The short answer
The configured Max Trade Loss on funded Thunderbolt Classic, Vanguard and Horizon Futures accounts is 1.5% of initial account size. It is a hard risk rule: a trade loss beyond the applicable limit can end the account even when the account is profitable overall.
The dollar limit
Initial account size | 1.5% trade-loss limit |
$25,000 | $375 |
$50,000 | $750 |
$100,000 | $1,500 |
$150,000 | $2,250 |
$200,000 | $3,000 |
$300,000 | $4,500 |
$400,000 | $6,000 |
The realized loss on a completed trade is different from its planned stop distance or its current floating loss. A stop placed inside the cap does not guarantee the realized loss stays inside it. Slippage and gaps can increase the loss.
Challenge and other risk limits
The funded Max Trade Loss rule does not replace the challenge’s risk controls. Use the rules assigned to your current phase, including any open-position or trading-idea limits, as well as daily and trailing drawdown. Do not treat the absence of one rule as permission to ignore the others.
Turning risk into ticks and contracts
Planned risk = stop distance in ticks × tick value × number of contracts. ES has a $12.50 tick value; MES has a $1.25 tick value. Both use a 0.25-point tick. Allow room below the account cap for execution risk.
Position on a $50K account | Distance equal to $750 before execution costs |
1 ES | 60 ticks / 15 points |
2 ES | 30 ticks / 7.5 points |
3 ES | 20 ticks / 5 points |
1 MES | 600 ticks / 150 points |
These are mathematical limits, not recommended stop distances. Placing a stop exactly at the cap leaves no room for a worse fill. A stop-limit can remain unfilled entirely.
Do not split a position to evade limits
Breaking a trade into several orders does not permit you to bypass risk rules. Related positions and trading ideas can be subject to additional controls and review.
Before entering
Check your assigned phase rules, choose the stop level, calculate the dollar risk and reduce size if needed. Monitor the remaining daily and trailing buffers too; either can be tighter than the per-trade limit.
See stop losses, contract limits and soft and hard breaches.