Joe Nikruto attended Indiana State University and DePaul University in Chicago with a major concentration in economics. “It was during college that I got a job as a runner at the Chicago Board of Trade. I was immediately hooked,” he says.

“I enjoy the pace, and the rate at which things change. I enjoy the new information that comes at you constantly. It is hard to be bored in this business for long.”

He adds that he also enjoys futures trading because anyone can do it. “Your success depends on how you handle the risk and how much work you are willing to put in. You don't need a big-time Wall Street connection, or a degree from an Ivy League school to get started. Your success largely depends on you and what you put into it.”

In 1992, he started as a runner and back office clerk for a very large futures commission merchant (FCM). He moved up to pit clerk, then research associate working on the trading floors directly for a grain and livestock concern based in Memphis. He spent time on various trading desks for a large retail FCM and then became Series 3 registered in 1997. He also helped develop an online trading platform and consulted on development and trading of mechanical trading systems. He has always worked to assist his clients with all types of trading—from option strategies and hedging to complicated mechanical trading systems.

His advisory background includes Floyd Upperman, McMaster, Walter Bressert, Ken Roberts, Tech Guru, Hightower, Helms, and Barry Rosen.

As for his involvement with RJO, Nikruto says, “R.J. O'Brien has been in operation for 93 years. That is almost a century of supporting customers. You have to be doing something right for folks who use futures to choose to do business with you for that long.”

Sector Focus

Joe trades in most markets.

Analysis Preference

Joe feels that technical analysis is a great way to add structure to viewing the markets but he is also interested in fundamentals.

Strengths and Trading Philosophy

Joe’s strengths include his work ethic and his ability to provide clients with service that will meet their specific trading needs.

His trading philosophy is that if you can recognize and manage the risk, you have a better chance to be successful in trading. “Know your exposure,” he says. “Decide how you will protect your trading capital before you place the trade.”

NOTE: This individual exercises independent judgement in trading, and readers are urged to exercise their own judgement in trading.