Why traders fail FTMO

The ways a FTMO account ends, and the discipline that prevents each.

1. Breaching the daily loss limit

The 5% daily loss limit ends more FTMO accounts than anything else. It only takes a short losing streak at too large a size. Sizing so two consecutive losses can't reach it is the single best protection.

2. Breaching the static maximum loss

The static maximum loss is a fixed floor below your starting balance. Walk your equity down to it and the account ends, but banked profit adds to your buffer, so discipline early buys room later.

Key takeaways
  • The 5% daily loss limit is the most common breach: size for it.
  • Know your exact distance to the static maximum loss at all times.
  • Track every limit from your imported trades so a breach is never a surprise.

Figures reflect a common FTMO account at the time of writing. Firms revise rules often, so verify against the FTMO site before relying on them.

Merlin's gauges derive from closed trades. Your firm watches live equity including open positions.

MerlinTrade is independent trading-journal software and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FTMO. All trademarks belong to their owners.

FAQ

What's the most common way to fail FTMO?+

The 5% daily loss limit, usually from a short losing streak at too large a size.

Can you breach FTMO while in profit?+

Not from the maximum loss alone: a static floor sits below your starting balance, so being in profit keeps you clear of it.

Track your FTMO rules from your trades.

Import your trades and Merlin computes your distance to every limit from your closed trades, and the Pre-Trade Check flags the trade that breaks your rules before you take it.

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