Yet curiously, Chapter 3 in Boris and Kathy's book Millionaire Traders (published in 2007) features an interview with none other than the same Mr Booker, the "100 pip trader" ("in less than 5 years, he's gone from being a $2,500 trader to a client of a major bank who trades a respectable size account" -- see p37). Assuming that B&K performed some background research before selecting their interviewees, then being the subject of such a book creates the impression that Rob has in fact made a 7 figure sum from trading. Hence I don't know what to make of it all.
Most brokers also provide leverage. Many brokers in the U.S. provide leverage up to 50:1. Let's assume our trader uses 10:1 leverage on this transaction. If using 10:1 leverage the trader is not required to have $5,000 in their account, even though they are trading $5,000 worth of currency. They only need $500. As long as they have $500 and 10:1 leverage they can trade $5,000 worth of currency. If they utilize 20:1 leverage, they only need $250 in their account (because $250 * 20 = $5,000). tradingview rob booker
So far, so good. I saw good consistent gains the first 2 months I used it. Remarkably consistent actually. About 4-6% per week for about 9 weeks in a row. Which was encouraging. Then, however, I got a bit cocky and went in way too big on a long NZD/USD trade about 2 months ago, and I've been fighting my way out of it ever since. But that was really my own fault. There's no reason I should have ended up in a position where I had a loss so big I couldn't manage my way out, if I had been following the rules.
For traders—especially those with limited funds—day trading or swing trading in small amounts is easier in the forex market than other markets. For those with longer-term horizons and larger funds, long-term fundamentals-based trading or a carry trade can be profitable. A focus on understanding the macroeconomic fundamentals driving currency values and experience with technical analysis will help new forex traders to become more profitable. (For related reading, see "Benefits & Risks of Trading Forex with Bitcoin")