How much money do day traders with $10,000 accounts make per day on average? I Earn 0.5% to 2% Daily. Here’s How!

How much money do day traders with $10,000 accounts make per day on average? Come here, let me tell you. This answer will satisfy your curiosity.

With sufficient experience in trading, the first thing to understand is that a day trader’s profit isn’t just about numbers, it’s about strategy, discipline, and market conditions. For a $10,000 account, a realistic daily profit usually ranges between 0.5% and 2%, depending on the trader’s skill and market volatility. This translates to $50 to $200 per day.

However, it’s not just about “playing with numbers.” Successful traders understand that the main focus is consistency and risk management, not merely chasing big profits. For example, an experienced trader knows how to limit risk per trade, usually around 1%-2% of total capital. This ensures that losses won’t destroy the account, even on tough days.

Many people think trading is a shortcut to getting rich quickly. In reality, that mindset is what causes most to fail. Trading requires experience, composure in handling market fluctuations, and the ability to remain disciplined in following a plan. A mature trader doesn’t focus on how much is made in one day but rather on accumulating stable profits over the long term.

So, for a $10,000 account, earning $50-$200 per day might sound small. However, if done consistently, monthly or yearly accumulation could far exceed expectations. The key to success lies in focusing on measured and sustainable growth.

That’s how professional traders approach the market.

Here’s How to Earn 0.5% from a $10,000 Account

There are several main ways to earn 0.5% from a $10,000 account, or $50 per day. Here are the focused approaches commonly used:

1. Scalping: Taking advantage of small price movements on lower time frames (1-5 minutes) with large volumes, usually targeting 5-10 pips per trade. This strategy requires fast execution and low spreads.
2. Breakout Trading: Taking positions when the price breaks significant support or resistance levels with strong momentum. Profit targets are set at specific distances based on asset volatility.
3. Trend Following: Following the ongoing trend direction on intraday time frames (15 minutes to 1 hour) using indicators like moving averages for confirmation.
4. Mean Reversion: Targeting price reversals from overbought or oversold areas with the help of indicators like RSI or Bollinger Bands.
5. News-Based Trading: Capitalizing on large price movements following economic news releases or key reports, such as NFP data, inflation, or corporate earnings.

These strategies are not used simultaneously. Typically, only one or two strategies are applied at a time, depending on market conditions and trading style. Here’s how they’re typically approached:

1. Using one strategy at a time: If market conditions are very clear, such as during a strong trend, only the trend following strategy is used to maximize opportunities.
2. Combining two strategies: Sometimes, two strategies are used together, such as breakout trading to capitalize on the initial move, followed by trend following if the price continues in the expected direction.
3. Choosing a strategy suited to the asset: Not all strategies work for every type of asset. For example, news-based trading is often used for forex or stock indices, while scalping is effective in highly liquid markets like major currency pairs.

The main focus is to adapt the strategy to available opportunities rather than forcing the use of all strategies simultaneously. The goal remains consistent: to utilize the best opportunities to achieve daily profit targets.

Each of these strategies has different mechanisms for reaching the $50 target. Among the five, I choose Trend Following because I find it the easiest compared to the other methods.

Let me explain it in more detail!

Trend Following

Let me explain Trend Following, one of the strategies I frequently use to generate 0.5% profit from a $10,000 account. This strategy focuses on following the primary trend in the market. For example, if the price is consistently moving upward, a buy (long) position is taken. Conversely, if the price is trending downward, a sell (short) position is initiated. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose the Right Broker

Personally, I always focus on brokers that align with my needs and trading style. The broker I rely on the most to support the Trend Following strategy is IC Markets.

Why IC Markets?

• Low spreads: Perfect for strategies like trend following, where keeping trading costs low is essential for optimal profit.
• Fast execution: Crucial for entering or exiting positions in rapidly moving markets.
• Regulated: IC Markets is regulated by reputable financial authorities such as ASIC (Australia).
• Flexible leverage: Up to 1:500, allowing greater flexibility in managing capital.

Sign up and create an account there. I use the Raw Spread Account. This account type offers ultra-low spreads, nearly zero, with fixed commissions per lot, making trading costs transparent and efficient.

The Raw Spread Account is highly compatible with strategies like Trend Following, where cost efficiency is critical to maximize profitability, especially with a $10,000 account. It’s also suitable for serious traders, offering fast execution and competitive spreads, often outperforming standard accounts.

I use MetaTrader 4 (MT4) on IC Markets for trading. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) can be downloaded directly from the official IC Markets website for both desktop and mobile versions. For mobile devices (Android/iOS), it’s also available on Google Play Store or the App Store.

There are other platforms supported by IC Markets, like MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader, but I prefer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) because:

• It supports custom indicators and Expert Advisors (EA) for automated trading.
• It’s ideal for technical analysis with various charting tools.
• Lightweight and stable, suitable for both beginner and experienced traders.
• Perfect for scalping and trend following.

2. Choose Trading Instruments

I focus on trading EUR/USD and GBP/USD because these currency pairs offer a combination of low spreads, controlled volatility, and frequent trends, making them ideal for the Trend Following strategy.

3. Identify the Current Trend

Identifying the ongoing trend in the chosen currency pairs (EUR/USD and GBP/USD) is essential to ensure the Trend Following strategy can be effectively applied. Here’s how I do it:

1. Use Moving Averages (EMA 20 and EMA 50)

I apply EMA 20 and EMA 50 to charts on the 15-minute and 1-hour time frames.

• If EMA 20 is above EMA 50, it signals an uptrend.
• Conversely, if EMA 20 is below EMA 50, it indicates a downtrend.

2. Observe Price Structure

• Uptrend: The price consistently forms higher highs and higher lows.
• Downtrend: The price consistently forms lower highs and lower lows.

3. Use RSI (Relative Strength Index)

• I use RSI with 50 as a benchmark.
  • If RSI is above 50, it suggests strong bullish momentum.
  • If RSI is below 50, bearish momentum is dominant.

4. Confirm with Higher Time Frames

I check larger time frames, such as 4-hour or daily, to ensure the intraday trend aligns with the longer-term trend. Trends that align across multiple time frames provide a higher probability of success.

Once the trend is clearly identified using these steps, I move on to determine the entry area to open a position.

4. Determining Entry and Exit Areas

Determining entry (opening positions) and exit (closing positions) with discipline is crucial to maximize profit opportunities in the trend following strategy. Here’s how I approach it:

For Entry Areas, I do the following:

1. Wait for Retracement: I wait for the price to make a small retracement to EMA 20 or minor support/resistance levels. This provides an entry opportunity with lower risk compared to chasing the price.
2. Use Candlestick Confirmation: I look for candlestick patterns like bullish engulfing (uptrend) or bearish engulfing (downtrend) in the retracement area to confirm that the price will resume the trend.
3. Add Supporting Indicators: I use RSI or MACD to ensure the trend’s momentum is still strong before entering. For example, if RSI is still above 50 (uptrend), I’m more confident in opening a buy position.
4. Enter on Breakout (Optional): If the price approaches a resistance level (uptrend) or support level (downtrend), I wait for the price to break through that level before entering, usually with volume confirmation.

For Exit Areas, I do the following:

1. Set a Profit Target: I set a profit target of 0.5% of capital ($50). This target is calculated based on the nearest resistance (uptrend) or support (downtrend) level or in pips (e.g., 10-20 pips).
2. Set a Stop Loss: Stop loss is always determined before entry to protect capital. Typically, I place it below the nearest support (uptrend) or above the nearest resistance (downtrend), with a risk of no more than 0.25%-0.3% of capital ($25-$30).
3. Use a Trailing Stop (Optional): If the price moves beyond the initial target, I use a trailing stop to lock in profits while allowing the position to remain open if the trend continues.

The discipline I refer to is the ability to consistently follow the plans and rules that have been established, without letting emotions or impulsive decisions affect actions. In the context of trend following or any other strategy, discipline is crucial as it forms the foundation for achieving consistent results.

Here’s the detailed breakdown:

• Follow Entry Rules: Only enter a position if all conditions in the plan are met, such as a clear trend, indicator confirmation, or candlestick patterns. Avoid entering too early due to “fear of missing out” (FOMO).
• Respect Targets and Stop Loss: If a profit target or stop loss is set, let the position run as planned. Do not adjust the stop loss or target without a valid reason.
• Manage Risk Per Trade: Always limit the risk per trade to 0.25%-0.3% of capital ($25-$30 out of $10,000). Never overtrade (open a position with too large a lot size) in pursuit of quick profits.
• Stop When Daily Risk Limits Are Reached: If the daily loss limit is reached (e.g., 1%-2% of capital), stop trading for the day.
• Avoid Overtrading: After achieving the daily profit target (0.5%), stop trading. Avoid the temptation to open additional positions simply because of being “on a winning streak.”
• Stay Calm During Losses: Do not attempt to recover losses through revenge trading, as this often worsens the situation.

Discipline is the ability to stay committed to trading rules and plans, even when market conditions or personal emotions are unfavorable. This is one of the key differences between an average trader and a successful trader like me.

5. Executing Trades

After determining the entry and exit areas and ensuring discipline in following the plan, the next step is executing trades. This is the moment to turn all the analysis and planning into real actions on the trading platform.

Here’s how I execute trades:

• Open Positions at the Defined Entry Area: When the price reaches the analyzed entry area (e.g., a retracement to EMA 20 or a breakout of a resistance level), I open a buy position (for an uptrend) or a sell position (for a downtrend). I use pending orders (limit order or stop order) to ensure execution occurs at a specific price without needing to monitor the screen constantly.
• Set Take Profit and Stop Loss: Immediately set a take profit (target $50) and stop loss (risk $25-$30) when opening a position. For example, if the target is 10 pips and the risk is 5 pips, calculate the lot size according to risk management.
• Monitor the Position (Optional): I always check price movements to ensure the position is progressing as expected. Avoid over-monitoring, as it can lead to impulsive decisions. This is essential!
• Use a Trailing Stop (If Needed): If the price moves in line with the trend and approaches the profit target, I use a trailing stop to lock in profits while allowing the price room to continue moving in the favorable direction.
• Close the Position When the Target Is Reached or the Trend Changes: If the profit target is reached, the position will automatically close. If the price starts showing signs of a trend reversal, such as diverging from EMA or RSI indicating divergence, I exit the position early.

Tips for Success for Beginner Traders

These are the steps taken to generate 0.5% to 2% in trading with a $10,000 account. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a small capital or, if funds are unavailable, begin by practicing. Use a demo account. Once prepared, try trading with a small amount, experience the excitement, and learn to manage emotions in the trading world. This is not advice, just a notification. Trading is not recommended for everyone, as it can be full of disappointments if not properly understood.

Here are some tips to sharpen trading skills:

1. Record Every Trade in Detail

I document every trade in a trading journal, including:

• Traded instruments (e.g., EUR/USD).
• Entry and exit times.
• Reason for entry: Was it based on a retracement to EMA 20, a breakout, or something else?
• Trade results: Profit or loss, as well as the percentage of capital affected.

2. Analyze Performance

• Compare results to the initial plan: Did the profit target get achieved? Was the stop loss too tight or too loose?
• Identify mistakes: For example, did I enter too early? Or were any signals ignored?
• Evaluate strategy: Did the trend following strategy work well under those market conditions?

3. Review Psychological Conditions

I assess how emotions affected decisions:

• Was there anxiety when the market moved against me?
• Was there an impulse to overtrade after a loss or a profit?

4. Improve the Trading Plan

Based on evaluations, I adjust my strategy as needed. For example, refining stop loss levels or adding more confirmation before entering a trade.

5. Daily or Monthly Summaries

I create daily and monthly performance summaries, such as:

• Number of trades: How many positions were taken?
• Win rate: What percentage of trades were successful?
• Profitability: Did I achieve the daily (0.5%) or monthly profit target?

Closing Thoughts

Trading with a $10,000 account and a daily target of 0.5% to 2% is realistic if approached with measured strategies, discipline, and proper risk management. Trading is not a shortcut to instant wealth but rather a long journey that requires persistence, continuous learning, and emotional control.

For those who wish to try, start small. Understand the basics, use a demo account, and focus on the process rather than instant results. With the right approach, trading can be one way to manage and grow capital consistently.

Remember, the key to all of this is consistency and discipline. Without these, even the best strategies will fail to deliver the desired results. Be a trader who learns from every experience, both wins and losses, and continuously develops the skills to improve every day.

Good luck and may you succeed in your trading journey!