Trading Instructor
Sam Seiden
VP Education
As the Vice President of Education at Online Trading Academy, Sam brings over 15 years experience of equities, forex, options and futures trading which
began when he was on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange where he facilitated institutional orderflow. He has traded equities, futures, interest
rate markets, forex, options, and commodities for his personal interests for years and has educated thousands of traders and investors through seminars
and daily advisory services both domestically and internationally. Sam has been involved in the markets since 1991 both on
and off the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He has served as the Director of Technical Research for two trading firms and
regularly contributes articles to industry publications. Sam is known for his trading, technical research, and educational guidance.
Points of interest:
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange Floor
- Author of Market Advisory Letters
- Fund Manager/CTA
- Speaker to Investment Groups, Universities, and Private Seminars
- Contributing Author for Stocks, Futures, and Options Magazine, Active Trader Magazine, and Futures Magazine
- Trading and Investment Conference Speaker
In February 2011, Sam won the following Forex Best awards from FXstreet.com, the leading independent portal dedicated to providing
complete and timely information about the Foreign Exchange (Forex) market:
What students are saying about Sam Seiden:
"Probably the best article I've read from you, and they are all excellent and keep me focused in this learning process. Thank you!!! I’ve put 2 years plus into being a trader. I’m in XLT and Sam’s perspective and insight keep me on the right path. In fact, the best trade I have ever had was today. I put hours of thought and writing into what he had to say to examine where I’m at and what I need to become a successful trader. I’m not surprised at all that Sam won an award for his Lessons from the Pros. Seeing the stock market as the same as how I saw buying /selling of anything else in my life has been a tough challenge. I totally believed it was different - it was supposed to be different. Sam's Lessons from the Pros is superb!" Paul A., July 2011
"Sam. Just a quick thanks for your article on “Price and Time” and previous subjects. When it comes to this site, yours is the only article I read. I’m always looking to make some kind of sense to the message the markets are sending. You have helped immensely, thanks." Gary F., October 2010
"I was attending your webinar at FXStreet on Friday and didn't understand a thing of what you were saying. I decided to leave the webinar and watch your other videos on the FXStreet archive. Your oldest webinar about supply and demand is absolutely amazing. It opened up my eyes and made me realize why trading has been so difficult for me all this time. (I thought my trading style was so simple). That webinar alone made my spirit become more alive. My trading spirit is like reborn, with huge power. Mr. Sam, I really wanna say Thank You, Thank You, Thank You very much for being my mentor." Terima K., September 2010
"Thanks a lot for yet another great "tell it like it is" article. As always, I really enjoy reading what’s on your mind. I’ve been fiddling with a ton of indicators and theories for the last year, but have now finally come back to reality, and am just watching price action and s/d levels. Makes my day a whole lot easier! All the best." Tom S-W., August 2010
"After many false starts over the last 3-4 years, I am happy to report that 2010 YTD return as of today is 23.35%. I don’t trade with a lot of money, nor do I trade a lot, maybe once or twice a month, only one stock. Nothing sophisticated, I just do what you advise in your emails. It’s the technique I’m nailing down and my psychology." Paul C., August 2010
"Thanks for your very insightful thoughts on failure as necessary for success. In fact, I find all your articles very educational, inspired, and encouraging." Thomas S., July 2010
"Your article in today's "Lessons from the Pros" was outstanding! I have learned a great deal from your articles and webinars on FXStreet, but even with the most robust of trading methods, I still have lapses of judgement, or let my emotions interfere with my trading decisions. This has resulted in a string of losing trades recently, which, I have to admit, were getting me down. But reading your article has highlighted the positive side of my losing trades. They're telling me to go back to my trading plan and look to see if I'm really taking the best trades out there and have just been unfortunate, or have I just been fishing for action. Thank you writing such a great article. The universe knew that I needed pointing in the right direction, and you provided the insight. I'm now smiling as I look back at the bumps in the road." Sanjay P., July 2010
"Best article I’ve ever read on this so important topic. And I’ve read many. I will read on a regular basis. Simple and to the point—like supply and demand. I really appreciate your efforts at Online Trading Academy and all at Online Trading Academy who are continually contributing to assist in our success. The best trading experience ever. Thanks for everything." John C., July 2010
"Thank you so much for the article: "Failure is Often a Necessity for Success." I started XLT 2 months ago and began trading live the last week of June. The road has been bumpy. Yesterday I wanted to give up because I lost money and hate to lose money. I had more losing days than winning days. But your article today was very uplifting. It took me out of the pit." Josephine L., July 2010
"Hi Sam, I’m watching your videos on fxstreet… awesome material. Seems that all the best things in life are free… your videos included! You explain things in 32 minutes that those punks who write books, and have no clue what they write, can’t explain in 600 pages. Thumbs up! Hopefully I’ll find time to participate in one of your live webinars. All the Best." Art, May 2010
"Do so appreciate your "Lessons from the Pros," namely the one suggesting EXACTLY what happened today. We hit SZ and there are TWO world events that assist in an obvious strong reversal: Greek Bond issues and GS testimony. Just wanted to let you know that "real" and "simple" is GRAND advice. I've heard you say this often enough and it is truly sinking in. I am such a rookie trader but am shifting swiftly. Will share trades with Online Trading Academy soon-ish. "See you" next time you're on XLT floor. Many Thanks." Linda M., April 2010
"Hi Sam, I was in the class when you covered this concept. Now I used it in real life on a trade today with. Looking at the 5 & 15 min. chart for 4-13 and you could almost superimpose this lesson over the chart! I took a short but put the stop higher than I normally would because of the drop area just above my rbd level of 71.86. I took the short from 71.90 and closed it at 71.21. Just thought it was neat to see it played out just like in the article! Happy trades to you." Mark C., April 2010
"Just read your latest article and found it very helpful. Such a simple rule, splitting the risk across both levels, but I never thought of it. I trade Forex using what you teach and that little gem is going straight into my trading plan. All the best." Dan M., April 2010
"I'm a recent Online Trading Academy student. I really enjoyed the Copy - Paste concept and how you explained it. I killed my TV when I was 18 and haven't looked back. To not live a copy - paste life takes effort. I find the effort creates energy whereas the copy - paste life sucks the energy away. Thanks for taking the time to explain it." Matt V., April 2010
"Sam: great and wise piece on Google and value of waiting for the right opportunity. Keep up the excellent work." George E., March 2010
"My name is Augustine and I am from Belgium. I won’t make this email too long because I know you receive a lot of emails. I would just like to thank you for unveiling the illusion behind trading. Many people don’t realize the illusions of conventional technical and fundamental analysis. I’m glad that in the 5 months since I started trading forex that I was able to come across your work. I’m a salesman at my part-time job but I study as well so trading came natural to me but I didn’t know how to quantify where the institutional order flow was until I read your newsletters and watched your webinars. It is still a work in progress to get disciplined. I find that while I have great levels (7 out of 10), I don’t take profits at the right time or I get all worked up and let emotions replace objectiveness. Anyway, thanks a lot for everything, seeing one of your webinars was a life changing experience and I haven’t had that many." Augustine, March 2010
"A fellow Forex trader, whom I just met recently, turned me on to your style of trading Talk about night and day in the world of trading. Thanks for helping me to learn to trade with the 'edge'! You're an excellent teacher. Mucho thanks!" Liane D., February 2010
"I read all your articles from lessons from the pros- and your latest, "trade what is real not what you feel" is one of the best articles you've written. It has given me even more clarity to your concept of supply and demand trading. I intend to use the title of your article as my mantra when I am viewing my stock charts in the future. Thanks." Michael B., January 2010
"Time after time you prove to be right. Reading your articles for more than a year now and less and less trading against the supply and demand reality....with success. Thanks for sharing your insights!" Luc V., January 2010
"That was a great article this week. Just what I needed as I develop my trading plan. Thank you." Joe S., January 2010
"I just wanted to thank you for your simple and concise teaching. I have had very mixed and frustrating results in my trading. After reading and watching some of your webinars something just clicked and I decided to take off the indicators, go to the higher time frames check the prevailing trend and mark up the support and resistance levels. I have done this before, however, as you have indicated we need to look for prudent imbalance areas for high probability trades. I have waited for these areas to be hit (before listening to your explanation on order flow) I would never have dreamed these areas would be revisited or hit. The reaction has been just as you taught for the most part. This has lead to more consistent results over an extended period of time. I am beginning to lose that one special gift or new trader’s intuition of seemingly always buying at the top and selling at the bottom (good riddance). I know there is still much to learn but now the fruits seem worth it. I look forward to your articles and discussions. Thank you once again for helping me take the blinders off." Bill N., December 2009
"Dear Mr. Seiden, I have been an avid reader of your regular postings on Online Trading Academy for a while now, I really enjoy your articles on trading. In particular, I like the down-to-earth style you write about in trading. I have earnestly tried to follow whatever you have said and they have brought me success. In your last piece on trading time horizon, I too am a swing trader never holding a position more than a month but never too short as well. I think once the trade setup is done with the proper stop loss or trailing stop the system carries off on its own without emotions coming to play. Thank you for affirming what I have being doing all these years. And keep those articles coming in, we all need them to jolt ourselves to reality sometimes!!! Fads come and go, the basics never die." R. Mohan, December 2009
"Sam, amazing second piece on the Foolsville article. The simplicity of your writings and XLT mentorship has transformed my trading. As an Online Trading Academy participant of the last 2 years, I have seen this company grow magnificently with your leadership. Thanks so much." Moody, October 2009
"Dear Sam, Your advice and suggestions regarding trading the markets are humorously and entertainingly presented. It is indeed a fool who considers themselves adept at the market given the changing face to produce volatility and momentum of market trend. I pass sometimes through Foolsville but usually emerge a few watts brighter for it, thankfully. Excellent article. Look forward to your next posting. Good Wishes, Peace and Love." Mrs. B., October 2009
"Great article Sam. Thanks for using your shrewd talent to help others master trading for the right reasons. I know you don't do it for the extra money." Chase L., September 2009
"Changing one's perception regarding losses. Makes perfect sense. Great send on today's Online Trading Academy email. Thanks, Sam." Linda M., September 2009
"This is a great article Sam. It helped a lot. Thanks." Keith B., September 2009
"Hi Sam, I met you at the Irvine school while taking Part 2 about two months ago. I haven’t started trading yet and I don’t plan to until I feel more comfortable at what I am doing, but I must tell you, your articles are written so that someone like me, who is just starting to learn Online Trading Academy’s trading method, can easily understand the logic and strategies you are writing about. Keep up the great work (I know it’s not easy writing articles) and thanks for explaining your methods the way you have." Hal E., September 2009
"Sam, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your guidance and insight yesterday. It was really kind of you to give a few minutes of your personal time during a big event where you were in such high demand. I cannot believe the difference in the way I am seeing and anticipating the movement in the market today! Your guidance in using Supply and Demand properly made such a difference. Also your comments on movement through major Moving Averages made so much sense after a review of prior S&P charts." Amy O., September 2009
"Hello Sam, I've been looking at and trading the market for 7 years and am just starting to be profitable. I've read more "experts" half truths and lies than I care to remember. Your information is a total breath of fresh air. Thank you. All the Best." Bill C., September 2009
"I'm enjoying very much your videos and yet, I've been on the markets for 10 years, having being very profitable and so just like you probably, I seldom read anything that draw my attention (save Barron's from time to time). Having said that, I'm REALLY enjoying your videos about support/resistance levels, this is SO different, breakthrough and clear and... well, KISS in a word :) To wrap things up, I must give you a TRUE compliment that you should appreciate. After 10 years on the markets having been a professional currency strategist, an equity analyst along with a part-time trader... YOU are ONE of the ONLY ones who make sense to me." Nicolas, August 2009
"Dear Sam, I have read through most of your articles twice, gone through the videos on Fx street twice and every time I have picked up new snippets of information which is helping me on my way to becoming a successful trader. Although I have some small teething problems such as setting my entry order and having price miss it by a pip or two, and then taking my order off out of anxiety, thinking if it comes back down now it will be to go the opposite direction, only to see price come to my entry at the precise price and take off without me. I have to keep my emotions in check. But I am making steady progress as before I found it hard to even enter at the cluster and pivot levels against what my emotions were telling me according to what price was showing me. I have been trying to make a living out of trading using technical indicators for about 3.5 years, 1.5 of those years were full-time day trading. But it is only now in the last couple of weeks after reading your material and throwing away my indicators that I have been able to really read the market and understand what it is telling me, even on the most choppy days. It is incredible! My professional background was in Urban Design and I enjoyed a long academic career putting many qualifications under my belt but I found trading was the hardest endeavor I had undertaken. Had I had your information from the very beginning I am sure my path would have been a lot more pleasant than it has been. It just shows how corrupt and cruel the world of Forex education really is. I am not sure what I have gained through using the many systems and techniques that I have tried. Whether I have gained some sort of deeper market intuition despite the inadequacy of indicators I have used, and whether this knowledge has made me realize how valuable your methods are that has led me to this light bulb moment. All I know is I finally see the light and believe this is a true turning point in my life. Thank you." Peter J., July 2009
"You were recommended to me by a very generous chap who is coaching me on Forex. I am really struggling with it for lots of reasons and done several courses costing tens of thousands of dollars. Finally, a trader who can teach! I wish I'd come across you years ago (yes I've been trying to trade Fx for years). THANKS SAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to be a teacher so I know a good teacher when I come across one. I will be a regular." Russell N., June 2009
"Sam, you really picked a great way to show us, folks trying to learn to trade, with Lyndon's story. It truly shows that persistence and hard work do payoff and one must not give up, even though there are many times we question whether we will ever learn to trade consistently profitably. Anyway, congrats to Lyndon and thanks again for his story, very inspiring!" Patrick H., June 2009
"Many thanks for your article "Pay Attention," you really put everything into focus for me (after a tough day!). I also appreciated your note on success, very well put and thanks for the motivation (today it was especially needed!). Kind regards." Jacqueline K., June 2009
"I love your XLT! Over the past several months I feel I have attained the knowledge of how the market really works! (Orderflow) Thanks a Bunch! You are awesome just for being willing to share this knowledge!" Al W., May 2009
"That was the greatest lesson I’ve ever been exposed to. It was extremely concise and clear as a bell. Thank you." Paul A., April 2009
"Sam made it really simple and to the point. It's my best class ever." John H., April 2009
"That was a great lesson I’ve ever been exposed to. It was extremely concise and clear as a bell. Thank you." Paul L., April 2009
"Dear Sam Seiden, That was probably the best article that I have read on trading, and probably the best set of advice for traders that anyone can get. This topic "Trading vs. Gambling" is singly the best topic that anyone trading, should first ever consider, before making any trade. I would agree with you that most traders are gamblers and need education in what they are doing, before they jump in, and gamble. Thanks" Daniel J., March 2009
"Dear Mr. Seiden, I want to send you a HUGE thank you for the quality education I am receiving in this XLT course. The format is great, the strategy is great, in fact everything about it is great." Roger M., March 2009
"Sam, many thanks for the email and the article. I read every one of them you. Please continue to share your trading philosophy and insights. Hope to see you soon in person at the academy. Once again, thanks!" Mohammad S., February 2009
"Hi Sam, I had to let you know about the perfect trade I took today Feb, 13 2009. As you had taught us, I looked at the heatmap saw CTSH gap right into resistance took it short right at the open 21.82 rode it down to my target of 21.07. Thank you so much." Marc H., February 2009
"Unbelievable - After all I have learned from Online Trading Academy, it has finally all come together with only 3 of Sam's sessions. In only a couple trades (less than an hour), I have made over $1000. It is a true saying: ‘When the Student is ready, the teacher will appear." Tom, January 2009
"I just wanted to send off an email to say how elated I have been with the Futures XLT education and its fearless leader Sam Seiden. I had some idea as to how incredibly savvy Sam was to futures (and all other markets) but even I was blown away at how thorough and proficient a program he teaches. Every day there are new things to learn that you don't even realize you are missing until you are there. My profitability has increased by at least 60% since I started with XLT. I am finally looking to make the move into becoming more of a full time trader as a result of this education. I started trading one year ago in December, and I can honestly say that my goals and dreams are becoming more and more of a reality every day. If it weren't for Sam and XLT I don't know where I'd be...but I am sure that I would be worth a lot less. I can't thank you enough for this opportunity. You stuck with me when I wasn't quite sure I even wanted to stick with me. This is the best education in the trading world today...I hope all of your students come to realize the power and potential they have in learning it, but more importantly in using it." Linnea M., January 2009
"I just wanted to write and thank you for the outstanding Futures class that you taught in London last month. I can't thank you enough for the calmness, simplicity and clarity that you bring to the febrile, illusion-filled world of speculation. It was a real privilege to have been taught by you and I was (and still am) amazed by your patience, generosity, and sheer stamina. I hope you had a good time teaching the class and had a good trip back to the States. As a result of your teaching I have now probably thrown out about 90% of what I had previously been taught about market speculation and really can't envision myself looking at the market in any other way again (why would I look at the market any other way?)." Simon C., December 2008
"Sam was an excellent instructor. I signed up on XLT Futures even though I initially was not thinking of going that route, simply because of my confidence in his approach to trading. I was very satisfied with this class. Sam is great!!" Steven A., December 2008
"Dear Sam, I had my best day of trading ever today! I do not know how to thank you enough - All day I was thinking of: imbalances of buyers and sellers, snow plows, odds-enhancers, equilibrium, technical trailing stop, confirmation. What a difference you have made in my understanding of charts! Thank you so much!!!! Kind regards." Phillip, December 2008
"Dear Sam, I love reading your pieces. I could read them every day. They are insightful, inspiring and informing. Online Trading Academy mail is the most eagerly anticipated, and the first opened when I log on to my computer. Thank you so much, Sam!" Clark R., November 2008
"Sam Seiden's Futures and Forex XLT rooms have changed my life. After 3 yrs of being the "novice" trader, I had decided that this Monday was my last day of trading. I had reached the absolute lowest point, where I did not want to place another trade for the rest of my life. However I was only 2 wks into my new programs, so I went over my recordings and concentrated on what I have learned so far. I put it into practice and started using these principles on Tuesday. Now 4 days later I had the most profitable week of my trading career, $12,000. His real time analysis of actual trades that we put on in the room is really the best educational experience that you will ever find (and the trades work out!). Also giving us filters on what trades not to take are equally as important as what trades to take. I especially like how his methods can be used for day or swing trading. I still have much more to learn but I have a lifetime in the room to do it. Thank you, Sam, so much for giving me my confidence back and saving my trading career!" Brenda L., October 2008
"I have recently completed the E-Mini course at Online Trading Academy and have also viewed the videos where you have been instructing the Forex ins and outs on the FX website. Most excellent work! I thank you for your explanations and clarity." Dave R., September 2008
"I love the way you describe trading to its simplest format, Sam. Your lessons have truly changed the way I trade. Brilliant. Thanks." Jack G., September 2008
"After reading numerous books and bullsh*t courses on trading I am delighted to have stumbled across your information that I have found on the web ... all the courses/books talk about is indicators, indicators, indicators. Anyway, I wish you all the best and a BIG THANK YOU getting my head around getting on the right side of the market after following the herd for the last couple of months!!" Gareth O., September 2008
"I've been reading you for about 6 months and am finally taking a moment to tell you 'GREAT STUFF!' I'm a markets educator turned fund manager and thoroughly appreciate your articles. They resound with credibility, legitimacy, and authority (sorry to be somewhat redundant, but they all apply). I guess I like to read my beliefs and understanding as written by someone else. Friend, you are SPOT ON. When I was with my former employer, I did some competitive analysis on your company and was most impressed by the depth of market wisdom that you and the academy have/share. I wish you both continued success. My hat is off to you and I hope that you will continue to write this column. I enjoy it immensely." Brian A., July 2008
"I'm a swing trader and I have been receiving your newsletters and they are so simple that all I can say is WOW! The world of trading can be very misleading, especially with all the information made available these days. I can never remember a time that I read your articles and not been taken to a new level. I appreciate the information, extremely helpful. It is really a matter of applying that information. The discipline and focus on the simple concept of supply and demand always seems to be a challenge, especially when it comes to live trading. We have to constantly fight off those voices when you are looking at a chart that makes you see large dollar signs. Anyway I just wanted to say thanks for what you give, I'm sure it has helped and blessed a lot of others also. Just keep those articles coming, I know it will increase my understanding of trading successfully in the market. You be blessed and prosperous. Have a great day." Ron B., June 2008
"I just wanted to commend you on your simple/plain English and excellent delivery of this article. I learned something from you in 5 minutes reading it and looking at the graph than learning it anywhere else. As a recent graduate of Online Trading Academy in New York with the teachings of both Ed P. and Sal G., I could not hesitate to add you to my wall of acclaim. Thank you so much and please keep these coming." Nery R., May 2008
"I'm getting a great deal out of your newsletter. The May 23rd issue, The Most Popular Entry Strategy in Forex Trading, was a real light bulb moment. I got a clear picture of the sellers suddenly coming out of hiding to overwhelm the buyers, but in increasingly lighter numbers at each visit. I got a clear picture of how many sellers there will be when the two sides of the triangle finally meet… none. Thank you for that. All the best!" Lyndon H., May 2008
"Hey Sam, I am an Online Trading Academy student who took the Pro Trader classes with Gabe Velazquez. During class one day he mentioned your articles and I've been hooked on them ever since. I've read all of your Online Trading Academy articles, your SFO articles, and seen all of your Online Trading Academy and FX Street Webinars. They are awesome! I just wanted to say thanks a bunch! I feel like I have new eyes to see the market with! Thanks a bunch and keep up the awesome work!!!" Daniel W., May 2008
"Thank you for the BB and CCI lesson. Amazing. I continue to learn so much from your articles. THANK YOU!" Mike C., May 2008
"I really enjoy reading every single one of your articles - they really help to re-enforce what I've learned in the Online Trading Academy class. Please keep up the good work." Charlie L., April 2008
"Thanks so much for another great article. I am so glad to know the reality of trading. Your articles have been very helpful and I just wanted you to know I look forward to them and enjoy them all. Thanks again." Matt W., April 2008
"The best class I ever taken...bar none! Sam Seiden is greatest - knows his stuff and is able to get it across...even to an 80 year old man like me. Just wish I could have met him sooner (would be a rich man by now). His explanation of where support and resistance is and how to use it is the missing link I have been needing to be a successful commodity trader." E.K.P., March 2008
"That was another of your best articles. Seems like each of your articles is better than the previous. For the first time I can understand the concept of SUPPLY/DEMAND. You are truly a MASTER trader. THANKS - is not the best word for me to show my appreciation. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!" Peter P., November 2007
"I felt very honored and grateful to be in your class this week. Hopefully I can repay you some day. A million thanks and best wishes." Paul A., November 2007
"Excellent instructor, his practical knowledge and experience was what made the class. What I learned the first day justified the cost of the class." Rick C., September 2007
"Sam was great! He is very adept at simplifying complex issues. I particularly liked his concentration on the basics of support and resistance, trade entry and exit and risk management. He concentrates on basics and filters out the "noise" that comes from may so called experts and the media." Ed W., September 2007
"Sam is an excellent communicator. I'm very impressed with his knowledge and ability to show me what I need to know." Scott W., April 2007