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Drawdown & Threshold Guide (Trailing, Static, EOD)

Understand how drawdown/liquidation threshold, works across all account types

Ready to dive into the details of how the trailing threshold works? Let’s break it down.


What is Drawdown / Threshold?

Your drawdown (liquidation threshold) is the maximum amount your account can lose before it is considered failed.

  • If your account balance drops below this level at any time, the account is breached

  • The way this threshold behaves depends on your account type

There are three types of drawdown models:

  • Full (Real-Time Trailing)

  • Static (Fixed)

  • EOD (End-of-Day Trailing)


Trailing Accounts (Real-Time Trailing)

Trailing accounts use an Intraday trailing drawdown.

How it works:

  • Your threshold starts below your initial balance

  • It moves up as your account reaches new highs

  • It is based on your live balance (including unrealized PnL)

  • It can be triggered intraday

Key behavior:

  • The drawdown follows your highest live balance, not just closed trades

  • If your balance drops below the threshold at any point, the account is failed

  • You must manage risk during active trades, not just after closing

When does trailing stop?

  • Evaluation Accounts: when the threshold reaches the profit target

  • Pro Accounts: when the threshold reaches the initial account balance


Example (Full Account)

  • Starting balance: $50,000

  • Drawdown: $2,500 → Threshold starts at $47,500

You open a trade and your live balance reaches $52,000
→ Your threshold moves to $49,500

If your balance drops below $49,500 at any point
→ The account is failed, even if the trade later recovers


Static Accounts (Fixed Drawdown)

Static accounts use a fixed drawdown.

How it works:

  • Your threshold is set from the start

  • It never moves, regardless of profits

  • It is not affected by intraday or unrealized PnL

Key behavior:

  • You always know your exact risk level

  • No trailing means no intraday adjustment risk

  • Often preferred for more consistent or structured strategies


Example (Static Account)

  • Starting balance: $100,000

  • Drawdown: $1,500 → Threshold is always $98,500

You make $500 in profit
→ Your threshold remains $98,500

It does not move with your balance


EOD Accounts (End-of-Day Trailing)

EOD accounts use a trailing drawdown that updates once per day.

How it works:

  • The threshold updates after the trading day closes

  • It is based on your end-of-day balance only

  • It does not move intraday

Key behavior:

  • Gives flexibility during trades

  • Prevents intraday breaches from temporary fluctuations

  • Still enforces risk daily


Example (EOD Account)

  • Starting balance: $50,000

  • Drawdown: $2,500 → Initial threshold: $47,500

You close the day at $51,000
→ New threshold becomes $48,500

During the day, the threshold does not move
It only updates after the session closes


Quick Comparison

Account Type

How It Moves

Based On

Intraday Risk

Trailing

Trails intraday

Live balance (open + closed PnL)

Yes

Static

Does not move

Fixed level

No

EOD

Updates once per day

Closed balance only

No


Key Things to Remember

  • Full accounts are the most sensitive to intraday movements

  • Static accounts are the most stable and predictable

  • EOD accounts provide a balance between flexibility and control

Your choice depends on your trading style and how you manage risk.


Additional Notes

  • Once your account is created, its drawdown type cannot be changed

  • Pro Accounts retain the same drawdown model as the Evaluation Account

  • All accounts must stay above their threshold at all times to remain active

EVALUATION ACCOUNTS:

During the evaluation, the trailing stops once the liquidation threshold reaches the profit target (e.g., $53,000 for a 50k account).


Key Points to Remember:

  • The max drawdown follows the highest simulated profit point during active trades.

  • In Pro Accounts, the trailing stops when your Auto Liquidate Threshold Value reaches the initial account balance.

Account Size (Full)

Live Trailing Threshold

25k

-$1500

50k

-$2500

75k

-$2750

150k

-$4500

250k

-$5500

300k

-$7000

With a clear understanding of how the trailing threshold works, you're all set for a smooth trading experience!

If your trading strategy is not compatible with the trailing threshold, we encourage you to explore our Static Account options and the advantages they offer > HERE <


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