a low-cost licensed broker.
- Mistakes: rule breaks, revenge trades, oversizing. Usually the biggest item.
Questions people ask
What percentage of traders are profitable?
Brokers in Europe disclose that most retail CFD accounts lose money, often 60–80%. Prop firm data shows only a small share of traders reach payouts. Profitability is possible but uncommon, which is why process matters.
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Educational content only, not financial, investment or tax advice. Trading forex and CFDs carries a high risk of losing money. Look up any term in the trading glossary.