Topstep News Trading Rules: The Complete 2026 Authority Guide for Funded Traders

The futures trading landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and Topstep has emerged as one of the most reputable and established proprietary trading firms in the industry. Founded in Chicago, Illinois, Topstep has built a reputation for providing traders with access to substantial capital, professional-grade platforms, and a transparent path to becoming a funded trader. However, with opportunity comes responsibility — and that’s where understanding Topstep news trading rules becomes absolutely critical for every trader who wants to pass their challenge and maintain a funded account.

As a premier prop firm passing service and funded account management service, Prop Firm Gurus has helped thousands of traders successfully navigate the complex world of proprietary trading. We’ve seen firsthand how misunderstanding news trading rules can cost traders their funded accounts, their payouts, and sometimes their entire trading careers. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive, authoritative guide to ensure you have every piece of information you need to trade confidently within Topstep’s framework.

Whether you’re a complete beginner exploring what Topstep is, an experienced trader looking to pass a prop firm challenge, or a funded account holder trying to understand the latest rule updates, this guide covers everything. We’ll explore Topstep’s news trading blackout periods, trading hour restrictions, payout rules, scaling plans, platform options, and much more — all with the practical insights that only come from managing thousands of funded accounts successfully.

The prop firm passing service industry has grown exponentially as more traders recognize the value of accessing institutional capital without risking their own savings. Platforms like Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, and others have democratized access to futures markets, but they’ve also introduced strict compliance requirements that many traders find challenging. News trading, in particular, represents one of the most common areas where traders stumble — not because they lack skill, but because they don’t fully understand the rules.

In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of Topstep’s news trading policies in plain English, provide actionable strategies for compliance, and show you how our funded account management service can help you achieve consistent profitability while staying within the rules. Whether you’re trading the E-mini S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, crude oil, gold, or Treasury bonds, these principles apply universally across all instruments offered on the Topstep platform.

What Makes Topstep Different from Other Prop Firms?

Before diving into the specific news trading rules, it’s important to understand what sets Topstep apart from competitors like Apex Trader Funding, FTMO, and other prop firm services. Topstep has been operating since 2012, making it one of the longest-running proprietary trading firms in the industry. This longevity has allowed them to refine their rules, build robust technology infrastructure, and develop a reputation for actually paying out traders — something that cannot be said for every firm in this space.

Topstep offers multiple account sizes ranging from the $50,000 Express account to the $150,000 flagship account, each with specific rules around drawdown limits, profit targets, and trading restrictions. The firm provides access to professional trading platforms including Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, and their proprietary TopstepX platform. This flexibility in platform choice is one reason why many traders prefer Topstep over competitors, especially when combined with their relatively straightforward rule structure.

However, “straightforward” doesn’t mean “simple.” Topstep’s news trading rules have specific nuances that can catch even experienced traders off guard. The firm distinguishes between different types of news events, applies different blackout windows depending on the event’s impact level, and has specific rules about position management before, during, and after news releases. Understanding these distinctions is essential for any trader who wants to maintain their funded status and receive regular payouts.

Economic news events that trigger Topstep trading restrictions and blackout periods

The Evolution of Topstep Rules: What’s Changed in 2026

Topstep has continuously refined its rules over the years, and 2026 has brought several significant updates that every trader needs to understand. The firm has moved toward a more transparent rule structure, simplified some of the more confusing aspects of their previous policies, and introduced new features like the Express account with no activation fees. These changes reflect Topstep’s commitment to making proprietary trading more accessible while maintaining the risk management standards that protect both the firm and its traders.

One of the most significant changes in recent years has been Topstep’s approach to news trading. Previously, the firm had blanket restrictions that applied to all news events regardless of their market impact. The updated rules now take a more nuanced approach, distinguishing between high-impact events like Non-Farm Payrolls and FOMC announcements versus lower-impact events that may not require the same level of restriction. This evolution reflects the firm’s understanding that not all news events carry equal risk, and traders should be able to trade during lower-impact releases without unnecessary constraints.

Another important update involves the integration of advanced trading platforms and the introduction of features like the TopstepX platform, which offers enhanced charting capabilities, advanced order types, and improved risk management tools. These technological improvements have made it easier for traders to comply with news trading rules by providing better visibility into upcoming events and more precise control over position management.

For traders using our prop firm passing service, these updates have been incorporated into our trading strategies and risk management protocols. We’ve developed specific approaches for each account type and platform combination, ensuring that our clients can maximize their profit potential while staying fully compliant with all Topstep rules. This level of expertise is what sets our funded account management service apart from generic trading advice you might find elsewhere online.

Topstep is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm that provides traders with access to futures markets through funded accounts. Founded with the mission of discovering and funding talented traders, Topstep has grown to become one of the most respected names in the industry. The firm’s headquarters in Chicago — the heart of the American futures trading industry — gives it unique credibility and access to institutional-grade infrastructure that smaller competitors simply cannot match.

The company operates through a challenge-based model where traders first demonstrate their skills in an evaluation phase (called the Trading Combine) before receiving access to a funded account. This two-phase approach serves multiple purposes: it allows Topstep to assess trader capability, it gives traders a risk-free environment to prove their skills, and it creates a clear pathway from aspiring trader to funded professional. The model has proven highly successful, with Topstep paying out millions of dollars to successful traders over the years.

Topstep’s platform ecosystem includes several major trading platforms that traders can choose from based on their preferences and experience level. Tradovate offers a modern, cloud-based interface that’s particularly popular with newer traders. NinjaTrader provides advanced charting and automation capabilities for more experienced traders. TradingView integration brings powerful technical analysis tools to the Topstep ecosystem. And the proprietary TopstepX platform offers a streamlined experience designed specifically for the firm’s unique requirements.

Topstep Account Types and Sizes

Topstep offers several account sizes to accommodate traders with different experience levels and risk appetites. The Express account, typically starting at $50,000, is designed for traders who want a straightforward path to funding with simplified rules. The standard accounts range from $50,000 to $150,000, with each size offering different profit targets, drawdown limits, and trading allowances. The $150,000 account represents the flagship offering, providing substantial capital for experienced traders who have proven their ability to manage larger positions.

Each account type comes with specific rules around daily loss limits, maximum drawdown, profit targets, and — crucially for our purposes — news trading restrictions. Understanding these rules is essential before you begin trading, as violations can result in account termination regardless of your profitability. This is where our prop firm passing service adds tremendous value: we ensure that every trade we execute on your behalf complies fully with Topstep’s requirements, protecting your investment and maximizing your chances of success.

The firm also offers a scaling plan that allows successful traders to increase their account size over time. As traders demonstrate consistent profitability and proper risk management, Topstep rewards them with larger accounts and higher profit splits. This scaling opportunity is one of the key advantages of working with Topstep versus other firms, as it provides a clear growth path for traders who want to build a long-term career in proprietary trading.

Professional Topstep trading dashboard showing key performance metrics

How Topstep Makes Money

Understanding Topstep’s business model helps traders appreciate why the firm has such strict rules around news trading and risk management. Topstep generates revenue primarily through evaluation fees (the cost of taking the Trading Combine challenge), subscription fees for funded accounts, and a percentage of trader profits. This alignment of interests means that Topstep wants traders to succeed — profitable traders generate more revenue for the firm through profit splits and create positive word-of-mouth that attracts new customers.

However, Topstep also needs to protect itself from excessive risk. News events can create volatility that exceeds normal market conditions, potentially leading to losses that exceed a trader’s account balance. The news trading rules exist to protect both the trader and the firm from these extreme scenarios. By understanding and respecting these rules, traders can build a sustainable, profitable relationship with Topstep that benefits both parties.

For traders who want to avoid the complexity of managing these rules themselves, our funded account management service provides a turnkey solution. We handle all aspects of account management, including news event monitoring, position management during blackout periods, and compliance with all Topstep requirements. This allows traders to focus on what they do best — analyzing markets and making trading decisions — while we handle the operational complexity.

Topstep vs. Competitors: A Fair Comparison

When evaluating prop firms, traders often compare Topstep to competitors like Apex Trader Funding, FTMO, and others. Each firm has its strengths and weaknesses, and the “best” choice depends on individual trader preferences, experience level, and trading style. Topstep’s main advantages include its long track record, transparent payout process, professional platforms, and relatively straightforward rule structure. The firm’s Chicago headquarters and regulatory compliance provide additional credibility that some newer competitors lack.

Apex Trader Funding, for example, offers lower evaluation fees and more flexible rules in some areas, but has faced criticism for payout delays and customer service issues. FTMO focuses primarily on forex and CFDs rather than futures, making it a different type of firm altogether. Topstep’s focus on futures markets, combined with its established reputation and professional infrastructure, makes it the preferred choice for many serious traders — particularly those who want to trade E-mini indices, commodities, and Treasury products.

Regardless of which firm you choose, understanding the specific rules and requirements is essential for success. Our prop firm passing service works with multiple firms and can help you choose the best option based on your individual circumstances. We provide honest, unbiased advice based on years of experience managing accounts across the industry’s leading platforms.

Topstep’s news trading rules are designed to protect traders from the extreme volatility that can occur during major economic announcements. These rules apply to both the evaluation phase (Trading Combine) and funded accounts, though the specific restrictions may vary slightly between the two. Understanding these rules is not optional — it’s a fundamental requirement for maintaining your account and receiving payouts.

What Constitutes a “News Event” on Topstep?

Topstep defines news events based on their potential market impact. The firm maintains a calendar of high-impact economic releases that trigger specific trading restrictions. These include, but are not limited to:

• Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) — Released on the first Friday of each month, this is typically the most impactful economic release for futures markets
• Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Announcements — Interest rate decisions and press conferences that occur approximately eight times per year
• Consumer Price Index (CPI) — Monthly inflation data that significantly impacts market expectations
• Producer Price Index (PPI) — Wholesale inflation data that often precedes CPI moves
• GDP Releases — Quarterly economic growth figures
• ISM Manufacturing and Services PMI — Monthly surveys of business activity
• Retail Sales — Monthly consumer spending data
• Initial Jobless Claims — Weekly unemployment data
• Existing and New Home Sales — Monthly housing market data
• Trade Balance — Monthly import/export data

Not all news events carry the same weight. Topstep distinguishes between high-impact events (like NFP and FOMC) that trigger extended blackout periods, and lower-impact events that may have minimal or no restrictions. This nuanced approach reflects the firm’s understanding that market impact varies significantly between different types of economic releases.

Price action during major news events showing the volatility that triggers Topstep restrictions

News Blackout Periods: The Complete Schedule

Topstep’s news blackout periods are specific time windows during which traders cannot open new positions or must close existing positions. These blackout periods vary depending on the type of news event and its expected market impact. Understanding these windows is crucial for compliance and avoiding accidental violations.

These blackout periods represent the minimum restrictions. Topstep reserves the right to extend blackout windows for unexpected events or particularly volatile market conditions. Traders should always check the official Topstep calendar before trading, as specific times may vary slightly based on daylight saving time adjustments and other factors.

Position Management During Blackout Periods

One of the most common questions traders ask is: “What happens to my existing positions during a news blackout?” The answer depends on when you entered the position and the specific rules of your account type. Generally, Topstep allows traders to hold positions through news events if those positions were established before the blackout period began. However, there are important nuances:

• Pre-Blackout Positions: Positions opened before the blackout window begins can typically be held through the news event, though traders should be prepared for increased volatility and potential slippage
• During-Blackout Entries: Opening new positions during the blackout window is strictly prohibited and will result in rule violations
• Stop Loss Orders: Stop loss orders remain active during blackout periods and will execute if triggered by price action
• Limit Orders: Pending limit orders that execute during blackout periods may be considered violations
• Position Sizing: Even if you can hold a position through news, oversized positions that exceed your account’s risk parameters may trigger violations

Our prop firm passing service has developed sophisticated position management protocols that ensure full compliance with these rules. We monitor news calendars in real-time, adjust position sizes before blackout periods, and implement protective measures that safeguard your account while maximizing profit potential. This level of attention to detail is what separates professional account management from amateur trading.

Trading Hours and Market Sessions

Topstep provides access to futures markets during specific trading hours that vary by instrument. Understanding these hours is essential for planning your trading strategy and avoiding violations related to trading outside approved windows. The main futures trading sessions include:

Topstep traders can access markets during all approved trading hours, but the firm recommends focusing on high-liquidity periods for optimal execution. The regular trading hours (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET) typically offer the best combination of liquidity, tight spreads, and volatility for most trading strategies. Extended hours trading can be profitable but carries additional risks due to lower liquidity and wider spreads.

It’s important to note that Topstep’s trading hours may differ slightly from the official exchange hours. The firm may impose additional restrictions during low-liquidity periods or maintenance windows. Always check the official Topstep documentation for the most current trading hours for your specific instruments and account type.

Topstep Express Account Rules

The Topstep Express account has become increasingly popular due to its simplified rule structure and lower barrier to entry. Express accounts typically feature:

• No activation fees (a significant cost savings compared to standard accounts)
• Simplified profit targets and drawdown limits
• Streamlined evaluation process
• Same news trading rules as standard accounts
• Access to all major futures instruments
• Professional platform options (Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView)

Despite the simplified structure, Express accounts are subject to the same news trading rules as standard accounts. This means blackout periods, position management requirements, and compliance standards apply equally. Some traders mistakenly believe that Express accounts have looser rules, but this is not the case. Topstep maintains consistent risk management standards across all account types to protect both traders and the firm.

Visual guide to Topstep news blackout periods and trading restrictions

Scaling Plan and Account Growth

Topstep’s scaling plan rewards consistent profitability with larger account sizes and improved profit splits. Traders who demonstrate sustained success can scale their accounts from the initial size up to significantly larger allocations. The scaling plan typically requires:

• Consistent profitability over multiple payout periods
• Proper risk management and rule compliance
• No major drawdowns or rule violations
• Minimum trading activity requirements

News trading compliance plays a crucial role in scaling eligibility. Traders who violate news trading rules may be disqualified from scaling opportunities, even if they’re otherwise profitable. This underscores the importance of understanding and following all Topstep rules, not just the ones that seem immediately relevant to your trading style.

Our prop firm passing service has helped numerous traders successfully scale their Topstep accounts through consistent, rule-compliant trading. We understand the specific requirements for scaling and can help you build the track record needed to qualify for larger account allocations. This long-term approach to account management is what creates sustainable trading careers rather than short-term wins followed by account losses.

Risk management is the single most important factor in successful proprietary trading. No matter how skilled you are at analyzing markets or identifying trading opportunities, poor risk management will eventually lead to account failure. This is especially true in the context of Topstep’s rules, where a single violation can terminate your funded account regardless of your overall profitability.

Understanding Topstep’s Drawdown Rules

Topstep employs a trailing drawdown mechanism that adjusts based on your account’s peak equity. This means that as your account grows, your maximum allowable drawdown also increases — but only up to a certain point. Understanding how this works is crucial for managing your risk effectively:

• Initial Drawdown: The maximum loss allowed from your starting balance (typically 4-6% depending on account size)
• Trailing Drawdown: Adjusts upward as your account reaches new equity highs, but never decreases
• Daily Loss Limit: Maximum loss allowed in a single trading day (typically 2-3% of account size)
• Consistency Rules: Requirements for balanced trading across multiple days

The trailing drawdown is particularly important to understand because it creates a “ratchet” effect — your drawdown limit can only move in your favor, never against you. This protects traders who have built up profits from losing everything in a single bad day. However, it also means that traders who experience early losses have less room for error, making proper risk management even more critical in the early stages of an account.

Professional risk management protects your funded account from catastrophic losses

Position Sizing for Topstep Accounts

Proper position sizing is essential for managing risk within Topstep’s framework. The general rule is to risk no more than 1-2% of your account on any single trade. For a $50,000 account, this means risking $500-$1,000 per trade. For a $150,000 account, the range increases to $1,500-$3,000 per trade. These numbers may seem small, but they’re designed to ensure that a string of losses doesn’t wipe out your account.

Position sizing becomes even more critical during news events, when volatility can cause larger-than-expected moves. Our funded account management service uses dynamic position sizing that adjusts based on market conditions, volatility levels, and proximity to news events. This adaptive approach ensures that risk remains controlled even when markets become unpredictable.

Stop Loss Strategies

Every trade on Topstep should have a predefined stop loss. This isn’t just good practice — it’s often a requirement for compliance with the firm’s risk management rules. Stop losses should be:

• Placed before entry: Never enter a trade without knowing your exit point
• Based on technical levels: Use support/resistance, ATR, or other technical indicators
• Respected consistently: Never move a stop loss further away from your entry
• Appropriately sized: Ensure your stop loss distance aligns with your position size and risk parameters

During news events, stop losses may experience slippage — meaning they execute at a worse price than expected. This is a normal part of trading during high-volatility periods and should be factored into your risk calculations. Our team accounts for potential slippage when managing positions around news events, ensuring that even worst-case scenarios remain within acceptable risk parameters.

The Psychology of Risk Management

Technical risk management is only half the battle. The psychological aspect — maintaining discipline, avoiding revenge trading, and sticking to your plan — is equally important. Many traders fail not because they lack skill, but because they let emotions drive their decisions. This is particularly true after losses, when the temptation to “make it back” can lead to oversized positions and rule violations.

Our prop firm passing service addresses this psychological component by removing emotional decision-making from the equation. When we manage your account, we follow a systematic, rules-based approach that doesn’t waver based on recent wins or losses. This consistency is what produces sustainable results over time.

Successfully trading around news events on Topstep requires a combination of technical skill, risk management discipline, and rule compliance. The strategies outlined below have been developed and refined through years of managing funded accounts across multiple prop firms, including extensive experience with Topstep’s specific requirements.

Strategy 1: The Pre-News Position Approach

This strategy involves establishing positions before high-impact news events based on technical analysis and market sentiment. The key is to enter positions well before the blackout period begins, allowing you to capture the news-driven move while maintaining compliance with Topstep’s rules. Key elements include:

• Technical analysis to identify high-probability setups
• Fundamental analysis to understand market expectations
• Position sizing that accounts for increased volatility
• Stop losses placed at technically significant levels
• Profit targets based on historical news event moves

This strategy requires careful timing and precise execution. Entering too early exposes you to unnecessary risk, while entering too late may violate blackout rules. Our prop firm passing service has developed specific timing protocols that optimize entry points while maintaining full compliance.

Strategy 2: The Post-News Momentum Approach

Instead of trading during the news event itself, this strategy waits for the initial volatility to subside and then trades the resulting momentum. This approach is particularly suitable for Topstep traders because it avoids blackout period violations entirely. The strategy involves:

• Waiting 5-15 minutes after the news release
• Identifying the direction of the initial move
• Entering on pullbacks or breakouts in the direction of momentum
• Using tighter stop losses due to reduced uncertainty
• Taking profits at predefined technical levels

This strategy is often more conservative than the pre-news approach, but it can be equally profitable with proper execution. The key advantage is that it eliminates the risk of blackout period violations and reduces exposure to extreme volatility.

Systematic approach to news trading strategy development and execution

Strategy 3: The News Fade Approach

Contrarian traders may prefer to fade news moves — trading against the initial reaction in anticipation of a reversal. This strategy requires deep understanding of market dynamics and careful risk management, as news-driven moves can extend further than expected. Key considerations include:

• Identifying overreactions based on historical patterns
• Waiting for confirmation signals before entering
• Using wider stop losses to account for continued momentum
• Taking partial profits at predefined levels
• Being prepared to exit quickly if the move continues

The fade approach is higher risk but can offer superior reward-to-risk ratios when executed correctly. It’s particularly effective for news events where the actual release differs significantly from market expectations, creating opportunities for mean reversion.

Strategy 4: The Range-Bound News Approach

Some news events create temporary ranges as markets digest the information. This strategy involves trading within these ranges, buying support and selling resistance until a clear breakout occurs. This approach works well on Topstep because it allows for multiple small wins while maintaining compliance with news trading rules.

Each of these strategies has been tested and refined through our funded account management service across thousands of trades. We select the appropriate strategy based on market conditions, news event type, account size, and trader preferences. This flexibility is what allows us to consistently deliver results while maintaining full compliance with Topstep’s requirements.

This comparison shows that Topstep’s news trading rules are generally in line with industry standards, though the specific details vary between firms. Topstep’s advantage lies in its combination of established reputation, professional platforms, and relatively straightforward rule structure. The firm’s longevity (since 2012) provides confidence that the rules won’t change unexpectedly, which is important for traders building long-term strategies.

For traders who want professional management across multiple prop firms, our prop firm passing service offers expertise in all major platforms. We understand the specific nuances of each firm’s rules and can help you choose the best option based on your trading style, experience level, and goals. This multi-firm expertise is invaluable for traders who want to diversify their funded account portfolio.

Major futures instruments traded on Topstep with professional analysis tools

Our portfolio demonstrates consistent results across multiple prop firms and account sizes. We’ve successfully managed accounts ranging from $25,000 Express accounts to $200,000+ elite accounts, always maintaining strict compliance with each firm’s specific rules. The numbers above represent verified results from our Myfxbook verified track record, providing transparent proof of our capabilities.

Every account we manage follows the same systematic approach: thorough analysis, disciplined execution, strict risk management, and complete rule compliance. This consistency is what produces reliable results over time, regardless of market conditions or specific prop firm requirements. Whether you’re trading Topstep, Apex, FTMO, or any other major firm, our strategies adapt to deliver results within each platform’s specific framework.

At Prop Firm Gurus, we believe in transparency and fairness. Our refund policy is designed to protect our clients while maintaining the integrity of our services. We understand that trading involves risk, and we want our clients to feel confident in their investment in our prop firm passing service.

Refund Eligibility

Refunds are available under specific circumstances:

• Service Not Rendered: If we fail to begin managing your account within the agreed timeframe, you’re eligible for a full refund
• Technical Issues: If technical problems prevent us from delivering our service, refunds are available on a case-by-case basis
• Duplicate Payments: Accidental duplicate charges are refunded immediately
• Force Majeure: Events beyond our control that prevent service delivery may qualify for refunds

Non-Refundable Circumstances

Refunds are not available for:

• Market losses incurred during normal trading operations
• Rule violations caused by client interference with our management
• Changes in prop firm rules that occur after service begins
• Client dissatisfaction with market conditions or trading results

All refund requests must be submitted in writing through our official communication channels (Telegram or email) within 7 days of the issue occurring. Our team reviews each request individually and responds within 48 hours. We’re committed to fair resolution of all client concerns.