The rules you're trading against
To pass FTMO Challenge 100K you need to hit the 10% profit target, never breach the static maximum loss, and stay under the 5% daily loss limit, across at least 4 days.
A static 10% maximum loss from the starting balance plus a 5% daily loss limit measured from each day's starting equity. Targets are percentage-based.
Where most traders slip
The fastest way out is the 5% daily loss limit: a short losing streak at the wrong size. The drawdown gets the patient ones; the daily limit gets the impatient ones.
- →The 5% daily loss includes floating P&L: your open drawdown counts, not just closed losses.
- →Risk a small fixed percentage per trade (e.g. 0.5–1%) so a losing streak never approaches the 5% day or 10% total.
- →Hit the 4-day minimum; a single big day cannot pass the Challenge on its own.
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.