I currently have an adequately funded equities account. I've been trading for about 1 1/2 years, and am basically a flat trader to this point. I have traded only equities for this time. I use a discretionary system, based on indicators and price action as reflected in level 2. I believe in the system.
I am considering switching to futures, solely because I could use most of the equity in my trading account to pay off a mortgage, which would take some financial stress off me. I had hoped to be a profitable trader by now---but not quite there.
It is not an emergency, but would make me feel much better to pay off this debt. This would allow me to fund a futures account with 6-8k. I probably would not be willing to revert to a +25k equity account once the decision was made.
Am I giving up anything by making the switch to futures? Will futures be more difficult to trade than equities?
Would probably start with YM, only because of the low contract price. I would assume at least a month of sim trading to get used to any differences.
My only impression of futures thus far, based on watching ETFs, is that they are boring. This may be a good thing.
Will appreciate hearing from others who have made this transition.