EOD vs Trailing Drawdown Explained (2026)
Apex now offers two drawdown types. Understand the difference between EOD (End of Day) and Trailing Drawdown to choose the right one for your trading style.
Two Drawdown Options (March 2026 Update)
As of March 2026, Apex Trader Funding offers two drawdown types: EOD (End of Day) and Trailing (Intraday). Both types use the same drawdown distances, but they calculate differently throughout the trading day.
The trailing drawdown is a common feature across many prop trading firms - it is an industry-standard risk management tool. Apex has added the EOD option for traders who prefer more flexibility during intraday swings. Understanding both options will help you choose the right one for your trading style.
Quick Comparison
- Calculated once daily at 4:59:59 PM ET
- Based on your closing balance
- More flexibility for intraday swings
- Has Daily Loss Limit (locks you out, not a violation)
- Higher minimum daily profit requirements
- Updates in real-time as equity hits new highs
- Based on your highest equity reached
- Simpler real-time tracking
- No Daily Loss Limit feature
- Slightly higher max payout caps
Drawdown Distances by Account Size
Both EOD and Trailing use the same drawdown distances. The difference is only in when the drawdown level is calculated and updated.
| Account Size | Starting Balance | Drawdown Distance | Initial Drawdown Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25K | $25,000 | $1,500 | $23,500 |
| 50K | $50,000 | $2,500 | $47,500 |
| 100K | $100,000 | $3,000 | $97,000 |
| 150K | $150,000 | $5,000 | $145,000 |
How Each Drawdown Type Works
EOD (End of Day) Drawdown
The EOD drawdown is calculated once per day at market close (4:59:59 PM ET). Your highest closing balance becomes your new peak, and the drawdown level adjusts accordingly.
Start: Balance $50,000 | Drawdown level: $47,500
Day 1: Intraday high $52,000, close at $51,000 | Drawdown moves to: $48,500
Day 2: Intraday high $53,500, close at $51,500 | Drawdown moves to: $49,000
Note: The $53,500 intraday high did not affect drawdown - only closing balance matters.
Trailing (Intraday) Drawdown
The trailing drawdown updates in real-time throughout the day. Every time your equity reaches a new high, the drawdown level moves up immediately.
Start: Balance $50,000 | Drawdown level: $47,500
Trade 1: Equity hits $52,000 | Drawdown immediately moves to: $49,500
Trade 2: Equity drops to $51,000 | Drawdown stays at: $49,500
Trade 3: Equity hits $53,500 | Drawdown immediately moves to: $51,000
Note: Every new equity high moves the drawdown immediately.
When Does the Drawdown Stop Moving?
On Performance Accounts, the drawdown stops trailing once it reaches Starting Balance + $100. At that point, it becomes a fixed floor.
Example: 50K Account
- Drawdown stops at: $50,100
- This happens when peak balance reaches: $52,600
- Once locked, all additional profit is protected from drawdown movement
For Evaluations, the behavior differs by platform. Check the complete rules guide for details.
Which Drawdown Type Should You Choose?
Choose EOD if you:
- Experience large intraday equity swings
- Often give back open profits before closing trades
- Want the Daily Loss Limit as a safety feature
- Trade during volatile sessions (news events, etc.)
Choose Trailing if you:
- Prefer knowing your exact drawdown level in real-time
- Close trades near their peak profits
- Want slightly higher max payout caps
- Prefer simpler rules without Daily Loss Limit
Neither option is objectively better. Both are valid approaches used across the prop trading industry. Choose based on your trading style, not perceived difficulty.
Tips for Managing Your Drawdown
Set a Personal Daily Loss Limit
Even on Trailing accounts without DLL, set your own daily loss limit at 30-40% of your drawdown distance. For a 50K account, stop trading if you lose $750-$1,000 in a day.
Focus on Locking the Drawdown
Your first goal should be reaching the point where the drawdown stops trailing. On a 50K PA, that means earning $2,600+ so the drawdown locks at $50,100.
Track Your Peak Balance
Always know your highest balance and current drawdown level. Many traders are caught off guard because they were not tracking it. Write it down daily.
Size Positions Appropriately
Calculate your max position size based on your acceptable loss per trade and the distance to your drawdown level. Never risk hitting the drawdown on a single trade.
Use the 50% Consistency Rule
The consistency rule naturally limits your daily swings. Aim for steady daily gains rather than one big day. Check compliance with the 50% rule calculator.
Learn All the 2026 Rules
The drawdown is just one part of the Apex rule system. The 50% consistency rule, payout requirements, and trading day minimums all work together. Understanding all of them will help you maximize your withdrawals.
When you are ready to request a payout, use the payout calculator to see exactly how much you can withdraw. See the full breakdown of what you can earn in our payout potential guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EOD and Trailing Drawdown?
EOD drawdown is calculated once daily at 4:59:59 PM ET based on your closing balance. Trailing drawdown updates in real-time as your equity reaches new highs. EOD gives more intraday flexibility.
Which drawdown type is better?
Neither is objectively better - it depends on your trading style. EOD suits traders with large intraday swings. Trailing suits traders who want simpler real-time tracking. Both are industry-standard approaches.
Does the drawdown ever stop trailing?
Yes. On Performance Accounts, it stops once it reaches Starting Balance + $100. On a 50K PA, once the drawdown level hits $50,100, it locks and never moves higher.
What is the Daily Loss Limit on EOD accounts?
EOD accounts have a Daily Loss Limit that locks you out for the day if hit. This is not a rule violation - it simply prevents further trading that day to protect you. Trailing accounts do not have this feature.
Can I switch between EOD and Trailing?
No. You choose your drawdown type when purchasing the evaluation. Once selected, you cannot switch. Choose based on your trading style before purchasing.
What are the drawdown amounts for each account size?
25K = $1,500, 50K = $2,500, 100K = $3,000, 150K = $5,000. These are the same for both EOD and Trailing.
Complete Apex Rules Guide
All account sizes, EOD/Trailing drawdown, payout rules, and 2026 requirements.
Consistency Rule Explained
Detailed breakdown of the 50% rule, EOD vs Trailing drawdown, and when each rule applies.
Payout Request Calculator
Calculate exactly how much you can withdraw based on EOD or Trailing account type.
Payout Potential & ROI
See how much you can withdraw from Apex accounts. Invest $155, withdraw up to $14,500.
50% Consistency Rule Calculator
Check if your biggest day respects the 50% rule (2026)
Payout Request Calculator
Calculate EOD or Trailing withdrawals
Consistency Rule Explained
Understand how the 50% rule works (2026)
How to Pass Apex Evaluation
Tips and strategies to pass your evaluation
Complete Rules Guide
All Apex 2026 rules in one place
Avoid Payout Denial
Common mistakes that get payouts denied
Consistency Rule Strategy
Strategies to stay within the 50% rule
Payout Potential & ROI
How much can you withdraw from Apex?
2026 Rules Breakdown
Everything that changed in March 2026
Instant Payouts 2026
Fast approvals, no random denials