An order that automatically closes a position at a predetermined price to limit potential losses.
A stop loss is a protective order placed at a specific price level that automatically exits your trade if the market moves against you. It is the foundation of risk management.
Types of Stop Loss Orders
- Market Stop: Triggers a market order when price hits your level — guaranteed fill but not guaranteed price
- Stop Limit: Triggers a limit order — guaranteed price but not guaranteed fill (dangerous in fast markets)
- Trailing Stop: Moves with price in your favor, locks in profit as the trade works
Where to Place Your Stop
- Below support (for longs) or above resistance (for shorts)
- Beyond recent swing high/low
- Beyond a key moving average
- Using ATR: 1.5–2× the Average True Range from entry
Stop Loss and Prop Firm Rules
Prop firm traders should ALWAYS use stop losses because:
- A single runaway loss can breach your daily loss limit
- Holding and hoping is the fastest way to blow a funded account
- Slippage through your drawdown limit = instant account termination
Mental Stops vs Hard Stops
Never rely on mental stops in prop trading. Market moves can happen in seconds during news events. Always place hard stops in the platform.
Tips
- Set your stop BEFORE entering the trade
- Never widen your stop after entry (unless your system explicitly calls for it)
- Account for spread when placing stops on forex pairs