This isn’t the first time you’ve heard Matthias Fernholz’s name, and that’s no coincidence. After all, this isn’t his first success with The Trading Pit.
But it might be his most meaningful.
From Industry Worker to Full-Time Trader
Before trading became his full-time career, Matthias spent over 13 years working in the industrial sector in Germany, rising from a floor worker to a product manager. But in 2023, something shifted. He started exploring trading while still working, driven by curiosity and the desire for something more.
What started as studying during evenings and holidays quickly became a serious path forward. By late 2023, Matthias had transitioned fully into trading, fueled by education through Volume Trader Academy and the structure offered by prop firms like The Trading Pit.
Early Wins, Early Losses
Matthias didn’t win his first challenge. Or his second.
“My first challenge failed. I think the first two failed.”
Instead of quitting, he re-grouped, went back to demo trading, and sharpened his process. He worked on emotional control, risk management, and refining his entries—returning to the challenge with more clarity.
“A winner is the guy who stands up all the time.”
Eventually, the consistency paid off. He passed the challenge, reached his first profit target, and got paid. That payout, he says, was the moment it all felt real.
“It’s not just a dream. I can really earn money sitting in front of my computer trading futures two hours a day.”
His Trading Routine & Philosophy
Matthias now trades full-time and describes himself in three words: consistent, disciplined, and structured. He trades primarily in the US session (15:30 CET) with a strong preference for S&P 500 and NASDAQ.
His day starts with a workout, followed by content creation and mentoring for Volume Trader's Discord community. His trading window is focused and limited: just 1–2 hours a day.
Why so short?
“The more minutes you spend, the more decisions you make.”
And in trading, more decisions aren’t always better.
He limits himself to two losses per day. If he hits that, he steps away—no chasing.
“I'm tempted, of course. But it's always better to stop. Two losses can be covered by one win. That's how I stay consistent.”
Keeping it Simple
Matthias’ strategy is refreshingly clean:
“I like clean charts. No noise. Just structure.”
He trades both intraday and swing setups and emphasizes that time in the market doesn't equal money made:
“In a 9-to-5 job, you’re rewarded for hours. In trading, it's about decisions.”
Goals, Growth, and What's Next
Matthias isn’t just a trader, he’s a builder. Now part of Europe’s largest trading academy, he's helping grow the Volume Trader community and is working to bring that success model to the United States.
“If I trade the U.S. markets, why not build a U.S. community?”
His big-picture goals?
He’s already made the leaderboard—now he’s climbing it.
Final Advice for New Traders
“Believe in yourself. Be consistent—even if it's small. Then scale up. Stick to the plan.”
Matthias’ story isn’t one of the overnight successes. It’s one of showing up, failing, learning, and growing. Again, and again.
