Core Insights - The global active prop trading market has seen a 25% increase in the last three years, with an estimated worth of around $12 billion [1] - Interest in prop trading surged in 2023, with Google search interest for "prop firms" increasing by 85% and "prop trading" by 139% [2] - The average age of a prop trader is 29, and approximately 75% do not achieve sustained profitability over a six-month period [10] Industry Overview - Prop trading firms provide retail traders with access to capital for trading, typically requiring an upfront fee ranging from $50 to several hundred [5][9] - Successful traders must pass evaluations and challenges to receive funding, with only 12.4% of traders at Topstep achieving this in 2024 [10][11] - Apex Trader Funding reported a sixfold increase in payouts to traders over the past year, indicating significant growth in the prop trading sector [12] Trader Experiences - Many traders, including those like Ricky Saldana and Daniel Inskeep, have invested substantial amounts in prop trading fees, often exceeding $10,000, while facing challenges in maintaining profitability [15][18] - The emotional and financial stress of prop trading is notable, with traders describing it as an "emotional rollercoaster" and acknowledging the risk of losing their accounts [19][20] - Despite the challenges, traders are drawn to the potential for financial independence and the appeal of trading with larger sums of capital [16][21][24]

Business Strategy - Nomura abandoned its attempt to restart a proprietary trading desk in London after less than two years [1]

Core Insights - The article highlights Steven Cress's role as VP of Quantitative Strategy and Market Data at Seeking Alpha, emphasizing his contributions to the platform's quantitative stock rating system and analytical tools designed to assist investors [1][2][3] Company Overview - Seeking Alpha has developed a quantitative stock rating system that interprets data for investors, aiming to provide insights on investment directions and save time for users [1][2] - The platform features a systematic stock recommendation tool called Alpha Picks, which is intended to help long-term investors build a high-quality portfolio [1] Leadership Background - Steven Cress previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, enhancing the platform's quant analysis and market data capabilities [3] - He also established the quant hedge fund Cress Capital Management and has extensive experience in proprietary trading at Morgan Stanley and international business development at Northern Trust [3][4] Expertise and Approach - With over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management, Steven Cress is positioned to address a variety of investment topics [4] - The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to investment decisions, utilizing sophisticated algorithms to streamline investment research and provide daily updated stock trading recommendations [2]