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How veteran trader Jeff (@2yrflipper) leverages sound to gain an edge in fixed income markets
Episode Summary
In this exclusive episode of The Sound Trader podcast, host Graham interviews Jeff (@2yrflipper), one of the most experienced traders active online today, with over 27 years trading exclusively with the Trading Technologies platform, and a longtime member of the Chicago Board of Trade. Jeff reveals how audio trading techniques have been fundamental to his multi-decade success in the markets, especially for scalping in the Bond markets.
Unlike many modern traders who rely primarily on visual information, Jeff has developed a sophisticated sound-based trading skillset that allows him to process market information faster and more accurately than would be possible visually. Throughout the episode, he shares specific sound alert configurations, order flow patterns, and trading techniques that have allowed him to execute up to 5 million round turns per year at his peak. For traders interested in cutting-edge sensory techniques, Jeff provides a masterclass in how audio alerts can transform market awareness and deliver a significant competitive advantage in professional trading.
Key Highlights
- @2yrflipper reveals how sound-based trading techniques have been essential to his longevity in the markets
- Detailed breakdown of custom sound alert configurations for different order sizes (20+ lot, 25-49 lot, 50+ lot) in the 30-year bond
- How Jeff executes 1,000+ round turns per day as a professional scalper, leaning heavily on audio signals
- Evolution from using trading floor noise to sophisticated digital sound alerts across multiple markets
- Why even experienced traders should consider audio tools as visual acuity naturally diminishes with age
- Insights into his scalping techniques that generated up to 5 million round turns annually
- Concrete examples of how sound alerts provide advance warning of market moves before visual indicators
- Expert advice for new traders on prop trading firms, commission structures, and market selection
Chapters
Introduction & Trading Background (00:00 – 03:03) Graham introduces Jeff (2yrflipper), a professional trader with decades of experience who has been vocal about incorporating sound into his trading process.
Trading Schedule & Lifestyle (03:03 – 09:13) Jeff discusses his current trading schedule, how it has evolved over his career, and his approach to balancing trading with family responsibilities.
Origins of Using Sound in Trading (09:13 – 15:04) Jeff explains how he first began incorporating sound into his trading, starting with the roar of the trading floor and evolving to custom alerts for specific markets.
Sound Alert Development (15:04 – 19:11) Discussion of how Jeff’s sound alerts evolved to include specific size levels and how he uses them to monitor markets.
Sound as a Market Awareness Tool (19:11 – 25:05) Jeff describes how he can track market movements with his eyes closed just by listening to the sounds, and how this enhances his market awareness.
Mentoring & Prop Trading Insights (25:05 – 29:15) Jeff shares his experience mentoring traders and his perspective on prop trading firms.
Commission Considerations for Scalpers (29:15 – 35:11) Discussion of how commissions impact scalping strategies and the importance of exchange memberships for high-frequency traders.
Trading Approach & Order Execution (35:11 – 44:29) Jeff explains his preference for being an aggressive rather than passive trader, and how he approaches order execution.
Sound as a Reliable Market Signal (44:29 – 48:22) Jeff elaborates on why he considers sound more reliable than visual information with his famous quote “my eyes deceive me, my ears never do.”
Using Sound in Various Markets (48:22 – 55:27) Discussion of how Jeff applies sound techniques to different markets including gold, bonds, and other commodities.
Advice for New Traders (55:27 – 59:07) Jeff offers valuable guidance for traders starting their journey, emphasizing focus on one market at a time and understanding personal trading patterns.
Closing Thoughts & Contact Information (59:07 – 01:01:02) Jeff shares how traders can connect with him through TradeFundrr or his Discord server.
Quotes from the Episode
“I’ve said this multiple times, like, you know, my eyes deceive me, my ears never do. If I hear something, I know it’s for fact, that it went through the market.”
“If you say, close your eyes and you can only listen to sounds for the next 10 minutes, 10 minutes from now, I’ll be able to tell you right about exactly what we’re trading just by listening to sound.”
“I know there’s seven more 25 lots coming, eight more 25 lots coming. I’m going to catch time on this and I’m gonna flip this quick. And why was it? Because it’s sound. The sound alerted me to that.”
“Your eyes can’t look at all of those markets at one time. It’s impossible. You know, I could group three Euro dollars together, I could group three Fed funds together. But at the same time, your eyes don’t see everything. So I just started messing around with sounds.”
“At my peak year, I probably did five million round turns. I’m probably in the one to two-ish million a year now. If I’m scalping 20 lots, I’m probably about 1,000 round turns on the day, give or take.”
“Well, sounds tell you different things. It gives you different information. But the orders that clip the book give you a significant picture, know, it paints a significant picture.”
“As you get older, as I am, look, my eyesight’s not as sharp as it was. I’m not as alert as I was 10 years ago. I’m not on top of my game like I was 15 years ago. So I need to help create any edge I can get. And sound.. I can always hear everything.”
“Think outside the box that there are other markets you can make money in that aren’t as volatile as ES and NQ.”
“..talking about sound. I don’t think enough people really use it. .. It’s a tool. It’s a tool for every trader. I think it’s a very important tool.”
Resources Mentioned
TradeFundrr – Prop trading firm Jeff partners with. 2yrflippers affiliate link: [tradefundrr.com]
TT Platform (Trading Technologies) – Platform Jeff has used for over 27 years with sound capabilities
About Our Guest
Jeff (known online as @2yrflipper) is a professional trader and member of the Chicago Board of Trade with over 27 years of experience trading using the TT platform. He specializes in trading fixed income markets and has developed sophisticated techniques for incorporating sound into his trading process. Jeff began his career on the trading floor and has evolved his approach through various market environments. He currently trades and mentors traders through his affiliation with TradeFundrr and his private Discord server.
Connect With Us
For more episodes of The Sound Trader podcast and to learn more about market sonification tools, visit pricesquawk.com/podcast or try out the app at app.pricesquawk.com
The Sound Trader podcast explores how traders at all stages of their journey—from beginners to seasoned professionals—are using audio and other sensory tools to navigate the complex and dynamic world of financial markets. Each episode features unique perspectives on how incorporating audio signals can enhance trading performance, reduce mental fatigue, and identify market patterns that might otherwise be missed through visual analysis alone. Whether you’re just s