The first three months of trading in the financial markets are a period when a trader’s future behaviour is formed, basic habits are established, and it becomes clear whether they will remain an active market participant or abandon trading altogether. The XFINE Analytical Department analysed statistics from thousands of clients to identify key behavioural patterns during the first 90 days after opening an account. The results of this research make it possible not only to understand how a novice trader develops, but also to offer tools that can increase their chances of long-term success.
Most beginners enter trading with high expectations of quick profits. In the first month, clients typically choose highly volatile assets – currency pairs with strong price fluctuations, gold, and popular cryptocurrencies. The greatest interest is in EUR/USD as the “classic” starter pair with minimal spreads. However, about 35% of beginners try trading Bitcoin and Ethereum in their first days. On average, a novice’s initial portfolio consists of two to three instruments, reflecting their desire to “test the waters” with different strategies and find an optimal balance between risk and reward.
XFINE’s statistics show that during the first weeks, the main problem is excessive trading activity. Beginners often open too many trades in succession, reacting to every price movement. The psychology of “fear of missing out” (FOMO) and the desire to earn quickly mean that the average duration of a trade at this stage rarely exceeds a few hours. This prevents objective evaluation of results and makes it difficult to develop a long-term strategy. At the same time, stop-losses and risk management are often underestimated – nearly half of beginners in their first month do not use protective orders, significantly increasing the likelihood of large losses.
By the second month, traders usually begin to realise that the market requires a systematic approach. The number of trades decreases, and the average holding time for positions increases. Beginners start to use technical analysis more actively, add indicators, and test trading strategies. Preferences for specific assets also begin to form: some focus on currency pairs, others on commodities or cryptocurrencies. However, this stage carries a high risk of discouragement – if initial results were negative, up to 20% of clients abandon active trading completely.
During the third month, a clear division of clients emerges. The first group consists of those who have developed a workable strategy and stick to it, strictly following risk management rules. The second group continues experimenting, frequently changing instruments and approaches in the hope of a “miracle trade.” XFINE’s research shows that the first group has a significantly higher probability of staying in trading for a year or longer. Their average position size decreases, but their entry accuracy improves, and trade profitability stabilises.
The analysis revealed a direct correlation between the use of educational materials and the duration of active trading. Clients who, in their first 90 days, completed at least one training course or regularly read analytical reports were twice as likely to continue trading after six months. Educational content reduces emotional errors, helps traders understand the causes of losses, and builds lasting discipline. Materials that analyse real market situations and provide practical risk management advice proved particularly effective.
Favourable trading conditions also play a crucial role in client retention. Tight spreads, fast execution speeds, and the absence of requotes help beginners avoid technical problems that could otherwise drive them from the market prematurely. XFINE provides access to a wide range of instruments, including currencies, metals, oil, and cryptocurrencies, enabling new traders to test different strategies on a single platform. Additional services, such as deposit bonuses, also encourage continued trading even in the face of temporary setbacks.
Thus, it can be said that the first 90 days in trading are not merely an initial stage but the foundation of a trader’s future career. It is during this period that key habits are formed – habits that will either help or hinder them going forward. A beginner’s success depends largely on discipline, willingness to learn, and the quality of services provided by the broker. Comprehensive support that addresses all these factors can significantly increase the likelihood that a trader will not only remain in the market, but also begin to earn consistently.
