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Definition

Drawdown-from-peak (trailing drawdown)

Trailing drawdown is a maximum-loss floor that follows an account's equity up as it makes new highs, so the line to stay above is tied to peak equity, not the starting balance.

A static (absolute) drawdown floor never moves; a trailing floor rises with new equity highs and usually stops trailing once a set profit is locked in or it reaches the starting balance.

It is the rule that most often catches disciplined traders off guard, because the line moves on their best moment, not their worst. Which type applies is set by your firm's agreement.

Related terms

  • EquityEquity is an account's balance adjusted for the profit or loss on open positions (and any swap or fees) — the account's live value right now.
  • Daily loss limit (maximum daily loss)A daily loss limit is a cap on how much a trading account may lose within a single trading day, usually measured on equity from a fixed daily starting point.
  • Equity floorAn equity floor is a hard minimum equity level you set for an account, with an early warning as the account approaches it.

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