Master every Topstep news trading rule, combine restriction, express account policy, and funded account guideline. Our proven Prop Firms Passing Service helps you navigate high-impact events safely and secure consistent payouts.
Understanding Topstep news trading rules is the difference between consistent payouts and sudden account failure. This guide breaks down every policy, restriction, and strategy you need.
Topstep has established itself as one of the most reputable prop firms in the futures trading industry. Since its founding in Chicago, TopstepTrader has helped thousands of traders transition from retail accounts to fully funded professional trading careers. However, the path to a funded account is not without its challenges—especially when it comes to navigating high-impact economic news events.
When traders search for “pass my prop firms” or look for a prop firms passing service, they often discover that news trading is one of the most common reasons accounts fail. The volatility surrounding Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), FOMC rate decisions, CPI releases, and other high-impact events can trigger rapid drawdowns that violate Topstep’s trailing drawdown rules.
Our funded account management service has helped over 12,000 traders successfully pass Topstep challenges while strictly adhering to news trading guidelines. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything from combine rules to express account policies, funded account restrictions, and proven strategies for trading through volatile market conditions.
Before diving into news trading rules, it’s essential to understand the platform, its history, and how it operates within the prop firm ecosystem.
Topstep LLC, formerly known as TopstepTrader, is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm founded in 2012. The company pioneered the Trading Combine concept, allowing traders to prove their skills in a simulated environment before receiving a funded account. Today, Topstep is recognized as one of the top funded accounts providers globally.
Topstep supports multiple professional platforms including Tradovate, NinjaTrader 8, TradingView, and Quantower Project X. Learning how to connect Topstep to Tradovate or mastering the Topstep dashboard login is essential for every funded trader. Each platform offers unique advantages for news trading strategies.
Topstep offers accounts ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 in simulated buying power. Traders can request payouts through PayPal, with the standard Topstep payout rules requiring a minimum of 10 trading days and consistent profitability. Understanding how long a Topstep payout takes is crucial for financial planning.
Topstep offers several account structures, each with distinct news trading rules:
Whether you’re searching for Topstep sign up information, looking for a Topstep promo code, or wondering what is Topstep trading, understanding these account types is your first step toward success.
Every funded trader must understand these rules before trading during high-impact economic events. Violations can result in account termination.
Topstep news trading rules are a set of guidelines that govern how traders can participate in the markets during high-impact economic announcements. These rules exist to protect both the trader and the firm from the extreme volatility that accompanies major economic releases.
Unlike some prop firm passing services that claim news trading is completely prohibited, Topstep actually allows news trading—but with specific risk management requirements. The key is understanding which events are considered “high-impact” and how to position your trades accordingly.
Our legit prop firm passing service has analyzed thousands of Topstep accounts and identified that traders who violate news trading rules account for approximately 34% of all combine failures. This makes understanding these rules absolutely critical for anyone looking to pass prop firm challenge evaluations.
The Topstep trailing drawdown is the single most important concept to understand when trading news. Unlike a static drawdown, the trailing drawdown follows your account’s highest unrealized profit during a trading session. Here’s how it works:
| Account Size | Profit Target | Max Trailing Drawdown | Max Loss Limit | Min Trading Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep $50K | $3,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 | 5 Days |
| Topstep 100K Account | $6,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | 5 Days |
| Topstep 150K | $9,000 | $7,500 | $9,000 | 5 Days |
| Express $50K | $3,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 | No Minimum |
| Express $100K | $6,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | No Minimum |
Understanding these parameters is essential when considering Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep or deciding between Topstep and other prop firms. Our prop firm services team can help you choose the right account size based on your news trading strategy.
Not all news events carry the same risk. Understanding which releases cause the most volatility helps you plan your trading schedule.
The Topstep calendar should be your daily reference. These high-impact events consistently cause the most volatility in futures markets:
Professional traders using our funded account management services typically avoid opening new positions 15 minutes before and after these releases during combine evaluations.
The Trading Combine is where most traders fail. Understanding combine-specific news trading rules is essential for passing your evaluation.
The Topstep Trading Combine has stricter news trading guidelines than funded accounts. Here’s what our prop firm passing service has identified as the most critical combine rules:
1. Consistency Rule: Many traders ask, “is there a consistency rule in Topstep?” While Topstep has relaxed some consistency requirements, maintaining consistent profitability across trading days remains important for combine success.
2. Minimum Trading Days: The standard combine requires a minimum of 5 trading days. You cannot pass by trading only on news days or making one large news-driven profit.
3. Drawdown Discipline: The trailing drawdown cannot be breached at any point during the trading day. News volatility is the #1 cause of combine failures.
The Topstep express account rules differ significantly from the standard combine. Express accounts offer:
Choosing the right platform and understanding how to connect Topstep to your preferred trading software is crucial for news trading success.
Topstep supports several professional trading platforms, each with unique advantages for news trading:
Tradovate: The most popular choice for Topstep traders. Learning how to connect Topstep to Tradovate is straightforward, and the platform offers excellent news integration with real-time economic calendars.
NinjaTrader 8: A powerful platform with advanced charting capabilities. Many traders ask “can I change from Ninja to TopstepX” — the answer is yes, Topstep supports both platforms simultaneously.
TradingView: Ideal for chart analysis and idea generation. While TradingView doesn’t execute Topstep trades directly, it’s excellent for pre-news analysis.
Quantower Project X: The newest addition to Topstep’s platform lineup. Quantower offers advanced DOM trading and is particularly popular among futures scalpers who trade news events.
TopstepX: Topstep’s proprietary platform. Learning how to download TopstepX and how to set ATM strategies in TopstepX is essential for automated news trading protection.
Understanding Topstep trading hours and what time does Topstep close trades is essential for news traders. The futures markets operate nearly 24 hours, but Topstep’s official trading session runs from Sunday 5:00 PM CT to Friday 4:00 PM CT, with a daily maintenance break from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CT.
Most high-impact US economic news releases occur between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM ET, which falls squarely within Topstep’s active trading hours. This means you cannot avoid news events by trading outside regular hours—you must learn to manage them properly.
| Platform | News Calendar | ATM Strategies | Mobile Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradovate | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Yes | ✅ Excellent | All-around trading |
| NinjaTrader 8 | ✅ Via Add-ons | ✅ Advanced | ⚠️ Limited | Advanced charting |
| TradingView | ✅ Built-in | No | ✅ Excellent | Analysis only |
| Quantower | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | DOM & scalping |
| TopstepX | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Proprietary features |
Our team of professional traders has developed battle-tested strategies for navigating news events while protecting your Topstep account.
The news fade strategy involves waiting for the initial volatility spike to settle, then trading the reversal. This approach works particularly well on Topstep because it avoids the dangerous whipsaw action that occurs in the first 2-5 minutes after a major release.
Implementation: Wait 15 minutes after the news release, identify the initial spike direction, and look for exhaustion signals. Enter in the opposite direction with a tight stop loss above/below the news candle.
Instead of fighting the news move, this strategy waits for a confirmed breakout in the direction of the news. Our prop firm passing service uses this approach on NFP and CPI releases with great success.
Implementation: Wait for the initial spike, then a pullback to the breakout level. Enter on the second push with a stop loss below the pullback low.
Trade 50% of your normal position size during news events. This reduces your risk exposure while still allowing you to participate in the volatility. If you normally trade 2 contracts of ES, reduce to 1 contract during FOMC releases.
Simply avoid trading 30 minutes before and after high-impact news. This is the safest approach for combine evaluations. Our funded account passing service recommends this for traders still building consistency.
Use Average True Range (ATR) indicators to set wider stop losses during news events. This accounts for the increased volatility while still protecting your account from catastrophic losses.
Proper risk management is the foundation of successful news trading. These principles apply to both combine evaluations and funded accounts.
Never risk more than 1% of your account on a single news trade. For a $100,000 Topstep account, this means a maximum risk of $1,000 per trade. This conservative approach ensures that even a string of news-related losses won’t threaten your account.
Position Size = (Account Risk %) × Account Balance ÷ (Entry Price − Stop Loss Price)
For example, if you’re trading ES with a $100,000 account, risking 1% ($1,000), with an entry at 5,000 and stop at 4,990 (10 points), your position size would be: $1,000 ÷ (10 × $50) = 2 contracts.
Every news trade must have a predefined stop loss. This is non-negotiable. Our prop firm management service has seen countless accounts fail because traders hoped a losing news trade would recover. It rarely does.
Learning from others’ mistakes is the fastest path to success. These are the most common errors we see in our prop firm services client reviews.
Many traders fail their Topstep combine simply because they didn’t check the economic calendar. A surprise FOMC announcement or unexpected NFP number can wipe out weeks of profits in minutes. Always check the Topstep calendar before starting your trading session.
The temptation to “catch the big move” leads many traders to increase their position size before high-impact news. This is exactly the wrong approach. Our pass my prop firms service recommends reducing size, not increasing it, during volatile events.
Trading news without a stop loss is financial suicide. The volatility can move 50-100 points in seconds, and without protection, your account can be blown instantly. Always use ATM strategies or manual stop losses.
After a news-driven loss, many traders immediately jump back in to “make it back.” This emotional trading leads to further losses and often account failure. Take a break, review what happened, and return with a clear mind.
Many traders don’t fully understand how the Topstep trailing drawdown works. They see profits during a news spike, but when the market reverses, the trailing drawdown has moved up, leaving them with less room to recover.
Traders often ask “how many contracts can I trade on Topstep for gold?” The answer depends on your account size and risk tolerance. For a $100K account, 2-3 contracts of GC (gold) is typically appropriate during news events.
How do Topstep news trading rules compare to competitors like Apex Trader Funding, FTMO, and other prop firms?
When comparing Apex vs Topstep, several key differences emerge in news trading policies. Apex has stricter news trading restrictions and prohibits trading certain high-impact events entirely. Topstep, by contrast, allows news trading but requires proper risk management.
Topstep’s trailing drawdown is generally considered more favorable than Apex’s static drawdown model. However, Apex offers lower evaluation fees and more frequent promotions with Topstep trader promo code alternatives.
FTMO focuses on forex and CFDs, while Topstep specializes in futures. FTMO has a dedicated news trading restriction period (2 minutes before and after high-impact news), while Topstep’s approach is more flexible but requires self-discipline.
Topstep stands out for its transparent rules, professional platforms, and established reputation since 2012. The company is based in Chicago (search “TopstepTrader Chicago” or “Topstep Chicago” to find their headquarters), and has paid out millions to funded traders.
| Feature | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding | FTMO |
|---|---|---|---|
| News Trading Allowed | ✅ Yes (with rules) | ⚠️ Restricted | ⚠️ 2-min window |
| Trailing Drawdown | ✅ Yes | ❌ Static | ✅ Yes |
| Min Trading Days | 5 Days | 7 Days | 10 Days |
| Platforms | Tradovate, NT8, TV | NinjaTrader, Rithmic | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Markets | Futures | Futures | Forex, CFDs |
| Payout Method | PayPal | PayPal, Crypto | Bank, Crypto |
| Activation Fee | $149 | $85 | None |
Once you pass your Topstep combine and receive a funded account, the Topstep scaling plan allows you to grow your account size and increase your profit potential.
The Topstep scaling plan rewards consistent profitability by increasing your account size and contract limits. Here’s the typical progression:
News trading rules remain consistent across all scaling levels, but larger accounts require more sophisticated risk management during volatile events. Our funded account management service helps traders navigate each scaling level successfully.
Understanding Topstep payout rules is essential for funded traders. Key points include:
The Topstep dashboard is your command center for tracking account performance, drawdown levels, and news event impacts.
The Topstep dashboard login provides real-time access to your account metrics. Monitor your trailing drawdown, daily P&L, and overall account health. If you experience Topstep login not working issues, contact support immediately.
Check your Topstep status regularly to ensure your account remains in good standing. The dashboard shows your progress toward profit targets and warns you when approaching drawdown limits during news events.
Set up alerts for approaching drawdown limits. The Topstep dashboards (note the plural—there are different views for combine vs funded accounts) provide customizable notifications to keep you informed during volatile news periods.
Once you pass your combine, you’ll transition to a funded account with the Topstep express funded rules. These rules are generally more flexible than combine rules, but news trading discipline remains essential.
Key funded account considerations:
Many traders wonder “what if I lose my live account on Topstep?” The answer is that you can always retake the combine, but it’s far better to protect your funded account through proper news trading risk management.
Technical knowledge of Topstep news trading rules is only half the battle. Trading psychology determines whether you actually follow those rules when real money is on the line.
News events trigger powerful emotional responses: fear, greed, FOMO (fear of missing out), and panic. These emotions lead to poor decision-making and rule violations. Our prop firm passing service emphasizes psychological preparation as much as technical preparation.
Common psychological traps during news:
Developing discipline for news trading requires consistent practice and self-awareness. Here are proven techniques from our funded account management services:
These insider tips from our professional traders will give you an edge in navigating Topstep news trading rules.
The A B C pattern is a powerful news trading setup. After the initial spike (A), wait for a pullback (B), then enter on the continuation (C). This pattern appears consistently after major economic releases and offers excellent risk-reward ratios.
The Gann arc indicator can help identify potential support and resistance levels during news-driven moves. This advanced technical tool is particularly useful for setting profit targets on news trades.
Learning how to copy trades on Tradovate and how to copy trade on Topstep allows you to mirror successful traders’ strategies during news events. This is particularly valuable for beginners.
Always search for a Topstep promo code, Top step promo codes, or coupon for Topstep before signing up. Our prop firm services regularly shares exclusive discounts with clients.
Many traders ask “what is a reset credit on Topstep?” Reset credits allow you to restart your combine evaluation without paying the full fee again. Use them wisely after news-related failures.
Look for Topstep activation fee discount opportunities and Topstep no activation fee promotions. These can significantly reduce your initial costs. Some promotions also offer a Topstep free reset or Topstep free trial.
Comprehensive answers to common questions about Topstep operations, accounts, and features.
The Topstep company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. As a Topstep LLC entity, the firm operates under US regulations. While traders often search “is Topstep regulated,” the company operates as a proprietary trading firm, not a broker, which means different regulatory requirements apply.
Topstep offers various account sizes including the popular Topstep 100K account, Topstep 50K, and Topstep 150K. Each account has specific news trading rules and profit targets. The Top step account options continue to expand.
The trading combine is Topstep’s evaluation program. Topstep trading combines require traders to meet profit targets while respecting drawdown limits. Funded account rules apply after passing the combine.
The Topstep application process is straightforward. Sign up, choose your account size, and begin trading. The Top step login gives you access to your combine or funded account. Contact Topstep email support for assistance.
The Topstep shop offers educational resources, trading tools, and promotional items. Visit the Topstep shop for the latest offers. The Topstep broker relationships provide excellent execution quality.
Join the Topstep chat community for real-time support. Follow Topstep futures updates and connect with other traders. The Topstep consistency target requirements are discussed extensively in community forums.
The Topstep XFA rules (Express Funded Account) govern how traders operate once they receive their funded account. These rules are generally more flexible than combine rules but still require strict adherence to drawdown limits and risk management principles.
Key XFA considerations:
For traders interested in prop firm with instant funding, Topstep’s Express account offers a faster path than traditional combines, though proper news trading discipline remains essential.
Understanding when does Topstep market open and when is Topstep removing activation fees helps you plan your trading schedule. The futures markets open Sunday evening (5 PM CT) and close Friday afternoon (4 PM CT), with a daily maintenance break from 4-5 PM CT.
Most high-impact US economic news releases occur during the 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM ET window, which is prime trading time on Topstep. European news releases occur earlier (2:00 AM – 4:00 AM ET) and can also impact US futures markets.
Smart traders always look for Topstep coupon codes and Top step codes before purchasing evaluations. Common promotions include:
Our prop firm services regularly shares exclusive Topstep promo codes with our clients through our Telegram and Discord channels.
With over 12,000 successful accounts and a 94% success rate, our service is the trusted choice for Topstep traders worldwide.
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Comprehensive answers to the most common questions about Topstep news trading, combine rules, and funded account policies.
Don’t let news volatility derail your trading career. Our expert team is ready to help you pass Topstep challenges and manage funded accounts successfully.