from the comment so far, it is obvious there are as many reasons why traders lose as there are traders
aside from all previously mentioned, sometimes the market conditions are hostile to a particular strategy, or strategies.
(see 2016, 2019 on chart belo)
SO performance as an example;
so far SO is way down from statistical average first 4 months of year, only 9%, on track to be worse full
year in its history, prior worst full year was 40%
would you have joined if 40% was average result?
lets just suppose that 2025 ends 4x9%=36%
and you are able to realize 1/2 that, =18%
(just no way you will match or beat @Yowster at his own game)
that is still an impressive gain, but frankly you will work for every penny of it
consider the current market conditions the best training you will ever receive as a trader
good news is that historically, last part of year is usually the best part of the year for SO profit-wise, yay!
if trades you are able to enter are ending in losses, cut your position size, or stop trading until you have a better
feel for market and impact on strat(s) you are trading, aka sih, sit-on-hands
many current traders have only experienced a continuously rising market fueled by fed stimuli
rising tide lifts all ships
that is no longer happening and the traders now in charge of big money have no idea what they're doing,
is all new to them, whip-sawed hither, thither, and yon,
i would not be surprised if many traders are deep in the hole so far this year
but i can guarantee you one thing, you will end the year either up,down, or b/e
anyone tells you anything else is selling something