VERSION HISTORY
Risk Adjustments: High Risk/High Volatility | Topstep Help Center
Fetches the article and compares it with Version 23.
▸Version 23October 19, 2026, 4:25 PM+15−14
Changes shown against Version 22.
- Velocity Logic halts
- Historic price ranges
- Rapid, sustained price movement
This isn't punishment. It's protection — guardrails to keep you in the game when the market is doing something it's never done before. Our job is to help you trade another day.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Section: Current Restrictions
− Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
− Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
+ Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 31/62/93E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
+ Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 31/62/93Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/5/7Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/5/7Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products (Expand to learn more)
Section: 🧪 Labs: Restricted Products (Expand to learn more)
− - In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
− - In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
+ - In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/12 micros.
+ - In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/156 micros. For SIL/MHG, 12 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
- In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0.
- In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SI, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $50K Static Trading Combine, MCL and MGC are set to a max of 25 lots, and CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are set to a max of 2 lots.
- In the $1.5K Challenge - Powered Up, Traders can trade up to 12 contracts of MCL/MGC, 1 contract of CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, SIL, and 0 of HG, PL, SI.
- In the Return of the $3K Undead Challenge, MCL and MGC are limited to 31 lots. CL, GC, HO, QM, and RB are limited to 3 lots. MHG and SIL are limited to 2 lots. HG, PL, and SI are 0. During Tier 1 News Events, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, M6A, M6B, M6E, MNG, MCL, MGC, MBT, MET, MHG, and SIL are limited to 3 lots.
- In the Revenge of the $3K Slasher Challenge, MCL and MGC are limited to 12 lots. CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are limited to 1 lot. HG, PL, and SI are 0. During Tier 1 News Events, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, M6A, M6B, M6E, MNG, MCL, MGC, MBT, MET, MHG, and SIL are limited to 1 lot.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
50K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 mini / 12 micros
- $1,500 balance = 1 mini / 18 micros
- $2,000 balance = 3 mini / 31 micros
100K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 mini / 18 micros
- $1,500 balance = 2 mini / 25 micros
Section: Symbols this applies to:
− - $2,000 balance = 3 contracts minis / 31 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 3 minis / 31 micros
- $3,000 balance = 6 minis / 62 micros
150K Express Funded Account
− - Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
+ - Below $1500 balance = 1 mini / 18 micros
- $1,500 balance = 2 minis / 25 micros
- $2,000 balance = 3 minis / 31 micros
- $3,000 balance = 6 minis / 62 micros
- $4,500 balance = 9 minis / 93 micros
250K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 mini / 18 micros
- $1,500 balance = 2 minis / 25 micros
- $2,000 balance = 3 minis / 31 micros
- $3,000 balance = 6 minis / 62 micros
- $4,500 balance = 9 minis / 93 micros
- $6,000 balance = 12 minis / 125 micros
- $8,000+ balance = 15 minis / 156 micros
Section: Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 2/5/7 plan
− Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 2/4/6 plan
+ Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 2/5/7 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Micro Silver (SIL)
- Micro Copper (MHG)
50K Express Funded Account
Section: Symbols this applies to:
− - Below $1,500 balance = 1 micros
− - $1,500 balance = 1 micros
− - $2,000 balance = 3 micros
+ - Below $1,500 balance = 1 micro
+ - $1,500 balance = 1 micro
+ - $2,000 balance = 2 micros
100K Express Funded Account
- Below $1,500 balance = 1 micro
- $1,500 balance = 2 micros
- $2,000 balance = 2 micros
- $3,000 balance = 5 micros
150K Express Funded Account
- Below $1,500 balance = 1 micro contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 micros
- $2,000 balance = 2 micros
- $3,000 balance = 5 micros
− - $4,500 balance = 7 micro
+ - $4,500 balance = 7 micros
250K Express Funded Account
- Below $1,500 balance = 1 micro contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 micros
- $2,000 balance = 2 micros
- $3,000 balance = 5 micros
- $4,500 balance = 7 micros
- $6,000 balance = 10 micros
- $8,000+ balance = 12 micros
When Do These Restrictions Apply?
Position limit adjustments are:
- Temporary: Restrictions remain in place only while volatility levels are elevated
- Product-specific: Only products experiencing extreme volatility are affected
Historic volatility means historic losses can happen faster than normal. When markets move unpredictably:
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@Topstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
Section: Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
− Ahead of Tier 1 News Events (for example, CPI, FOMC, NFP), Topstep temporarily restricts new opening positions on equity index products and metals in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
+ Ahead of Tier 1 News Events (for example, CPI, FOMC, NFP, PPI), Topstep temporarily restricts new opening positions on equity index products and metals in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- MHG and SIL: Opening transactions limited to 1, 2, 5, 7, 12 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Other products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
− - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in energies and metals prior to 5 minutes before the news event may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
+ - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in equity index products and metals prior to 5 minutes before the news event may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed. TP/SL brackets that are reducing/closing positions will be accepted during the window.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Tier 1 News Events
Event | Announcement (CT) | Window (CT)
Section: Tier 1 News Events
− CPI | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
+ Consumer Price Index (CPI) | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
FOMC rate decision | 1:00 PM | 12:55 to 1:05 PM
FOMC press conference | 1:30 PM | 1:25 to 1:35 PM
Non Farm Payroll (NFP/Unemployment Rate) | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
+ Producer Price Index (PPI) | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
Trading Combines & Challenges
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
$1.5K, $3K, and $6K Challenges | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
$3K Challenge Undead | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
$3K Challenge Slasher | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
$50K Static | $40,000 | 2 | Blocked | Capped at 2 micros
Express Funded Accounts
SHA-256 4ed7bbb3099dee8d35d6e237af1e9a9110989c7a64a7df29984b76d946dae942
▸Version 22October 16, 2026, 4:25 PM+19−2
Changes shown against Version 21.
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- MHG and SIL: Opening transactions limited to 1, 2, 5, 7, 12 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Other products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in energies and metals prior to 5 minutes before the news event may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed. TP/SL brackets that are reducing/closing positions will be accepted during the window.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Tier 1 News Events
Event | Announcement (CT) | Window (CT)
CPI | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
FOMC rate decision | 1:00 PM | 12:55 to 1:05 PM
FOMC press conference | 1:30 PM | 1:25 to 1:35 PM
Non Farm Payroll (NFP/Unemployment Rate) | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
Section: Trading Combines & Challenges
+ Trading Combines & Challenges
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
− 3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
+ $1.5K, $3K, and $6K Challenges | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
+ $3K Challenge Undead | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
+ $3K Challenge Slasher | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
− 50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micros
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
$50K Static | $40,000 | 2 | Blocked | Capped at 2 micros
Section: Express Funded Accounts
+ Express Funded Accounts
+ Express Funded Accounts (XFAs) have margin that scales with balance. This is called the Scaling Plan. See details on your Maximum Position Size when accounting for both Tier 1 News Event restrictions, and the Scaling Plan.
+ Account | Balance | Margin | Minis/Micros | SIL & MHG
+ $50K XFA | Below $1500 | $20,000 | 0/1 | 0/1
+ $50K XFA | $1500-$2000 | $30,000 | 0/1 | 0/1
+ $50K XFA | Above $2000 | $50,000 | 0/3 | 0/2
+ $100K XFA | Below $1500 | $30,000 | 0/1 | 0/1
+ $100K XFA | $1500-$2000 | $40,000 | 0/2 | 0/2
+ $100K XFA | $2,000-3,000 | $50,000 | 0/3 | 0/2
+ $100K XFA | Above $3,000 | $100,000 | 0/6 | 0/5
+ $150K XFA | Below $1500 | $30,000 | 0/1 | 0/1
+ $150K XFA | $1500-$2000 | $40,000 | 0/2 | 0/2
+ $150K XFA | $2,000-3,000 | $50,000 | 0/3 | 0/2
+ $150K XFA | $3,000-$4,500 | $100,000 | 0/6 | 0/5
+ $150K XFA | Above $4,500 | $150,000 | 0/9 | 0/7
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 b9370689de4d404cb1776bec62177d29d4ae39b389d2029da08aabd53ba2af8f
▸Version 21October 15, 2026, 4:25 PM+8−5
Changes shown against Version 20.
- Rapid, sustained price movement
This isn't punishment. It's protection — guardrails to keep you in the game when the market is doing something it's never done before. Our job is to help you trade another day.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
Section: 🧪 Labs: Restricted Products (Expand to learn more)
− 🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
+ 🧪 Labs: Restricted Products (Expand to learn more)
- In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
- In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0.
− - In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SL, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
+ - In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SI, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $50K Static Trading Combine, MCL and MGC are set to a max of 25 lots, and CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are set to a max of 2 lots.
- In the $1.5K Challenge - Powered Up, Traders can trade up to 12 contracts of MCL/MGC, 1 contract of CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, SIL, and 0 of HG, PL, SI.
+ - In the Return of the $3K Undead Challenge, MCL and MGC are limited to 31 lots. CL, GC, HO, QM, and RB are limited to 3 lots. MHG and SIL are limited to 2 lots. HG, PL, and SI are 0. During Tier 1 News Events, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, M6A, M6B, M6E, MNG, MCL, MGC, MBT, MET, MHG, and SIL are limited to 3 lots.
+ - In the Revenge of the $3K Slasher Challenge, MCL and MGC are limited to 12 lots. CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are limited to 1 lot. HG, PL, and SI are 0. During Tier 1 News Events, MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, M6A, M6B, M6E, MNG, MCL, MGC, MBT, MET, MHG, and SIL are limited to 1 lot.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
50K Express Funded Account
- Focus on risk management and strategic opportunities
- Use this time to refine your trading plan and review your strategy
Understanding Market Volatility
Historic volatility means historic losses can happen faster than normal. When markets move unpredictably:
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
Section: How You'll Be Notified
− - Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
+ - Social media updates (@Topstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
Ahead of Tier 1 News Events (for example, CPI, FOMC, NFP), Topstep temporarily restricts new opening positions on equity index products and metals in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- MHG and SIL: Opening transactions limited to 1, 2, 5, 7, 12 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Other products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
Section: Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
− - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in energies and metals prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
+ - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in energies and metals prior to 5 minutes before the news event may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed. TP/SL brackets that are reducing/closing positions will be accepted during the window.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Tier 1 News Events
Event | Announcement (CT) | Window (CT)
CPI | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
FOMC rate decision | 1:00 PM | 12:55 to 1:05 PM
FOMC press conference | 1:30 PM | 1:25 to 1:35 PM
Section: Tier 1 News Events
− Non Farm Payroll | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
+ Non Farm Payroll (NFP/Unemployment Rate) | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
+ 50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micros
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
$50K Static | $40,000 | 2 | Blocked | Capped at 2 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 2f35d2176177cc9e19f822e99cff1cfea718851d25d8b4b600bfe09964857f2a
▸Version 20October 14, 2026, 4:25 PM+7−6
Changes shown against Version 19.
Historic volatility means historic losses can happen faster than normal. When markets move unpredictably:
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
Section: Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
− Ahead of Tier 1 News Events (for example, CPI, FOMC, NFP), Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
+ Ahead of Tier 1 News Events (for example, CPI, FOMC, NFP), Topstep temporarily restricts new opening positions on equity index products and metals in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
− - Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC, SIL, MHG): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
− - Non-equity/metals products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
− - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in Metals (GC, SI, HG, PL) prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
− - Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
+ - Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
+ - MHG and SIL: Opening transactions limited to 1, 2, 5, 7, 12 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
+ - Other products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
+ - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in energies and metals prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
+ - Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed. TP/SL brackets that are reducing/closing positions will be accepted during the window.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Section: Tier 1 News Events
− Tier 1 News Events Timeframes
+ Tier 1 News Events
Event | Announcement (CT) | Window (CT)
CPI | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
FOMC rate decision | 1:00 PM | 12:55 to 1:05 PM
FOMC press conference | 1:30 PM | 1:25 to 1:35 PM
Non Farm Payroll | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
SHA-256 2f4c2a33fdaf7da4ca1d59170cec992adb18a1c1d5b27c2996d777ee9f1013de
▸Version 19October 13, 2026, 4:20 PM+12−6
Changes shown against Version 18.
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
Section: Current Restrictions
− - In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
− - In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0.
− - In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SL, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
+ - In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
+ - In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0.
+ - In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SL, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during Tier 1 News Events is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $50K Static Trading Combine, MCL and MGC are set to a max of 25 lots, and CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are set to a max of 2 lots.
- In the $1.5K Challenge - Powered Up, Traders can trade up to 12 contracts of MCL/MGC, 1 contract of CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, SIL, and 0 of HG, PL, SI.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
Understanding Market Volatility
Historic volatility means historic losses can happen faster than normal. When markets move unpredictably:
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
Section: Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
− CPI Release Restrictions
− Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
+ Tier 1 News Events Restrictions
+ Ahead of Tier 1 News Events (for example, CPI, FOMC, NFP), Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC, SIL, MHG): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity/metals products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
− - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in Metals (GC, SI, HG, PL) prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the CPI window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
+ - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in Metals (GC, SI, HG, PL) prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the Tier 1 News Events window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Section: Tier 1 News Events Timeframes
+ Tier 1 News Events Timeframes
+ Event | Announcement (CT) | Window (CT)
+ CPI | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
+ FOMC rate decision | 1:00 PM | 12:55 to 1:05 PM
+ FOMC press conference | 1:30 PM | 1:25 to 1:35 PM
+ Non Farm Payroll | 7:30 AM | 7:25 to 7:35 AM
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
$50K Static | $40,000 | 2 | Blocked | Capped at 2 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
SHA-256 57de0db29ab46494b9dea65cdf380a2ce2dad87bbb236fb8f905fa7bd38900c7
▸Version 18October 12, 2026, 4:20 PM+1−1
Changes shown against Version 17.
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
- In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0.
- In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SL, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $50K Static Trading Combine, MCL and MGC are set to a max of 25 lots, and CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are set to a max of 2 lots.
Section: Current Restrictions
− - In the $1.5K Challenge - Powered Up, Traders can trade up to 12 contracts of MCL/MGC, 1 contract of CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, SIL, and 0 of HG, PL, SI. Point Traders to the Risk Adjustments article.
+ - In the $1.5K Challenge - Powered Up, Traders can trade up to 12 contracts of MCL/MGC, 1 contract of CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, SIL, and 0 of HG, PL, SI.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
50K Express Funded Account
SHA-256 23a4e34c133a5bb5b8d3d4d58991f956ac5a1c9fb1c064704b72586a94d01613
▸Version 17October 8, 2026, 4:10 PM+1−0
Changes shown against Version 16.
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
- In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0.
- In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SL, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $50K Static Trading Combine, MCL and MGC are set to a max of 25 lots, and CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are set to a max of 2 lots.
Section: Current Restrictions
+ - In the $1.5K Challenge - Powered Up, Traders can trade up to 12 contracts of MCL/MGC, 1 contract of CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, SIL, and 0 of HG, PL, SI. Point Traders to the Risk Adjustments article.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
50K Express Funded Account
SHA-256 1e5e855871e25461d8c28eaab45a787239ef758900166c62246bd6df89027989
▸Version 16October 2, 2026, 4:20 PM+45−19
Changes shown against Version 15.
- In the $50K Static Trading Combine, MCL and MGC are set to a max of 25 lots, and CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are set to a max of 2 lots.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
Section: Symbols this applies to:
− - Micro Silver (SIL)
50K Express Funded Account
− - Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
− - $1,500 balance = 1 contract
− - $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
+ - Below $1500 balance = 1 mini / 12 micros
+ - $1,500 balance = 1 mini / 18 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 3 mini / 31 micros
100K Express Funded Account
− - Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
− - $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
− - $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
− - $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
+ - Below $1500 balance = 1 mini / 18 micros
+ - $1,500 balance = 2 mini / 25 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 3 contracts minis / 31 micros
+ - $3,000 balance = 6 minis / 62 micros
150K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
− - $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
− - $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
− - $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
− - $4,500 balance = 9 contracts
+ - $1,500 balance = 2 minis / 25 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 3 minis / 31 micros
+ - $3,000 balance = 6 minis / 62 micros
+ - $4,500 balance = 9 minis / 93 micros
250K Express Funded Account
− - Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
− - $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
− - $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
− - $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
− - $4,500 balance = 9 contracts
− - $6,000 balance = 12 contracts
− - $8,000+ balance = 15 contracts
+ - Below $1500 balance = 1 mini / 18 micros
+ - $1,500 balance = 2 minis / 25 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 3 minis / 31 micros
+ - $3,000 balance = 6 minis / 62 micros
+ - $4,500 balance = 9 minis / 93 micros
+ - $6,000 balance = 12 minis / 125 micros
+ - $8,000+ balance = 15 minis / 156 micros
+ Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 2/4/6 plan
+ Symbols this applies to:
+ - Micro Silver (SIL)
+ - Micro Copper (MHG)
+ 50K Express Funded Account
+ - Below $1,500 balance = 1 micros
+ - $1,500 balance = 1 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 3 micros
+ 100K Express Funded Account
+ - Below $1,500 balance = 1 micro
+ - $1,500 balance = 2 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 2 micros
+ - $3,000 balance = 5 micros
+ 150K Express Funded Account
+ - Below $1,500 balance = 1 micro contract
+ - $1,500 balance = 2 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 2 micros
+ - $3,000 balance = 5 micros
+ - $4,500 balance = 7 micro
+ 250K Express Funded Account
+ - Below $1,500 balance = 1 micro contract
+ - $1,500 balance = 2 micros
+ - $2,000 balance = 2 micros
+ - $3,000 balance = 5 micros
+ - $4,500 balance = 7 micros
+ - $6,000 balance = 10 micros
+ - $8,000+ balance = 12 micros
When Do These Restrictions Apply?
Position limit adjustments are:
- Temporary: Restrictions remain in place only while volatility levels are elevated
- Product-specific: Only products experiencing extreme volatility are affected
- Actively monitored: Our Risk Team continuously evaluates market conditions to determine when normal limits can be reinstated
What You Can Still Do
- Continue trading with adjusted position sizes in affected products
- Trade other products with standard position limits
- Focus on risk management and strategic opportunities
- Use this time to refine your trading plan and review your strategy
Understanding Market Volatility
Historic volatility means historic losses can happen faster than normal. When markets move unpredictably:
SHA-256 303bf9cd4edf79f4765741590f74bb199b5858075288c07da68c652321406b45
▸Version 15October 1, 2026, 4:25 PM+2−0
Changes shown against Version 14.
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
- In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0.
- In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SL, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
Section: Current Restrictions
+ - In the $50K Static Trading Combine, MCL and MGC are set to a max of 25 lots, and CL, GC, HO, QM, RB, MHG, and SIL are set to a max of 2 lots.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
- Micro Silver (SIL)
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC, SIL, MHG): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity/metals products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in Metals (GC, SI, HG, PL) prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the CPI window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
+ $50K Static | $40,000 | 2 | Blocked | Capped at 2 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 c0c9b3c5ee8a639c4894878b6bf365cf171362ee797505e151ba66dc54132d5c
▸Version 14September 24, 2026, 4:25 PM+0−1
Changes shown against Version 13.
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC, SIL, MHG): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity/metals products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in Metals (GC, SI, HG, PL) prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the CPI window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
− 50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 b7f80f413620b094bddf7a148b15f2656772ffa035d6d848ccd3a714bad11dde
▸Version 13September 17, 2026, 4:25 PM+1−0
Changes shown against Version 12.
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
- In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0.
Section: Current Restrictions
+ - In the $6K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, SIL, HG, SL, CL, GC, HO, QM, PL, or RB. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
- Micro Silver (SIL)
SHA-256 3c9adc8d57a3e9273fd1fe7ab50db3f83be9b1b115fea76b771f40ec18dac4a8
▸Version 12September 14, 2026, 4:20 PM+1−1
Changes shown against Version 11.
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC, SIL, MHG): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
− - Non-equity or metal products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
+ - Non-equity/metals products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in Metals (GC, SI, HG, PL) prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the CPI window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
SHA-256 cfc901dda2e6479ef33ecec74f5f3f151c203959f3c80ce38fa06520971292bc
▸Version 11September 9, 2026, 4:17 PM+1−1
Changes shown against Version 10.
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC, SIL, MHG): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity or metal products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
− - Existing positions: You may continue to hold and manage existing positions opened before the window started; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions during the 10-minute window.
+ - Existing Positions: Traders holding existing positions in Metals (GC, SI, HG, PL) prior to 7:25 AM CT may keep them open and manage them through the CPI window. TopstepX™ automatically enforces these limits, so no manual adjustment is required for existing trades.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
SHA-256 626bf9eacc86ccda1af5afef4feb5443ecc95ae21eae5b982c0d7a48e67b2c68
▸Version 10September 3, 2026, 4:17 PM+4−4
Changes shown against Version 9.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
Section: Current Restrictions
− - In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MGH, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
+ - In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MHG, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
- In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
- In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
− - Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
− - Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
− - Non-equity products (metals, energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
+ - Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD, GC, SI, HG, PL): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
+ - Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MGC, SIL, MHG): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
+ - Non-equity or metal products (energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing positions: You may continue to hold and manage existing positions opened before the window started; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions during the 10-minute window.
- Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
SHA-256 ef36e1f304cd2267a646cdfeaef24743039f8bd0550ca4a2402885774123d514
▸Version 9September 2, 2026, 4:27 PM+4−3
Changes shown against Version 8.
This isn't punishment. It's protection — guardrails to keep you in the game when the market is doing something it's never done before. Our job is to help you trade another day.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
Section: Current Restrictions
− - For the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
− - For the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MGH, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
− - For the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
+ - In the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
+ - In the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MGH, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
+ - In the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
+ - In the $1.5K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. MGC/MCL are limited to 1. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
- Micro Silver (SIL)
SHA-256 54c0394bb0bc47f486e999266f98a7b9a429179df492f4052d82b4e105ed0e4a
▸Version 8August 27, 2026, 4:27 PM+2−1
Changes shown against Version 7.
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity products (metals, energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
− - Existing positions can continue to be held through the window; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions.
+ - Existing positions: You may continue to hold and manage existing positions opened before the window started; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions during the 10-minute window.
+ - Pending orders: Pending orders are not open positions. They will not fill during the 10-minute window, and new pending orders intended to execute during this timeframe cannot be placed.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
SHA-256 faba748609d5881ddcdc58d28215cd65c1a04f6fe2f9ccb82f4971a9542df048
▸Version 7August 20, 2026, 2:19 PM+1−1
Changes shown against Version 6.
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- For the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- For the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MGH, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
Section: Current Restrictions
− - For the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 1 micro.
+ - For the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 6 micros.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
- Micro Silver (SIL)
SHA-256 eaf888876edf2f9b1ca7f886dde02f7bd915c8f1bcb1d6a21a5654d8567a20bf
▸Version 6August 18, 2026, 7:25 PM+4−1
Changes shown against Version 5.
- Historic price ranges
- Rapid, sustained price movement
This isn't punishment. It's protection — guardrails to keep you in the game when the market is doing something it's never done before. Our job is to help you trade another day.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Section: Current Restrictions
− Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6⚠️ Note: The $250K Freedom Trading Combine has different GC limits. See the Labs callout below.Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
+ Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- For the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- For the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MGH, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
+ - For the $3K Challenge, you cannot trade MHG, MET, MBT, or SIL. Trading during CPI is also restricted to 0. Additionally, MGC and MCL is limited to 1 micro.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
Section: Symbols this applies to:
+ - Micro Silver (SIL)
50K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 1 contract
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
100K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
- $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
150K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity products (metals, energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing positions can continue to be held through the window; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
+ 3K Challenge | $3,000 | 0 | Blocked | No Trading available
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 4168b46ca4547477ebaa3a445389fb3b821f1e304556c133930d014097325996
▸Version 5August 13, 2026, 3:27 AM+1−1
Changes shown against Version 4.
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
- Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
- Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity products (metals, energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing positions can continue to be held through the window; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
− 25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Fully blocked from trading
+ 25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 9f9f5e86e6f629f3207462f8ef4a923d6c11c2fdc00189d1e188953d10a91a6f
▸Version 4August 12, 2026, 3:37 AM+2−2
Changes shown against Version 3.
During extreme volatility, we may temporarily tighten position limits on affected products. We're talking about conditions like:
- Expanding price limits
- Velocity Logic halts
- Historic price ranges
- Rapid, sustained price movement
This isn't punishment. It's protection — guardrails to keep you in the game when the market is doing something it's never done before. Our job is to help you trade another day.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
Section: Current Restrictions
− 👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size: 50K/100K/150K
+ 👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size. The numbers shown use a 3-tier format: $50K / $100K / $150K. For example, "GC = 3/6/9" means 3 minis for $50K accounts, 6 minis for $100K accounts, and 9 minis for $150K accounts.
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
− Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
+ Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6⚠️ Note: The $250K Freedom Trading Combine has different GC limits. See the Labs callout below.Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
- For the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
- For the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MGH, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
SHA-256 eb7ffb5d46b1167847c85a9ee8333b6ebde5f29feb2802fbc01904d46e1b4cd6
▸Version 3August 10, 2026, 6:07 PM+2−2
Changes shown against Version 2.
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
CPI Release Restrictions
Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
− - Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
− - Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MNKD): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
+ - Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
+ - Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
- Non-equity products (metals, energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
- Existing positions can continue to be held through the window; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions.
- How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Fully blocked from trading
50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
SHA-256 f43d00a856a5ac4f9cb8499dd4b4d6d11ded4e2ee923c86292b3474f3641048d
▸Version 2August 7, 2026, 7:37 PM+30−5
Changes shown against Version 1.
- Rapid, sustained price movement
This isn't punishment. It's protection — guardrails to keep you in the game when the market is doing something it's never done before. Our job is to help you trade another day.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size: 50K/100K/150K
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
Section: Current Restrictions
+ 🧪 Labs: Restricted Products
+ - For the $25K Static Trading Combine, restricted products are set to a max contract size of 1 mini/10 micros.
+ - For the $250K Trading Combine, restricted energies are set to a max contract size of 15 minis/150 micros. For SIL/MGH, 10 minis/100 micros. SI, HG, and PL are still 0.
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
Section: Symbols this applies to:
− 150K Express Funded Account
+ 50K Express Funded Account
+ - Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
+ - $1,500 balance = 1 contract
+ - $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
+ 100K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
- $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
− - $4,500 balance = 9 contracts
− 100K Express Funded Account
+ 150K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
- $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
− 50K Express Funded Account
+ - $4,500 balance = 9 contracts
+ 250K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
− - $1,500 balance = 1 contract
+ - $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
+ - $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
+ - $4,500 balance = 9 contracts
+ - $6,000 balance = 12 contracts
+ - $8,000+ balance = 15 contracts
When Do These Restrictions Apply?
Position limit adjustments are:
- Temporary: Restrictions remain in place only while volatility levels are elevated
- Product-specific: Only products experiencing extreme volatility are affected
- Actively monitored: Our Risk Team continuously evaluates market conditions to determine when normal limits can be reinstated
What You Can Still Do
- Continue trading with adjusted position sizes in affected products
- Trade other products with standard position limits
- Focus on risk management and strategic opportunities
- Use this time to refine your trading plan and review your strategy
Understanding Market Volatility
Historic volatility means historic losses can happen faster than normal. When markets move unpredictably:
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
Section: CPI Release Restrictions
+ CPI Release Restrictions
+ Ahead of Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, Topstep temporarily restricts new opening transactions on equity index products (ES, RTY, YM, NQ, NKD) in SIM to protect Traders from extreme volatility.
+ - Minis (ES, RTY, YM, NQ): No new opening transactions permitted during the 10-minute window surrounding the release (5 minutes before, 5 minutes after).
+ - Micros (MES, M2K, MYM, MNQ, MNKD): Opening transactions limited to 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 contracts for the $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, and $250K account sizes, respectively, during the window (see table below)
+ - Non-equity products (metals, energies, rates, FX, etc.) are unaffected.
+ - Existing positions can continue to be held through the window; the restriction only applies to new opening transactions.
+ - How you'll be alerted: we'll email you and you'll see a banner at the top of the platform, so you're always prepared.
+ Account | Margin | Max micros | Equity Minis | Effect during window
+ 25K | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Fully blocked from trading
+ 50K XFA | $20,000 | 1 | Blocked | Capped at 1 micro
+ 50K | $50,000 | 3 | Blocked | Capped at 3 micros
+ 100K | $100,000 | 6 | Blocked | Capped at 6 micros
+ 150K | $150,000 | 9 | Blocked | Capped at 9 micros
+ 250K | $250,000 | 15 | Blocked | Capped at 15 micros
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 5552f5a32d0c7cf2e49c59f45bdb67dc9690a9db89e3c85c78f53356ec71578c
▸Version 1July 26, 2026, 12:27 PM
First archived version.
Position Limit Adjustments
Markets get wild sometimes. Expanding price limits. Velocity Logic halts. Historic ranges in minutes. When that happens, even experienced Traders can get caught on the wrong side fast — and fast losses can end a trading career before it really starts.
During extreme volatility, we may temporarily tighten position limits on affected products. We're talking about conditions like:
- Expanding price limits
- Velocity Logic halts
- Historic price ranges
- Rapid, sustained price movement
This isn't punishment. It's protection — guardrails to keep you in the game when the market is doing something it's never done before. Our job is to help you trade another day.
How Position Limits Are Adjusted
When a product is deemed high-risk due to volatility, we may implement one or both of the following adjustments:
- Micro Contract Limits
- Mini Contract Restrictions
- Trading on mini-sized contracts or larger may be temporarily halted for affected products
Current Restrictions
👉 Restrictions below are organized by account size: 50K/100K/150K
| Trading Combine, Express Funded Account,Pro Account | Live Funded Account
Energies Restriction | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 30/60/90E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9 | RBOB Gasoline (RB) = 3/6/9Heating Oil (HO) = 3/6/9Crude Oil (CL) = 3/6/9Micro Crude Oil (MCL) = 3/6/9E-Mini Crude Oil (QM) = 3/6/9
Metals Restriction | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 30/60/90Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0 | Gold (GC) = 3/6/9Micro Gold (MGC) = 5/10/15Silver (SI) = 0Micro Silver (SIL) = 2/4/6Copper (HG) = 0Micro Copper (MHG) = 2/4/6Platinum (PL) = 0
⚠️ Please note: For Express Funded Accounts, position limits for restricted products have a ceiling of the contracts listed above (CL = 3/6/9, for example).
However, a trader's actual limit may be lower depending on their current account balance, as the Scaling Plan applies independently. Learn more below. 👇
Example of the Scaling Plan for restricted symbols on the 3/6/9 plan
Symbols this applies to:
- Crude Oil (CL)
- E-Mini Crude Oil (QM)
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL)
- Heating Oil (HO)
- RBOB Gasoline (RB)
- Gold (GC)
- Micro Gold (MGC)
150K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
- $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
- $4,500 balance = 9 contracts
100K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 2 contracts
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
- $3,000 balance = 6 contracts
50K Express Funded Account
- Below $1500 balance = 1 contract
- $1,500 balance = 1 contract
- $2,000 balance = 3 contracts
When Do These Restrictions Apply?
Position limit adjustments are:
- Temporary: Restrictions remain in place only while volatility levels are elevated
- Product-specific: Only products experiencing extreme volatility are affected
- Actively monitored: Our Risk Team continuously evaluates market conditions to determine when normal limits can be reinstated
What You Can Still Do
- Continue trading with adjusted position sizes in affected products
- Trade other products with standard position limits
- Focus on risk management and strategic opportunities
- Use this time to refine your trading plan and review your strategy
Understanding Market Volatility
Historic volatility means historic losses can happen faster than normal. When markets move unpredictably:
- Slippage increases
- Risk management becomes more challenging
- Even well-planned trades can move against you quickly
These temporary adjustments give you the opportunity to participate in volatile markets while managing your risk appropriately.
How You'll Be Notified
When position limits are adjusted, you'll receive notification through:
- Email communication
- Dashboard banners
- Social media updates (@AskTopstep on X)
We'll also notify you when restrictions are lifted and normal position limits are reinstated.
Have Questions?
Our Trader Support Team is here to help. If you have questions about current position limits or how these adjustments affect your trading, please contact support.
Related Articles:
- CME Velocity Logic
- When and What Products Can I Trade?
- Topstep Program Overview
SHA-256 4e2eab010bab8df35af65f76a56e8ea7b1f7fcfe852d294b7eb47bd0685431ee