Mark Anderson is a construction worker who turned into a full-time options trader. Today he manages a 0DTE hedge fund. He also has a YouTube channel – Zero Day Mark – dedicated to 0DTE options trading, especially in SPX. So who is better to ask to share his best tips for how you can improve in this type of options trading?
Watch Mark share his best 0DTE options trading tips in this video
The video was produced with Streamyard – an easy-to-use and amazing tool for live streaming and recording.
Five essential tips to succeed with 0DTE options trading
I asked Mark to share his five best tips for other 0DTE options traders, based on his own experience. The following is a summary. But be sure to check the full video interview for the details.
Tip 1: Invest in backtesting and automation
Manual trading leads to emotional mistakes and wasted time. Mark therefore recommends:
- Backtesting software (like Options Omega)
- Trade automation tools (like Trade Automation Toolbox, Trade Steward)
- Pre-set rules to remove hesitation
The actual act of placing trades offers zero Return on Investment compared to how you can improve your skills and build an edge with these tools, he points out.
Mark claims that even though he trades no less than 18 different 0DTE strategies, automating his trades means that he only spends a few minutes per day on the actual trading.
Tip 2: You will get further together with others
Going solo slows you down. Mark recommends joining trading communities, like those on Discord, to gain fresh perspectives and accelerate your progress in 0DTE options trading.
He credits his growth to learning from others, even those with less experience who offered unique insights.
Tip 3: Set realistic goals and expectations for your 0DTE options trading
Dreaming of instant millions? Mark advises setting achievable targets, like a 25-30% annual return with a 10% drawdown, especially for beginners in 0DTE options trading.
He also suggests process-based goals—for instance weekly check-ins with an accountability partner—to keep you on track without chasing unrealistic highs.
Tip 4: Keep your emotions out of the trading
Mark warns that watching trades all day drains you, so he designs a process to sidestep emotions in 0DTE options trading. He used to trade the final hour, then leave his phone behind for a walk, keeping things simple.
Whether it’s limiting screen time or automating entries, find what keeps you from stressing over every move. It’s about setting yourself up to succeed without the emotional tug-of-war.
Tip 5: Size your portfolio for longevity and diversify your strategies
One magic trade won’t cut it. Mark runs 18 uncorrelated strategies—an “ensemble approach”—to reduce risk and ensure steady compounding.
He sizes his portfolio small, takes 20% of profits monthly, and even suggests holding cash or bonds to stay in the game long-term.
The largest edge in options trading is that we can compound, he points out. So keep compounding, and your account will grow.
Two book recommendations from Mark
Mark recommends two options trading books in particular to learn more:
- Morgan Husel: The Psychology of Money
- Euan Sinclair: Positional Option Trading – An Advanced Guide
