Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Business

Which Prop Firm Is Best for Beginners?

Published

on

Getting access to trading capital without risking your own money is the promise every prop firm makes. The reality is more complicated. With thousands of firms operating globally and the majority of traders failing to reach payout stages, picking the wrong firm means wasted fees and frustration.

Getting access to trading capital without risking your own money is the promise every prop firm makes. The reality is more complicated. With thousands of firms operating globally and the majority of traders failing to reach payout stages, picking the wrong firm means wasted fees and frustration.

This ranking breaks down 5 prop trading firms for the UK traders based on what actually matters: fees, profit splits, drawdown rules, payout reliability, and platform options

5 Prop Firms for the beginners Ranked

Selecting the right prop firm requires looking beyond marketing claims. We assessed each firm that operates in the UK across six core areas that directly impact a trader’s success and experience.

  • Challenge Fees and Refunds. We compared upfront costs and whether firms return fees after the first payout.
  • Profit Split Structures. Higher splits mean more money in your pocket, but we also checked for hidden conditions.
  • Drawdown Rules. Daily and maximum loss limits determine how much room you have to trade.
  • Payout Frequency and Reliability. Consistent, timely payouts separate legitimate firms from problematic ones.
  • Platform Availability. Access to familiar platforms like MetaTrader, cTrader, or TradingView matters for execution.
  • Reputation. We reviewed verified user feedback on TrustPilot and trading communities for patterns in complaints or praise.

1. OneFunded

OneFunded

launched in 2024 under CEO Anastasiia Kaplunenko. Kaplunenko is a fintech professional who built the firm around a specific frustration: hidden rules, delayed payouts, and opaque evaluation conditions that made trading harder than it needed to be. The firm operates globally through OneFunded Capital Ltd., registered in Saint Lucia. Its UK operations are handled by Brynex Tech Limited in London.

Challenges and evaluation processes

You can choose among four challenge tracks on OneFunded, including Value, Core, Flex, and Flash. Each program is built around a different risk profile, but one rule applies to all four: no time limits of any kind.

Advertisement
Challenge Type One-Off Fee Account Sizes Profit Target Max Daily Drawdown Max Total Drawdown Min Trading Days
Value (2-Step) $16-$137 $2K-$50K 6%/6% 4% 8% 4 per phase
Core (2-Step) $45-$650 $5K-$200K 8%/5% 5% 10% 3 per phase
Flex (2-Step) $54-$780 $5K-$200K 7%/4% 4% 10% 3 per phase
Flash (1-Step) $29-$715 $2K-$200K 10% 4% 6% 5 total

 

The Value track starts at $16 for a $2,000 account. And for the Flex track, it is worth noting that it is the only track that carries no consistency rule during evaluation. This ensures that traders have more freedom in how their profits are distributed across days.

Spreads, fees, and payouts

Challenge fees translate to between $16 and $780. This means even the largest Flex account is accessible without a significant upfront commitment.

  • Profit split: 80% to the trader as standard; upgradable to 90% via paid addon
  • Spreads and commission: Viewable directly on the platform in demo mode before purchasing a challenge.
  • Payout schedule: 14-day cycle; weekly payouts available via a paid addon. Minimum payout is $100 with 24 hour processing time.
  • Payout methods: Crypto, bank transfer, and Rise.
  • Fee refund: The challenge fee is refunded alongside your first payout

What you can trade and at what size

OneFunded provides access to 250+ instruments, including 55+ forex pairs, 150+ American and European stock CFDs, 15+ global indices and metals, and 15+ cryptocurrencies.

Asset Class Leverage
Forex 1:100
Commodities and Indices 1:30
Cryptocurrencies 1:2

Trading software and tools

OneFunded supports three platforms, each available on web, desktop, iOS, and Android:

Advertisement
  1. TradeLocker: Integrated with TradingView for charting. It is accessible globally, including the UK and suited to manual traders
  2. cTrader: Available to the UK traders and offers advanced order execution and full market depth.
  3. MT5: Available to the UK traders and supports automated trading through EAs and provides the widest analytical toolkit of the three platforms.

Rules every trader must follow

  • Algorithmic trading: EAs are permitted but require pre-approval. Prohibited practices include latency arbitrage, reverse arbitrage, tick scalping, gap billing, data freezing, and the use of delayed or external data feeds.
  • News trading: Permitted across all four tracks and in funded accounts. However, a 5-minute window applies around scheduled high-impact events.
  • Weekend and overnight trading: Positions may be held overnight and over weekends but swap fees may apply.
  • Consistency rule: Applies to Value (40% cap on best-day profit), Core (50%), and Flash (50%) during evaluation. The Flex track has no consistency rule although in the funded phase, a 30% cap applies across all tracks.

Reputation and trader experience

OneFunded holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4/5 from 205 reviews. It has 64% five-star and 23% four-star ratings. Reviewers most consistently highlight the absence of time limits, fast crypto payouts, transparent rules, and responsive support.

The firm previously operated as Prop365 before rebranding, and several reviews reference continuity of service through that transition. Negative reviews focus mainly on a small number of consistency rule disqualifications and occasional KYC delays, both of which the firm addresses directly on Trustpilot. It has replied to 88% of negative reviews, typically within 48 hours.

The firm’s community is active on Discord, X, Facebook, and Instagram. And support is reachable via email at support@onefunded.com, chat, and through the contact page on the website.

Our assessment

OneFunded checks all the important boxes when looking for a prop firm that accepts UK traders. The entry fee is one of the lowest on this list, all four challenge tracks run on unlimited time, and payouts below $1,000 are processed in crypto by default, which is the most practical route for traders receiving foreign earnings. The rules are written plainly, the Flex track removes the consistency rule entirely, and the challenge fee comes back with the first payout.

It suits beginner traders who trade part-time, are making their first funded account attempt, or want a low-cost, low-pressure environment to build a consistent track record before moving to larger account sizes.

Advertisement

2. FTMO

FTMO has been operating from Prague, Czech Republic, since 2015. This is the longest-established firm in this guide and one of the most recognized names in funded trading globally. The firm runs two challenge tracks on unlimited timeframes and offers a free trial for traders to test the platform.

Challenges and evaluation processes

FTMO offers two paths to a funded account, both with no time limit on the evaluation.

Challenge Type Fee from Account Sizes Target Max Daily Loss Max Loss Min Trading Days Avg. Reward Fee Refund
2-Step €89 $10K-$200K 10%/5% 5% 10% 4 per phase Up to €12,234 Yes (100%)
1-Step €79 $10K-$200K 10% 3% 10% 90% profit  split No

Spreads, fees, and payouts

  • Profit split: 80% standard on both tracks; 90% via the Scaling Plan once certain account growth milestones are reached.
  • Spreads: Tight; major pairs like EURUSD regularly trade near 0.1 pips on MetaTrader during active sessions.
  • Commission: All standard forex pairs carry a commission of $5 per lot per side ($10 round-trip).
  • Payout schedule: Bi-weekly; average processing time of approximately 8 hours from request to completion.
  • Payout methods: Bank wire, Skrill, crypto, and Visa Direct (up to $20,000)
  • Scaling ceiling: Up to $2M through the Scaling Plan

What you can trade and at what size

FTMO covers forex, indices, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies across all accounts.

  • Forex: Major, minor, and exotic pairs; leverage up to 1:100
  • Indices: Global indices including US30, US100, US500, and EU equivalents; leverage up to 1:20
  • Commodities and metals: Gold, silver, oil; leverage up to 1:10
  • Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others; leverage up to 1:2

Trading software and tools

FTMO supports MetaTrader 4 and 5, and cTrader. All three platforms are available for both the 1-Step and 2-Step FTMO Challenges as well as funded FTMO Accounts, and can be selected directly in the challenge configurator.

Every FTMO account includes a built-in toolkit, which includes FTMO Academy, Psychology Course, Account MetriX performance tracker, Equity Simulator, Trading Journal, Economic Calendar, and News Indicator.

Rules every trader must follow

  • Algorithmic trading: EAs are permitted on all accounts. The only restriction is a cap of 2,000 server requests per day per account.
  • News trading: Unrestricted during both evaluation phases.
  • Overnight and weekend holding: Permitted during evaluation on both tracks. On a funded Standard account, positions must be closed before the weekend market rollover.
  • Gap trading: Prohibited.

Reputation and trader experience

FTMO holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.8/5 from 41,020 reviews. This is the highest review volume of any firm in this guide, and the most statistically reliable reputation signal as a result. Reviewers highlight transparent rules, fast payout processing, and responsive multilingual support. Negative reviews are rare and mostly relate to account closures for rule violations, which FTMO addresses publicly on Trustpilot.

The firm’s community spans Discord (116K+ members), YouTube (417K+ subscribers), Instagram (551K followers), X (139K followers), and Facebook (272K followers). Support is available 24/7 via live chat, WhatsApp, email at support@ftmo.com, and phone, in 20 languages.

Advertisement

Our assessment

FTMO’s strength is its track record and the tools it bundles with every account. A decade of consistent operation, over $500 million paid in rewards globally, and more than 41,000 Trustpilot reviews give it a credibility floor that newer firms cannot match. That matters if you are committing meaningful capital to a challenge fee.

That said, this firm suits experienced traders who prioritize a long operational history, built-in analytical tooling, and platform flexibility above all else.

3. RebelsFunding

RebelsFunding was founded in 2023 by Marek Soska and is headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia. The founding team has been trading financial markets since 2008 and launched a trading education business in 2015 before creating RebelsFunding. The firm says on its website that it has distributed over $3 million in rewards to more than 30,000 traders globally. RebelsFunding offers the widest range of program tiers on this list.

Challenges and evaluation processes

Program Phases Fee Account Sizes Profit Target Daily Drawdown Max Drawdown Fee Refund
Copper 4 From €9 $1K-$320K 5% per phase 5% 10% 200%
Bronze 3 From €37 $5K-$160K 5% per phase 5% 10% 150%
Silver 2 From €45 $5K-$80K 8%/5% 5% 10% 100%
Gold 1 From €68 $5K-$40K 10% None during eval; 4% on funded 6%
Diamond 10-level From €156 $5K-$20K initial; scales to $530K 10% per level None 6% 100% after Level 0

Spreads, fees, and payouts

  • Profit split: 75-90% across all programs; the starting rate and scaling conditions vary by tier.
  • Spreads: The average spread on major forex pairs sits at around 0.9 pips, while top shares average between 0.5 and 1.0 pips. Across the full instrument range, spreads start from as low as 0.3 pips.
  • Commission: RebelsFunding charges a flat $2 per $100,000 traded across all asset classes.
  • Payout schedule: Your first withdrawal becomes available 14 calendar days after placing your first trade on the funded account. All further withdrawals can be submitted every 14 days.
  • Payout methods: Bank wire transfer, crypto, PayPal, Wise, Revolut, Venmo (only for US-based traders), physical checks, and Credit/Debit Cards.
  • Scaling: Account grows up to 200% of the initial value on Copper, Bronze, and Silver upon meeting profitability milestones; Diamond scales to $530K through 10 levels.

What you can trade and at what size

RebelsFunding covers the following asset classes:

  • Forex: 40 pairs with 28 swap-free pairs
  • Metals: 4 instruments, with 4 swap-free
  • Energies: 2 instruments (WTI Oil and Natural Gas)
  • Cryptocurrencies: 7 instruments including Bitcoin and Ethereum
  • Equities: 10 individual stocks
  • Indices: 8 instruments including NASDAQ and S&P 500

The minimum lot size across all instruments is 0.01 lots, and RebelsFunding requires consistent position sizing. And leverage is tiered; see the table below:

Asset Class Evaluation Leverage RCF (Funded) Leverage
Forex – Majors 1:200 1:100
Forex – Crosses 1:150 1:50
Forex – Exotics 1:100 1:25
Metals 1:25 1:15
Indices 1:25 1:15
Energies 1:5 1:5
Equities 1:2.5 1:2.5
Cryptocurrencies 1:2.5 1:2.5

Trading software and tools

RebelsFunding uses a single proprietary platform, RF-Trader, built on TradingView charts and connected directly to liquidity providers. It is available on web, desktop, iOS, and Android. The platform has a built-in lot size and dollar-risk calculator, which several reviewers specifically cite as useful for real-time position sizing. It also includes an AI Trader tool in the Client Zone that analyses your trading history and identifies strengths and weaknesses.

Advertisement

Rules every trader must follow

  • Algorithmic trading: EAs are permitted across all programs
  • News trading: Permitted across all programs; no restriction window stated
  • Weekend trading: Positions can be held over weekends, but the firm cautions against it on cross pairs and less liquid instruments. And crypto trading is not available over weekends.
  • Scalping: Permitted
  • Overnight holding: Permitted on all programs

Reputation and trader experience

RebelsFunding holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4/5 from 2,292 reviews, with 69% five-star and 15% four-star ratings. The firm replies to 96% of negative reviews, typically within 48 hours. Reviewers highlight affordable entry fees, fast payout processing, straightforward rules, and responsive support. The most recurring criticism across recent reviews is platform performance, specifically, slow load times on the RF-Trader app during peak market hours and periodic connectivity drops.

Our assessment

RebelsFunding’s fee refund model is a standout feature. Also, the range of five program tiers makes it one of the few firms on this list where a complete beginner and an experienced trader can both find a structurally appropriate starting point.

The firm suits traders who are confident in their pass rate and want the lowest net challenge cost over time. That is, the more programs you pass, the more of your fees come back.

4. CTI

City Traders Imperium has been funding traders since 2018 and operates from Dubai, UAE. It is the only firm in this guide that pays a monthly salary to its highest-performing funded traders. The firm offers four routes to funding and with a maximum allocation of $4 million.

Challenges and evaluation processes

All four programs run on unlimited time, and each carries a balance-based drawdown. This means losses are calculated against the account balance, not a floating equity high-water mark like many others. This gives traders more room to recover from open position drawdowns without breaching the limit.

Advertisement
Program Entry Fee Account Sizes Profit Target Max Daily Loss Max Drawdown Min Profitable Days
1-Step From $27 $2.5K-$100K 8% 5% 3
2-Step From $34 $2.5K-$100K 10%/5% 5% per phase 10% per phase 3 per phase
3-Step (Pay-per-level) From $1 (Level 1 only) $2.5K-$100K 3%/5%/7% 2% per step 4% per step 3 per step
Instant Funding From $62 $2.5K-$80K (doubles on passing) 10% to scale None 6% None
Instant Funding Pro From $263 $5K-$80K 10% to scale None 6% None

CTI also operates a VIP program that activates automatically as funded traders demonstrate consistent performance. This table provides the details:

VIP Tier Profit Share Payout Frequency Additional Benefits
Bronze 90% Weekly 30% discount on all future purchases, VIP support, free 1-on-1 coaching
Silver 100% Any time, on demand Free CTI merchandise, all Bronze benefits
Gold 100% Any time, on demand Potential 1-year monthly salary, institutional trading conditions, custom funding terms, team membership

Spreads, fees, and payouts

  • Profit split: starts at 50% for Instant Funding (Level 1), 80% on evaluation programs from the first funded payout, and scales to 100% at Silver and Gold VIP tiers.
  • Spreads: From 0.3 pips on EUR/USD
  • Commission: $5 per lot round-turn on forex
  • Payout schedule: Your first withdrawal becomes available after a minimum of 5 trading days on your funded account. In the VIP tier, payouts are weekly at Bronze, and any time on demand at Silver and Gold.
  • Payout methods: Payouts are processed into a Personal Wallet inside the CTI dashboard and withdrawals are via bank wire transfer, cryptocurrency (USDT/TRX), Credit/Debit Card, PayPal.
  • Scaling ceiling: $4 million through the VIP program

What you can trade and at what size

  • Forex: 28 currency pairs; leverage 1:30 on evaluation accounts, 1:10 on Instant Funding
  • Commodities: Gold, silver, and crude oil; leverage 1:10
  • Indices: 13 global indices including US30 and DE40; leverage 1:10
  • Cryptocurrencies: 6 assets including BTC/USD and ETH/USD; leverage 1:2

Trading software and tools

CTI supports MT5 and Match-Trader, both available across all platforms. In addition, traders get access to Account Metrix, Account Analysis, a Trading Journal, Risk Calculators, an Economic Calendar, and CTI Academy at no extra cost.

Rules every trader must follow

  • Stop loss: Mandatory on every trade
  • Copy trading: Prohibited across all programs and account types
  • Gambling behavior: Prohibited
  • News trading: Permitted across all programs without restriction
  • Weekend and overnight holding: Permitted on all programs

Reputation and trader experience

CTI holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.3/5 from 1,683 reviews. 84% of the reviews are five-star and 9% four-star. The firm replies to 97% of negative reviews and typically within one week.

Positive reviews cite fast payouts (several reviewers report same-day processing), responsive multilingual support, and an easy-to-navigate dashboard. The recurring criticism is payout denials following what CTI characterizes as gambling behavior or stop-loss violations.

Our assessment

CTI’s strongest differentiator is the VIP program structure as a whole. The 3-Step pay-per-level program also removes one of the biggest barriers in prop trading, which is the psychological cost of paying a large upfront fee and failing early.

This firm suits disciplined traders who prefer manual processes and operate with defined risk parameters. These traders also want a clear, built-in progression toward higher payouts and better conditions without paying extra for each upgrade.

Advertisement

5. ThinkCapital

ThinkCapital is backed by ThinkMarkets, a broker regulated across multiple jurisdictions. The broker provides an infrastructure credibility that standalone prop firms cannot offer. Its rails support spreads, execution, and platform stability.

Challenges and evaluation processes

Program Phases Entry Fee (from) Account Sizes Phase 1 Target Phase 2 Target Phase 3 Target Daily Loss Max Loss
Lightning 1 $59 $5K-$100K 10% 3% (balance) 6% trailing
Dual Step Intraday 2 $59 $5K-$100K 9% 5% 4% (equity) 7% fixed
Dual Step Swing 2 $82 $5K-$100K 9% 5% 4% (balance) 7% fixed
Nexus 3 $39 $5K-$100K 7% 6% 5% 4% (balance) 8% fixed

 

All programs scale to $1 million on MT5 accounts and $1.5 million on ThinkTrader accounts. Every 10% return in a rolling three-month period triggers a 20% account size boost.

Spreads, fees, and payouts

  • Profit split: 80% standard across all programs; upgradeable to 90% via addon or through the scaling plan
  • Spreads: Traders are commission-free but with wider spreads on ThinkTrader. For MT5 accounts, raw spreads from 0.0 pips with commission.
  • Commission: $4 per lot per side on MT5; zero on ThinkTrader
  • Payout schedule: Bi-weekly standard; weekly payouts available via addon
  • Payout methods: Crypto, RiseWorks, and Broker Profit Transfer

What you can trade and at what size

  • Forex: 49 pairs; leverage dynamic up to 1:100 on Dual Step and Nexus; 1:30 on Lightning
  • Indices: NAS100, GER40, and others; leverage up to 1:15
  • Commodities: Gold, silver, and oil; leverage up to 1:30
  • Cryptocurrencies: BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and others; leverage 1:2

Trading software and tools

ThinkCapital supports ThinkTrader and MT5, both accessible to beginner traders. The former is a proprietary platform with full TradingView integration. This means you can chart and execute trades directly from TradingView charts without switching windows, and without paying any commission. Also, all accounts come with access to a free trial before any paid commitment.

Rules every trader must follow

  • News trading: A news trading addon is available for the Lightning and Nexus programs to remove this restriction on funded accounts. Dual Step Swing permits news trading by default
  • Expert advisors: They are banned by default. Automated systems require purchasing the EA addon.
  • Weekend holding: Permitted on Nexus and Dual Step Swing, and Lightning funded accounts; not permitted on Dual Step Intraday.
  • No account rolling: Deliberately failing a challenge to restart is flagged and banned
  • Gambling behavior: Accounts exhibiting reckless position sizing, described as oversized risk relative to account balance, are subject to a warning and potential reset.

Reputation and trader experience

The average rating for ThinkCapital on Trustpilot is 4.0/5 from 604 reviews. Of these, 75% are five-star and 15% are one-star ratings. Positive reviews cite fast and helpful live support, TradingView integration on ThinkTrader, tight gold spreads, and the credibility of ThinkMarkets’ regulated backing. On the other hand, some negative reviews describe accounts being terminated for “multiple profiles” following giveaway wins or near-payout milestones, with no specific evidence provided by the firm’s risk team. ThinkCapital’s responses to these reviews cite undisclosed risk team findings but do not address the individual claims in detail.

Our assessment

ThinkCapital is one of the two broker-backed firms in this list, and this is a major upside. Other advantages include TradingView integration on a commission-free platform, and low entry fees across three structured programs. This makes the firm ideal for traders who want the reliability of a regulated-broker-backed infrastructure at a budget entry point.

Advertisement

How the Eight Firms Compare

Firm Max Capital Default Split Challenge Tracks Min Entry Fee Time Limit Crypto Payout Trustpilot
OneFunded $200,000 80% 4 $16 None Yes 4.4
FTMO $2M 80% 2 €79 None Yes 4.8
RebelsFunding $530,000 75-90% 5 tiers €9 None Yes 4.4
CTI $4M 80% 4 + VIP $1 None Yes 4.3
ThinkCapital $1.5M 80% 3 $39 None Yes 4.0

*BrightFunded’s Trustpilot rating has been removed by Trustpilot due to a breach of its guidelines.

Conclusion

The right prop firm for a beginner trader is not the most popular one globally. It may also not be the one that advertises the juiciest profit share. Instead, the firm you should choose is one that works given your payout options, the cost in INR terms, how the evaluation is structured, and how clearly the rules are written. Those four filters eliminate a lot of options quickly.

That said, we have learned that no evaluation deadline, crypto payouts that bypass the friction of international bank transfers, entry fees that do not require a large capital commitment to get started, and rules written plainly enough are the most important hoops a firm must jump through. And by this point in the guide, you have already seen which firm fits this description.

Advertisement

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

Ngala secures $130m to continue free services

Published

on

Ngala secures $130m to continue free services

A WA not-for-profit parenting service will receive $130 million from the state government over the next eight years to continue free access to support services.

Continue Reading

Business

CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator sells $35.8m of company stock

Published

on


CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator sells $35.8m of company stock

Continue Reading

Business

Rates Spark: Something Must Give

Published

on

Rates Spark: Something Must Give

Rates Spark: Something Must Give

Continue Reading

Business

United Airlines raises ticket prices up to 20% amid Iran war fuel surge

Published

on

United Airlines raises ticket prices up to 20% amid Iran war fuel surge

United Airlines warned Wednesday that the company is raising ticket prices by as much as 20% as it grapples with surging jet fuel costs driven by the war in Iran.

The alarming notice came during the company’s quarterly earnings call, where CEO Scott Kirby said the airline is aiming to “recover 100% of the increase in jet fuel prices as quickly as possible.”  

Advertisement

“Sell-in yields for all future travel are now up 20% year-over-year,” Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said, indicating that customers are already booking future flights at prices roughly 20% higher than last year’s levels.

Kirby added that yields likely need to remain near that range to achieve long-term profit margins.

AMERICAN AIRLINES CEO SAYS MERGER WITH UNITED WOULD BE ‘BAD FOR CUSTOMERS’

travelers line up at united gate

Customers of United wait in line to check in at Newark International airport in New Jersey, November 15, 2012.  (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz / Reuters)

“Yields need to increase by about 15% to 20%, and we are assuming that fuel may remain higher for longer,” he said.

Advertisement

The CEO added that higher prices are expected to dampen overall demand, but noted there have been no signs of decline yet following earlier fare and baggage fee increases implemented since the war began.

“We believe we have the ability to pass on the increase in fuel due in large part to our brand loyal customers, continued demand strength and preference to fly United even at higher fares,” Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Michael Leskinen said. 

MAJOR AIRLINE AXES 20,000 ‘UNPROFITABLE’ FLIGHTS AS JET FUEL COSTS SOAR

A United Airlines plane takes off at San Francisco International Airport

The United Airlines plane takes off from an airport. ((Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

“At this point, we can tell you that the price increases are going well and demand is hanging in there really strong,” Nocella added.  

Advertisement

The airline has already implemented five broad price increases since January mostly to offset higher fuel costs, according to the call. 

While ticket yields were up just 4% year over year in January and February, they reportedly climbed to 12% in early March, 18% later that month, and have now reached 20% for all future travel. 

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
UAL UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC. 91.25 -0.46 -0.50%

United further attributed its “robust” demand to a strong base of brand-loyal customers and continued strength in premium and business travel.

Kirby also suggested that if demand does soften, the carrier may respond by supplying fewer seats to the market.  

Advertisement

Management noted that the longer fuel prices remain elevated, the more likely higher ticket prices are to become permanent across the industry.

UNITED AIRLINES CHECKED BAG FEES CLIMB $10–$50 AS FUEL PRICES NEARLY DOUBLE SINCE IRAN WAR

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby speaks during a joint press event in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Dec.13, 2022. (LOGAN CYRUS/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Fuel costs have surged to multi-year highs following the outbreak of the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran on Feb. 28, which disrupted roughly 20% of global oil flows passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

As of Wednesday, jet fuel in major U.S. markets averaged $4.23 per gallon, up nearly 70% from levels seen before the war began, according to Argus data published by Airlines for America. At one point in early April, prices reportedly surged more than 95% to $4.88 per gallon.

Advertisement

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

In response, multiple major airlines have launched efforts to mitigate rising operating costs, including increasing baggage fees and consolidating flights by canceling select routes. 

United Airlines specifically raised checked bag fees by $10 to $50 earlier this month.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Stock markets are too high and set to fall, says Bank of England deputy

Published

on

Stock markets are too high and set to fall, says Bank of England deputy

It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank to be so forthright on market movements.

Continue Reading

Business

Costco shoppers warned to stop using popular product over safety issue

Published

on

Costco shoppers warned to stop using popular product over safety issue

Heated socks sold at Costco have been recalled after customers reported burn injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The 32 Degrees Heated Socks were sold in medium, large and extra large. The CPSC report said when the socks are worn during “high intensity activities” they pose a potential burn hazard. 

Advertisement

According to the CPSC, there were 14 reported heat-related incidents with the socks, and 13 of them involved first- or second-degree partial thickness burns. 

The CPSC did not specify whether the issue stems from the battery pack, heating elements or prolonged heat exposure.

COSTCO ISSUES RECALL FOR CERTAIN GIFT CARDS

Woman pulling groceries from Costco cart

A shopper loads items into a vehicle at a Costco store in Vallejo, Calif., May 29, 2025.  (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images)

About 207,806 packs of socks were recalled. 

Advertisement

The affected socks were sold at both Costco retailers and online at Costco.com from August 2025 through March 2026, ranging from $30 and $46 in price. 

FORD RECALLS OVER 140,000 PICKUP TRUCKS OVER WIRING FIRE RISK

Heated socks against a blurred background with battery pack

Heated socks sold at Costco were recalled after customers reported burn injuries. (CPSC / Unknown)

A spokesperson for Costco did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO 

Advertisement

Consumers are urged to stop using the socks immediately and return them to Costco for a full refund. For additional information, customers can contact 32 Degrees toll-free at 833-997-2452 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email recall@32degrees.com or visit the company’s website and click “Sock Recall” under the Support section.

The recall underscores a broader concern with heated wearable products, where items marketed for everyday comfort can pose risks when used in real-world conditions. 

Since consumers increasingly rely on battery-powered apparel during active use — from outdoor work to exercise — the reported injuries highlight a potential gap between how these products are expected to perform and how they actually function under higher-intensity activity.

The recall comes as Costco has faced other recent product safety issues, including a Generac portable generator sold through the retailer that was recalled over fire risks.

Advertisement

Fox Business’ Bradford Betz contributed to this report.

Continue Reading

Business

From scientist to silk farmer: India's silk industry renewal

Published

on

From scientist to silk farmer: India's silk industry renewal

Silk production is an increasingly high-tech business in India.

Continue Reading

Business

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (PTEN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Published

on

OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Q1: 2026-04-22 Earnings Summary

EPS of -$0.06 beats by $0.04

 | Revenue of $1.12B (-12.75% Y/Y) beats by $19.97M

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (PTEN) Q1 2026 Earnings Call April 23, 2026 10:00 AM EDT

Company Participants

William Hendricks – President, CEO & Director
C. Smith – Executive VP & CFO

Advertisement

Conference Call Participants

Michael Sabella
Saurabh Pant – BofA Securities, Research Division
Derek Podhaizer – Piper Sandler & Co., Research Division
James Rollyson – Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Research Division
Scott Gruber – Citigroup Inc., Research Division
Stephen Gengaro – Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Research Division
Arun Jayaram – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Keith MacKey – RBC Capital Markets, Research Division
Doug Becker – Capital One Securities, Inc., Research Division
Edward Kim – Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division
Daniel Kutz – Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Donald Crist – Johnson Rice & Company, L.L.C., Research Division
John Daniel – Daniel Energy Partners, LLC

Advertisement

Presentation

Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. My name is Abby, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Patterson-UTI First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call [Operator Instructions]

Thank you. And I would now like to turn the conference over to Michael Sabella, Vice President of Investor Relations. You may begin.

Advertisement

Michael Sabella

Thank you, operator. Good morning, and welcome to Patterson-UTI’s earnings conference call to discuss our first quarter 2026 results.

With me today are Andy Hendricks, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Andy Smith, Chief Financial Officer.

Advertisement

As a reminder, statements that are made in this conference call that refer to the company’s or management’s plans, intentions, targets, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future are considered forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties as disclosed in the company’s SEC filings which could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially.

The company takes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Statements

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Shelton Powell and Cart Capital: Building Systems That Scale

Published

on

The eCommerce industry is competitive, and having the right strategy is essential for success. With the correct tools, you can streamline your processes, enhance customer experience, and boost sales.

How Shelton Powell Turned an Idea Into a Scalable eCommerce Model

Shelton Powell did not enter eCommerce chasing trends. He entered it trying to solve a problem he kept seeing.

Too many people wanted to build online businesses. Few had the structure to do it well.

That gap became the starting point for Cart Capital.

“The company was built to solve a real problem,” Powell says. “Most people fail in eCommerce not because the model doesn’t work, but because they try to build alone.”

Advertisement

What followed was not a quick rise. It was a process shaped by trial, setbacks, and gradual improvement.

Early Career Lessons in eCommerce Operations

Powell’s background as an eCommerce operator goes back to 2017. Like many early builders, he learned by doing.

The first phase was not smooth.

There were issues with payment processing. Systems broke. Operations slowed down.

Advertisement

These were not small problems. They affected how fast the business could grow.

But Powell did not treat them as temporary setbacks. He treated them as signals.

“Success comes down to how good you are at solving problems,” he says. “We had to get better at it.”

That mindset pushed him to move beyond surface-level fixes. Instead, he focused on building stronger systems behind the business.

Advertisement

What Cart Capital Does in the eCommerce Industry

Cart Capital was built around one core idea. Most people should not have to build everything alone.

The company manages the full operational side of eCommerce brands. This includes product research, store development, supplier relationships, marketing, fulfillment, and retention.

“We own and operate the infrastructure behind eCommerce brands,” Powell explains.

Instead of offering isolated services, the company runs the entire system.

Advertisement

This approach helped Cart Capital scale. Today, the company has managed over 150 eCommerce brands and contributed to more than $50 million in revenue.

Still, Powell does not frame that as the end goal.

“Hitting the target outcome we set at the start is one thing,” he says. “Success is delivery plus improvement.”

Why Not Every Partner Is the Right Fit

One of the biggest turning points in Powell’s career came from a hard lesson.

Advertisement

Not every partnership works.

“Early on we learned that the wrong person in an engagement can be more detrimental than no engagement at all,” he says.

That realization changed how Cart Capital operates.

The company introduced a more structured onboarding process. It began filtering for mindset, readiness, and alignment.

Advertisement

“We don’t let just anyone in,” Powell says. “It takes the right person on the other end to build something successful together.”

This shift improved consistency. It also allowed the company to focus more deeply on each engagement.

The Role of Data and Feedback in Business Growth

As the company grew, Powell leaned heavily into measurement.

He believes that growth should be tracked clearly and consistently.

Advertisement

“Everything gets measured,” he says. “If it isn’t tracked, it doesn’t exist.”

Revenue, campaign performance, and operational benchmarks are reviewed regularly. But Powell does not rely on numbers alone.

“The numbers tell you what happened,” he explains. “The feedback tells you if it mattered.”

This combination of data and real-world input helps guide decisions. It also keeps the business focused on outcomes that go beyond short-term gains.

Advertisement

Adapting in a Fast-Moving Industry

ECommerce changes quickly. What works one year may not work the next.

For Powell, staying relevant comes down to adaptability.

“Problem solving and open-mindedness are not optional,” he says. “It’s the job.”

This mindset has shaped how Cart Capital approaches strategy. The team tests new ideas, adjusts campaigns, and looks for ways to improve systems over time.

Advertisement

At the same time, Powell emphasizes discipline.

“We promote execution over promises and long-term brand building over quick wins,” he says.

This balance between flexibility and structure has become a defining part of the company’s approach.

The Personal Drive Behind the Business

Behind the systems and strategy, Powell’s motivation is personal.

Advertisement

He often reflects on his father’s influence.

“My father was a Jamaican immigrant who built a life from nothing,” he says. “When he passed, I made a decision. He didn’t make those sacrifices for me to amount to nothing.”

That perspective shapes how he responds to challenges.

“When your back is against the wall, quitting isn’t a real option,” Powell says. “You ask yourself what you still have left to work with and you get back to work.”

Advertisement

Faith and purpose also play a role in how he stays grounded.

“I pray for strength, clarity, and confidence to keep moving,” he adds.

How Shelton Powell Defines Long-Term Success

As Cart Capital has grown, Powell’s view of success has evolved.

In the early stages, growth and performance metrics were the main focus. Over time, the definition became broader.

Advertisement

“At a certain point, money stops being the main motivator,” he says. “What drives me now is the depth of the system I’m building and the impact it can create.”

That shift reflects a larger theme in his career.

The goal is not just to build businesses. It is to build systems that can sustain them.

A Career Built on Execution and Improvement

Shelton Powell’s path in eCommerce is not defined by one breakthrough moment. It is defined by consistent refinement.

Advertisement

He identified a gap. He built around it. He improved through experience.

Cart Capital is a result of that process.

It represents a structured approach to an industry often driven by speed and change.

And for Powell, the work continues.

Advertisement

Because in his view, success is not static. It is something that evolves with every system built and every problem solved.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Unraveling the Structural Paradox of Thailand’s Labor Market

Published

on

Unraveling the Structural Paradox of Thailand's Labor Market

In Thailand, a seemingly low unemployment rate conceals underlying structural problems, including a shrinking workforce and difficulties faced by young workers. Comprehensive and urgent reforms are essential to ensure long-term stability.

Key Points

  • Unemployment at record low: Thailand’s unemployment rate fell to 0.81% in late 2025, the lowest in 11 years. However, this masks deeper structural weaknesses.
  • Labor force shrinkage: The decline is driven by more people leaving the workforce (30.2 million in 2025, up 2.23% since 2020), especially retirees, caregivers, and those opting out for personal reasons.
  • Dependency ratio rising: With an aging population, the burden on working-age Thais is increasing. By 2024, 100 workers supported ~59 dependents (children + elderly).
  • Youth employment challenges: Jobs for workers aged 15–24 contracted by 3.4% YoY in 2025. Full-time and overtime opportunities fell sharply, pushing many graduates into informal work (freelancing, delivery, online sales).
  • High informal sector share: Over 52% of workers remain in informal jobs, lacking income stability, benefits, and legal protections.
  • External pressures: Global trade tensions and Middle East conflicts raise production and transport costs, squeezing Thai businesses. Around 2.6 million workers (6.5%) are at high risk of reduced hours or layoffs in vulnerable industries (agriculture, construction materials, chemicals, plastics)

As we celebrate low unemployment rates globally, we must recognize the complexities within the labor market. Thailand’s unemployment decreased to 0.81% by the end of 2025, a rate that appears to showcase economic strength. However, the truth is different—Thailand’s economic growth is slowing, and household incomes have dropped, raising concerns about the labor market’s genuine stability.

SCB EIC identifies three critical structural vulnerabilities in Thailand’s labor market: a declining labor force, challenges for new graduates entering the workforce, and external factors negatively impacting employment. Consequently, the number of people outside the labor force has risen, indicating a troubling trend where unemployment figures may not accurately reflect worker experiences.

Looking ahead, Thailand must address these structural issues, including skill enhancement, support for an aging society, and improving job access for younger workers. Without urgent action, the labor market may face growing challenges that lead to long-term crises rather than temporary illusions of stability.

Source link

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025