Hard daily loss limit vs flexible weekly limit for scalpers
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2026 8:08 pm
Two approaches to loss limits:
Hard daily limit:
- Fixed maximum loss per day, e.g. 2%.
- When hit, stop for the day.
- Pros: prevents single bad days from causing major damage. Simple.
- Cons: may stop trading on a day that would have recovered.
Flexible weekly limit:
- Maximum loss per week, e.g. 5%.
- Can lose more on one day if the week allows.
- Pros: more flexibility.
- Cons: a single very bad day can consume most of the weekly budget.
Combination:
- Daily limit 2%, weekly limit 4%.
- Both apply: stop for the day at 2%, stop for the week at 4%.
For prop traders, the firm's daily limit is usually fixed, so a personal weekly limit adds a second layer.
Which do you use? Have you ever regretted hitting the daily limit?
Hard daily limit:
- Fixed maximum loss per day, e.g. 2%.
- When hit, stop for the day.
- Pros: prevents single bad days from causing major damage. Simple.
- Cons: may stop trading on a day that would have recovered.
Flexible weekly limit:
- Maximum loss per week, e.g. 5%.
- Can lose more on one day if the week allows.
- Pros: more flexibility.
- Cons: a single very bad day can consume most of the weekly budget.
Combination:
- Daily limit 2%, weekly limit 4%.
- Both apply: stop for the day at 2%, stop for the week at 4%.
For prop traders, the firm's daily limit is usually fixed, so a personal weekly limit adds a second layer.
Which do you use? Have you ever regretted hitting the daily limit?