Rules explained · Updated Oct 31, 2026
Trailing drawdown explained
The #1 reason traders fail prop firm evaluations. Here's how it works, with real 50K numbers. Education only — not financial advice.
The simple version
Your account has a floor. On a 50K account with a $2,000 drawdown, the floor starts at $48,000. Every time your balance hits a new high, the floor moves up to stay $2,000 below it. It never moves back down. Touch the floor and the account is done.
Example: intraday trailing ($2,000)
You made $200 but lost half your drawdown room — because the floor followed your unrealized peak. This is why giving back open profit hurts on intraday trailing accounts.
Same day, end-of-day drawdown
End-of-day only looks at your closing balance, so intraday swings don't tighten your floor. Daily loss limits can still apply separately.
How each firm does it (50K plans)
| Firm | Drawdown | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Trader Funding | $2,000 | Intraday trail |
| TradeDay | $2,000 | Intraday trail |
| Top One Futures | $2,000 | End of day |
| DayTraders | $2,500 | Intraday trail |
Compare everything else in the best futures prop firms guide.
3 ways to protect your drawdown
- Size so your normal stop is a small slice of your drawdown room — use the position size calculator.
- On intraday trailing, take or protect profit sooner — big unrealized runs move your floor.
- Track your current floor every day in your free EVX trader dashboard.
FAQ
What is a trailing drawdown?
A loss limit that moves up as your account reaches new highs. Your floor sits a fixed amount (for example $2,000) below your highest balance, and if your balance touches the floor, the account fails.
What is the difference between intraday and end-of-day trailing drawdown?
Intraday trailing follows your highest balance at any moment, including unrealized profit in open trades. End-of-day only updates once, using your balance at the session close.
Does a trailing drawdown ever go down?
No. The floor only moves up when you make a new high; losing trades don't lower it.
Which prop firm has an end-of-day drawdown?
Of the firms on EVX Futures, Top One Futures' $50K evaluation uses a $2,000 end-of-day drawdown.
Does the trailing drawdown stop trailing?
Many firms stop trailing at a set point, but the rules differ by firm and plan. Check your firm's rules page — EVX hasn't verified a stop level for these plans.