8 Best Prop Trading firms for swing traders

Prop trading firms are companies that provide traders with proprietary funds to execute trades across financial instruments, sharing profits generated by the traders. Unlike individual trading, prop trading utilizes the firm’s capital, enabling access to significant liquidity, advanced trading platforms, and reduced risk for individual traders. 

A swing trader, within the trading context, is a market participant focused on holding positions for multiple days, targeting medium-term price fluctuations in financial instruments. Swing traders utilize technical analysis tools such as moving averages, candlestick patterns, Fibonacci retracements, and momentum indicators to pinpoint entry and exit points. Risk management through stop-loss orders and appropriate position sizing is a key technique for swing trading.

Choosing a prop trading firm is essential for swing traders, as it directly impacts their trading success and adaptability to strategies. Prop firms offer advantages for swing traders, including access to larger capital pools, flexibility in holding overnight and weekend trades, low transaction costs, and profit-sharing arrangements reaching up to 90-95%. These firms mitigate individual financial risks and provide software tools, educational support, and structured mentorship programs to improve trading efficiency.

The top five prop firms for beginners and swing traders are:  

1. Prop number one: Offers a beginner-friendly structure with generous drawdown limits and no overnight trade restrictions.  
2. Topstep – Specializes in flexible evaluation models tailored for swing traders across multiple assets.  
3. FTMO – Known for high scalability and profit splits up to 90%, alongside features like unrestricted trading periods.  
4. Fundedbull – Provides straightforward funding models, low fees, and a supportive trading environment.  
5. City Traders Imperium – Combines mentorship and funding opportunities with evaluation-free accounts for direct trading access.

Prop firms suited for swing traders have distinct characteristics. Ideal firms permit holding positions overnight and during weekends, as swing trading involves capturing medium-term trends. They support trading a broad spectrum of instruments, including forex, equities, indices, and commodities. These firms maintain flexible program structures, fair scaling rules, and risk management systems aligned with the needs of swing traders. This article further elaborates on selecting optimal prop firms catering specifically to swing trading requisites.

1. Prop number one

Prop number one is a proprietary trading firm offering advanced and flexible trading conditions, catering primarily to swing traders and similar strategic traders. The firm, incorporated on June 10, 2024, under the name Edu Technologies – FZCO, is headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with additional presences in New York, Prague, Singapore, and London. These global locations improve accessibility for traders across various regions.

Prop number one provides virtual trading capital for funded accounts, ranging from $7,000 to $300,000. This capital allows traders to operate in high-volume market activities while mitigating personal financial risk. The available trading ratio reaches up to 1:50, which meets the requirements of swing traders to balance risk and larger position sizes effectively. Prop number one supports multiple financial instruments for trading, including major and minor forex pairs, commodities like gold and crude oil, indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. This wide range of options offers traders considerable market opportunities, accommodating varied strategic preferences.

The evaluation process at Prop number one consists of two structured phases. Phase 1 requires achieving a 5% profit target with no minimum active trading days, while Phase 2 involves reaching an 8% profit target across at least three profitable trading days. Once successfully evaluated, traders receive access to a funded account with complete operational freedom. Prop number one offers traders a substantial profit-sharing structure. The firm provides a 100% profit split, ensuring maximum trader earnings from successful trades. Traders can additionally qualify for a monthly salary alongside profits, offering further financial stability and motivation.

Prop number one promotes relaxed trading rules, making it highly suitable for swing trading methodologies. The firm imposes no restrictions on overnight or weekend position holding and supports trading during impactful news events, critical for strategies that capitalize on longer-term price movements. The trading platforms provided by Prop number one include MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, DxTrade, and MatchTrader. These platforms support detailed charting tools, technical analysis features, and user-friendly interfaces, essential for swing trading efficiency. 

Prop number one includes resources to support trader development, such as educational tools and interactive features for trader skill improvement. These resources enable traders to optimize their profitability and refine their strategies consistently. Prop number one’s distinctive characteristics include a single universal account type, unlimited evaluation and funded trading periods, and highly flexible trading rules. These features make the firm a standout choice for swing traders focused on long-term growth and capital management.

2. Topstep

Topstep is a proprietary trading firm specializing in evaluating and funding traders who demonstrate skill in futures trading. The firm employs a two-step simulated evaluation process to assess a trader’s profitability and risk management proficiency.  

Topstep operates from its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, positioning itself in a globally renowned financial hub with strong ties to the trading industry.  

Topstep allows trading in futures markets, focusing on commodities, indices, and currencies. The firm specializes exclusively in futures contracts and discontinued its support for forex trading to improve its futures program.  

Topstep offers a profit share reaching up to 90%, enabling funded traders to retain a substantial portion of their trading profits. The firm allocates profit shares based on successful compliance with performance benchmarks during the evaluation phase.  

The funding process at Topstep revolves around the Trading Combine, a structured two-step evaluation program. Step 1 requires traders to reach defined profit targets while adhering to strict loss limits. Step 2 assesses consistency in profitability while continually focusing on risk management adherence. On successful completion, traders gain access to a funded account ranging between $50,000 and $150,000.  

Topstep partners with multiple brokers and provides compatibility with trading platforms like NinjaTrader, Quantower, and TopstepX, ensuring seamless access to professional-grade tools. The firm integrates real-time data feeds via Rithmic to deliver an accurate trading experience.  

Topstep’s limitations include its exclusive focus on futures trading markets, potentially alienating traders preferring asset variety such as forex, stocks, or cryptocurrencies. Further, requirements for profit targets and strict drawdown limits during the Trading Combine can present challenges for swing traders whose strategies rely on longer holding periods.

3. FTMO

FTMO is a proprietary trading firm designed to fund skilled traders by providing them access to substantial trading capital. FTMO follows a stringent evaluation program aimed at assessing traders’ capabilities while adhering to strict risk management protocols.

FTMO is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic and conducts its evaluation programs globally. Its operational model focuses on enabling traders across different regions to access funding after meeting specified performance metrics during their assessment phases.

FTMO allows traders to perform in multiple asset classes such as forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. The platforms compatible with FTMO accounts include MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, enhancing accessibility and trade execution flexibility.

FTMO provides traders who successfully complete the evaluation process with a profit split that begins at 80%. Consistently performing traders may earn up to 90% of their profits, depending on account scaling and trading performance over time. The evaluation process includes risk management metrics but ensures a competitive profit share to sustain traders’ motivations.

FTMO offers a two-phase evaluation process: the evaluation stage, typically called the FTMO Challenge, and the verification stage. In the FTMO Challenge, traders must meet predefined profit targets within up to 30 trading days, while maintaining adherence to strict drawdown limits. The verification stage, which follows the challenge, applies similar rules but requires lower profit thresholds over 60 trading days, thereby reinforcing long-term trader consistency and discipline. Once both phases are passed, traders are awarded a funded trading account.

FTMO’s primary advantages include its high flexibility allowing swing traders to hold positions overnight and over weekends. Trades made during market-moving events or news releases are fully accepted. These trading conditions make FTMO particularly appealing to swing traders since they can align trade durations with broader market trends and price movement over several days.

FTMO enforces rigorous rules for drawdowns and daily loss limits in both the evaluation phases and funded accounts. The maximum drawdown is set at 10%, while the daily loss limit stands at 5%, ensuring traders adopt sound risk management techniques as part of their trading strategies.

FTMO traders benefit from educational tools and performance analysis metrics. The company provides highly detailed analytics to measure trader behavior, assist in optimizing strategies, and improve overall decision-making processes during market activity. Coaching sessions and proprietary trading resources help traders refine their methods and meet FTMO standards effectively.

FTMO’s challenges arise primarily during its evaluation periods. The time constraints imposed by the FTMO Challenge and Verification stages can exert pressure on traders, resulting in potentially overt risk-taking or rushed decisions. Furthermore, the upfront fees for the challenge vary based on account sizes, starting at €155 for a $10,000 account. These fees are non-refundable if the trader fails the evaluation process, posing financial challenges for less experienced or equity-constrained individuals.

FTMO balances significant benefits with defined challenges. Its structured programs highlight its commitment toward upholding trader discipline while ensuring swing traders access the required conditions to succeed over longer time horizons in varied financial markets.

4.Fundedbull

Fundedbull is a proprietary trading firm that provides traders access to its capital, removing the need for personal financial risk. As a global firm, it operates remotely, catering to traders worldwide without a fixed geographical limitation.  

Fundedbull allows trading in forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, offering a broad array of tradable instruments to suit varied trading strategies. The firm’s profit-sharing structure allocates up to 80% of the profits generated by traders, creating a strong revenue potential for its participants.  

Fundedbull implements a two-phase evaluation process as part of its funded trading program. During the evaluation phase, traders must meet defined profit targets and adhere to strict risk management protocols, including maintaining drawdown limits. Successful completion results in a funded account where traders access allocations proportional to their demonstrated trading capabilities.  

Fundedbull supports platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, ensuring compatibility with industry-standard tools favored by traders. The leverage provided, at 1:100, enables effective capital management and aligns well with swing trading strategies requiring significant market exposure.  

Fundedbull benefits traders by eliminating personal risk while offering professional guidance and comprehensive capital resources. However, limitations include rigorous evaluation rules and the possibility of account termination for non-compliance, emphasizing the need for disciplined trading.

5.City Traders Imperium

City Traders Imperium is a proprietary trading firm offering immediate funding opportunities and advanced training programs. The firm allows traders to operate across various financial markets, including forex and indices, providing adaptability for varied trading strategies. City Traders Imperium has a profit-sharing model that rewards traders with competitive profit splits, although the exact percentages are not explicitly disclosed. 

City Traders Imperium supports swing traders by permitting trades to remain active during news events and over weekends. These features align with the long-term trading horizons essential for swing trading. A notable policy of the firm is the mandatory use of stop-loss orders, a focus on risk management that might not suit all swing trading approaches. 

City Traders Imperium provides educational resources through multiple training paths and mentoring programs. This includes a no-evaluation route, granting traders immediate access to funded accounts without traditional challenges. Accounts and challenges offered by the firm accommodate different risk tolerances, allowing traders to progress under structured guidelines. 

City Traders Imperium enables trading through widely used platforms, likely including MetaTrader. However, details on specific margin, trading instruments, and account sizes are less transparent in public sources. The firm prioritizes disciplined trading practices while offering adaptability critical for long-term swing trading success.

6. The 5%ers

The 5%ers is a proprietary trading firm established in 2016 by Gil Ben Hur and Snir Achiel. Its purpose is to provide traders access to the firm’s capital, enabling them to trade financial markets without risking significant personal investment. The 5%ers operates from Israel, with its headquarters situated within the country. As an Israeli-based firm, its primary focus is on remote collaborations with traders globally through online platforms.

The 5%ers allows traders to trade Forex, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies, offering a selection of assets suitable for various trading strategies. This flexibility supports both single-market specialists and multifaceted traders. The 5%ers offers profit sharing that starts at 50% and can scale up to 100% as traders demonstrate consistent performance and advance to higher account tiers. The profit split is contingent on meeting predefined profit and risk management criteria.

The 5%ers offers multiple account types adapted to different trading styles and experience levels. These include the **Evaluation Account**, which requires passing a Level 1 assessment with a one-time membership fee and specific profit targets. The firm also provides **Low-Risk Accounts** demanding a 6-7% profit target and **High-Risk Accounts** requiring a 12% profit target. Both programs include scalable growth opportunities, allowing the account size to expand up to $4 million as traders meet milestones. The firm imposes no time limits on performance evaluations in its “Hyper Growth” program, adding flexibility for traders.

The 5%ers has limitations that include its relatively low leverage ceiling of 1:30 compared to competitors offering 1:100 leverage. Moreover, traders incur one-time membership fees upon initiating accounts, and some participants may find the firm’s lack of detailed spread and pricing transparency less accommodating. Performance-dependent profit targets may also deter traders unprepared for structured evaluation processes.

7. FTUK

FTUK is a proprietary trading firm that provides access to its trading capital in exchange for a share of profits. Proprietary trading firms, such as FTUK, are designed to fund traders after they meet evaluation requirements.

FTUK is headquartered in the United States, operating under strict guidelines to ensure regulated trading processes across various markets.

FTUK allows trading multiple financial instruments, focusing on CFDs (Contracts for Difference), suitable for swing trading strategies. These instruments include forex pairs, commodities like gold and crude oil, and indices such as S&P 500 futures markets, providing traders significant market variety. FTUK offers an 80:20 profit-sharing structure, allowing traders to retain 80% of the profits while the firm takes 20%. This competitive structure provides an appealing incentive for traders seeking high-value returns.

FTUK provides two account funding paths. The **Standard Evaluation Process** requires traders to complete a challenge, meeting specific profit targets with defined drawdown limits to ensure risk adherence. Alternatively, **Direct Funding Accounts** grant capital access without evaluation but impose stricter profit target rules and higher upfront costs. Both accounts emphasize skill demonstration and consistent performance.  

FTUK facilitates trading through platforms such as cTrader, DXtrade, and Match-Trader, each offering features optimized for swing trading. These platforms allow traders to execute overnight and weekend trades without restrictions, aligning with the holding periods standard in swing trading methods.

FTUK’s disadvantages include **swap fees** applied to positions held overnight, reducing long-term profits. Furthermore, higher costs for direct funding accounts and stringent trading rules during the evaluation phase may exclude certain traders. Advanced trading experience is essential to succeed within FTUK’s models, posing a challenge for less-experienced individuals.

8. The Funded Trader

The Funded Trader is a proprietary trading firm established on May 12, 2021, operating under the legal name The Funded Trader LLC.   The firm is headquartered at 14001 W HWY 29, Suite 102, Liberty Hill, Texas, enabling traders to engage remotely with global financial markets.  

The Funded Trader offers trading across a comprehensive range of instruments, encompassing forex pairs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. This scope ensures traders access strategic markets and methodologies. The Funded Trader provides a profit-sharing model where successful traders can earn up to 95% of their generated profits, one of the most competitive splits in the industry.  

The firm introduces structured account types and evaluation processes aligned to traders’ preferences. These include six distinct account plans featuring options like one-step, two-step, and three-step evaluations to test profitability and consistency. The Funded Trader allows flexibility for swing traders by enabling overnight and weekend position holding. This feature aligns with trading strategies requiring prolonged market exposure.  

The Funded Trader partners with brokers such as Voyage Markets and Thaurus LTD, ensuring reliable market execution and account management for participants. The Funded Trader offers instant funding options alongside a capital scaling plan. It permits traders to manage funded accounts up to $600,000 with reasonable capital allocation of 1:30.  

The Funded Trader supports advanced trading tools, allowing expert advisors (EAs) to enhance strategy automation. This capability appeals to technical swing traders seeking precision in execution.   The challenges include reduced capital allocation compared to other firms and the need to comply strictly with evaluation rules during the qualification phase, which can limit flexibility.   Swing traders value The Funded Trader for its combination of flexibility, strategic funding options, and competitive profit-sharing, aligned to long-term trading approaches.

What is a prop firm?

A prop firm, or proprietary trading firm, is a financial institution that provides traders with access to its capital to trade various financial instruments. Prop firms reduce the trader’s financial risk by allowing them to trade with firm-provided capital instead of their own.  Prop firms operate on profit-sharing agreements where traders are compensated by keeping a percentage of the profits generated. The profit split typically ranges between 50% and 90%, depending on the firm and the trading agreement. In some cases the prop firms can offer up to 100% profit split such as Prop number one. This system incentivizes both the firm and the trader towards mutual profitability. 

Trading at prop firms involves an evaluation process designed to assess a trader’s profitability and trading skills before granting access to trading capital. These evaluations may include simulated trading challenges, achieving specific profit targets, or adhering to pre-set risk management criteria. Prop firms allow traders to access multiple asset classes. These include forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Account sizes available range widely, from $10,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on each firm’s funding model or scaling plan.  Each firm enforces specific trading rules related to maximum drawdown limits, profit targets, leverage allowances, and time constraints. Such risk management protocols minimize the firm’s exposure to financial losses while fostering consistent trading discipline among traders.

How do prop firms work for swing traders?

Prop firms work for swing traders by providing access to capital and resources while reducing personal financial risk. Swing traders use the capital provided to execute larger trades, essential for achieving medium-term returns. Prop firms evaluate swing traders through assessment phases that test profitability, risk management, and strategy consistency. These challenges typically involve meeting a profit target within predefined drawdown limits. Evaluation periods for swing traders are frequently flexible, with no rigid deadlines, accommodating the extended trade durations typically required in swing strategies.

Prop firms provide swing traders with advanced trading platforms and analytical tools, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or proprietary software designed for interactive technical analysis. Prop firms offer access to varied tradable instruments such as forex pairs, stocks, indices, commodities, and sometimes cryptocurrencies, enabling swing traders to expand their portfolio. Capital allocation, ranging from 1:10 to 1:100, is another resource extended to swing traders by prop firms, empowering them to manage larger positions while maintaining effective risk control.

Prop firms allow swing traders to hold trades overnight or over weekends, aligning with the fundamentals of swing trading strategies. Firms like Prop number one, FTMO and The Funded Trader permit medium-term positions, facilitating market trend analysis over multiple days. Community support systems help swing traders share perspectives and refine methodologies, offering networking opportunities and access to experienced mentors.

Risk management is a fundamental aspect of how prop firms operate with swing traders. Firms implement dynamic drawdown limits and stop-loss features to ensure balanced trading. These mechanisms safeguard both the trader and the firm’s capital by monitoring permissible risk exposure. In cases of consistent success, some prop firms provide scaling options where swing traders can manage higher account sizes, sometimes up to $10 million.

Are there time restrictions on trading at prop firms for swing traders?

Time restrictions on trading at prop firms refer to specific rules that limit the duration or timing of holding trading positions. These restrictions directly impact swing traders, who typically maintain positions for several days or weeks to capture medium-term market trends. 

Prop firms impose or relax time restrictions depending on their trading policies. Firms like Prop number one, FTMO and The 5%ers allow overnight and weekend holding of positions through their swing trading accounts, which are specifically designed to address the needs of longer-term strategies. These firms set trade duration policies that waive the requirement to close positions by the end of the trading day or before weekends and significant economic events. Swing traders must review prop firm policies on news and event-driven position retention. Although many firms allow keeping trades open during news releases, others restrict holding trades during pre-defined high-volatility periods. For example, some firms enforce a rule to close trades ahead of significant economic announcements.

Holding periods vary across proprietary trading firms. Certain firms set maximum limits for retaining positions, affecting the ability of swing traders to profit from prolonged market setups. Lux Trading Firm and The 5%ers are notable exceptions, as they do not fix any maximum holding duration, thereby offering flexibility to traders employing extended period strategies. A prop firm might require a minimum number of trades or active days per month, potentially pressuring swing traders whose strategies involve fewer yet deliberate trades. This requirement, when present, impacts profitability dynamics and trade planning for swing traders participating in specific funding programs.

Why do traders join prop firms?

Traders join a prop firm to access significant trading capital absent in their personal resources. Proprietary trading firms provide capital scaling capabilities that strengthen traders to execute larger positions, improving opportunities to capitalize on market trends and achieve higher profit margins. For instance, swing traders benefit from capital allocations, which amplify returns over medium-term market movements. 

Traders join prop firms to take advantage of mentorship and structured educational programs provided by reputable firms. These resources include risk management training, strategy development, and simulations designed to improve a trader’s skillset. Firms provide networking opportunities with experienced professionals, supporting collaborative learning and exposure to effective trading practices.

Profit-sharing arrangements represent another key motivator for joining prop trading firms. Many firms, such as Prop number one, FTMO and The Funded Trader, offer high-profit splits, typically ranging between 70% and 90%, where traders retain a significant portion of their earnings while the firm absorbs the financial risk. This remuneration model makes proprietary trading an appealing career choice.

Swing traders are particularly drawn to prop firms that offer flexible trading conditions. These include the ability to hold positions overnight, trade during weekends, and participate in news-affected markets with minimal restrictions. Such flexibility ensures alignment with medium-term trading strategies that rely on extended position holding.

What type of traders can join a prop firm?

The type of traders who can join prop firms includes independent traders, experienced traders, discretionary traders, quantitative traders, swing traders, and market makers. Independent traders are those who prefer autonomy in trading and collaborate with firms offering minimal oversight to ensure personal decision-making freedom. Experienced traders join proprietary firms to utilize professional tools, enhanced trading environments, and capital resources while executing advanced strategies.

Prop firms accommodate traders with varying levels of risk tolerance. Firms expect adherence to strict risk management principles, such as maximum drawdowns and controlled leverage use, to mitigate account risks. Moreover, both part-time and full-time traders can join a prop firm, as many firms provide trading schedules aligned with global markets.

What are the different types of traders?

The different types of traders are categorized based on their trading timeframes, strategies, and techniques. 

The different types of traders are listed below:

• Day traders: execute multiple trades within one trading session, capturing short-term price movements to generate profits. 
• Swing traders: hold positions over days or weeks, aiming to capture medium-term market trends while relying on technical analysis for entry and exit points. 
• Position traders adopt long-term perspectives, maintaining positions for months or years to benefit from broader market trends.
• Scalpers execute numerous trades in very brief time intervals, such as seconds or minutes, to exploit minor price fluctuations with high frequency. 
• Algorithmic traders utilize mathematical models and automated systems to execute trades at optimal speed and efficiency, focusing on statistical and execution accuracy. 
• News traders react to breaking economic reports or geopolitical developments, making decisions based on the impact of such events on asset prices.
• Technical traders analyze chart patterns and technical indicators such as moving averages, RSI, or MACD to make informed trading decisions. 
• Fundamental traders, conversely, evaluate asset value through economic indicators and corporate fundamentals, such as earnings reports, GDP, or interest rate changes. 
• Discretionary traders combine their experience, intuition, and judgment to make subjective decisions rather than depending solely on rules or systems. 
• System traders, however, follow predefined systems or rules to ensure consistency and avoid emotional decision-making. 

Each trader type aligns with varying skill sets, risk tolerances, and market interests, making the financial markets a dynamic and adaptive trading environment.

Who are swing traders?

Swing traders are market participants who pursue medium-term trading strategies, holding positions for several days to several weeks. Swing trading aims to capitalize on short- to medium-term price trends within broader market movements. These traders monitor price action using technical tools such as chart patterns, moving averages, momentum indicators, and oscillators to determine entry, exit, and stop-loss points. 

Swing traders rely on a dual approach that combines technical analysis of market charts with fundamental analysis of macroeconomic factors like interest rates, geopolitical events, and company earnings when applicable. This synthesis allows them to anticipate potential reversals or continuations in market momentum, optimizing opportunities across trending and range-bound market conditions.

Swing trading requires risk management measures to limit losses during hold periods. Traders implement techniques such as position sizing, risk-to-reward ratios typically set at 1:2 or higher, and strategic stop-loss placement. Daily monitoring of open trades is reduced compared to day trading, but exposure to overnight and weekend risks requires planning for price gaps. Tools like trading journals aid in effective performance analysis for iterative improvement. Swing trading’s primary distinction lies in its flexibility. Unlike day traders who seek minimal intraday fluctuations, swing traders benefit from longer holding periods that accommodate a balance between active portfolio management and lifestyle autonomy. This adaptability positions swing trading as a method accessible to aspiring part-time and professional traders alike.

Can swing traders join prop firms?

Yes, swing traders can join prop firms, provided they meet the specific requirements and trading guidelines set by the firms. Proprietary trading firms, referred to as prop firms, offer traders access to the firm’s capital to execute trades, minimizing their personal capital risk while enabling higher position sizes. Swing trading, a strategy involving holding positions for days or weeks to capitalize on medium-term price movements, aligns well with the structure of many prop firms.

Prop firms typically require traders to pass an evaluation process before granting live accounts. The evaluation tests the trader’s ability to achieve designated profit targets while adhering to strict risk management guidelines such as maximum drawdown limits or per-day loss thresholds. For swing traders, the suitability of a prop firm depends significantly on its policies related to trading styles, such as whether the firm permits holding positions overnight or over weekends, which are common practices in swing trading. 

Several prop firms cater specifically to swing traders. Prop number one, for example, offers a Swing account designed to accommodate traders by allowing overnight, weekend, and news trading. Swing traders joining prop firms can also expect favorable profit-sharing arrangements, with firms like Prop number one offering up to 100% profit splits after successful completion of trials. Besides financial resources, many prop firms provide access to advanced trading platforms, mentoring, and proprietary risk management tools, improving a swing trader’s success potential. By aligning individual trading objectives and strategies with a firm’s conditions, swing traders can effectively utilize prop firms to scale their trading careers efficiently and strategically.

How to Choose the Right Prop Firm for swing traders?

Choosing the right prop firm for swing traders involves evaluating key attributes such as capital flexibility, holding period allowances, profit-sharing structures, and associated costs. Swing traders require prop firms that allow overnight and weekend holding of positions, as their trading strategy spans several days to weeks. For instance, firms like FTMO and The 5%ers support swing strategies by permitting positions to remain open beyond daily market close without additional restrictions. Swing trading prop firms should offer capital funding ranging from $5,000 to $300,000, with scalability options reaching up to $1,200,000 in cases of consistent performance. Profit-sharing agreements must also align with the trader’s earning potential. The top-tier firms tend to offer competitive profit splits, with some providing as high as a 90% payout, ensuring the trader retains maximum earnings.

Prop firms for swing trading necessitate minimal restrictions on trading styles and instruments. Traders need the ability to operate across indices, Forex, commodities, or specified stocks according to their specialization. Platforms such as MT5 or cTrader with advanced analytics tools improve the decision-making process for swing traders. Evaluating fee structures is critical before selecting a prop firm. Swing traders should calculate costs like monthly data subscriptions, evaluation fees, or charges for additional software. Firms like PipFarm reduce overhead impact by offering seamless evaluation processes without rigid time constraints.

Risk parameters like drawdown policies should be reviewed to ensure compatibility with trading strategies. Some firms stipulate up to 10% maximum drawdown levels, which may affect traders with higher risk thresholds. Swing traders should favor firms with less restrictive drawdown policies. By prioritizing prop firms that permit flexible trade durations, significant funded accounts, and equitable profit-sharing, swing traders can ensure that their trading approaches are fully supported economically and operationally, maximizing their profitability over sustained time periods.

What Factors Should Swing Traders Consider When Selecting a Prop Firm?

Swing traders should consider specific factors when selecting a prop firm to align with their trading style and maximize outcomes. Prop firms provide traders access to capital under shared profit agreements, and swing trading involves holding positions over extended periods.  

• Overnight and Weekend Trading Rules: should be evaluated for their impact on holding positions. Swing traders require firms that explicitly permit trades to remain open overnight and during weekends without restrictions. For instance, firms like PipFarm and Lux Trading Firm allow such flexibility, which benefits swing strategies focused on multi-day trends.  
• News Trading Policies: dictate whether traders can hold and adjust positions during high-impact financial announcements. Firms like City Traders Imperium and FTMO enable trading through significant news events, enabling traders to take advantage of expected market volatility.  
• Position Duration Limits: significantly affect the feasibility of swing trading strategies. Firms with unrestricted holding periods for trades, like The 5%ers, are more conducive to swing trading and cater to traders targeting long-term market moves.  
• Account Scaling Potential: is important for growth-minded traders. Swing traders prefer firms offering scaling plans, such as PipFarm, which provides accounts starting at $5,000 and scalable up to $1.2 million, to align with growing capital demands.  
• Profit-Sharing Structures: should provide favorable ratios for swing traders. PipFarm, for example, offers a maximum profit share of 95%, while FTMO provides up to 90%, ensuring traders retain the majority of their profits.  
• Leverage and Risk Management Parameters: shape the trading environment. While leverage is less critical for swing trading compared to high-frequency trading, firms like FTMO offering 1:30 leverage provide adequate trading flexibility. Considering risk rules, firms like Lux Trading Firm enforce drawdown limits, requiring effective capital management.  
• Fees and Evaluation Programs: significantly impact the cost structure. Firms like City Traders Imperium allow skipping evaluations or applying no time limits during performance assessments, reducing pressure for swing traders. Initial fees should be weighed to balance upfront costs and access to proprietary capital.  
• Trading Platform and Technology: define execution quality and analysis potential. Swing traders benefit from firms offering advanced tools on platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), or TradingView. These platforms provide comprehensive charting, fundamental data integrations, and custom indicator options.  
• Instrument Variety: ensures access to markets suiting swing trading strategies. Leading firms support trading across equities, forex, futures, and commodities. Comprehensive access allows diversification and leveraging opportunities in trending assets.  
• Community Resources and Educational Support: improve skill refinement. Traders should favor firms supporting collaborative environments or offering mentorship programs, as seen with City Traders Imperium, which encourages trader education and behavioral refinement during live trades.  
• Track Record and Reputation: validate a firm’s commitment to trader-centric practices. Positive industry reviews and consistency in funding payouts reflect suitability for experienced swing traders seeking sustainable account scaling without operational friction.  

Swing traders must evaluate these critical factors to select prop firms offering aligned goals, strategic flexibility, and reliable resources. Proper evaluation supports trading growth and strategy execution across evolving market environments.

How do prop firms benefit swing traders?

Prop firms benefit swing traders by providing the capital, risk mitigation, resources, and operational flexibility required to maximize trading efficiency while minimizing personal financial exposure. Prop firms provide swing traders with access to significant trading capital, enabling them to execute larger trades without utilizing their personal funds. Swing trading requires substantial capital due to the multi-day nature of holding positions, and prop firms address this by offering funding programs ranging from $5,000 to $300,000, as seen in firms like Prop number one. This access to capital allows swing traders to capitalize on larger market moves that align with their strategies, targeting higher returns while conserving personal financial resources.

Prop firms reduce the financial risks for swing traders by employing a model where losses are absorbed by the firm’s capital, minimizing the potential loss of traders’ own funds. This arrangement is essential for swing trading, given the market volatility during extended holding periods. Prop firms improve swing traders’ efficiency by offering advanced trading tools and educational support. These firms provide access to cutting-edge platforms, market analysis, and educational webinars that improve trading strategies. 

Prop firms encourage professional growth by creating collaborative environments among traders. Prop firms accommodate swing traders’ operational flexibility by allowing overnight and weekend positions, essential for the multi-day trading style. 

What are the disadvantages of using prop firms for swing trading?

The disadvantages of using prop firms for swing trading relate to restrictions, evaluation periods, and risk management protocols that conflict with the natural style and strategy of swing trading. Restrictions imposed by many prop firms include limitations on holding positions overnight and over weekends. These restrictions directly hinder swing trading strategies, which rely on capitalizing on market movements over several days or weeks. During news events, prop firms prohibit traders from maintaining open positions, further narrowing the flexibility needed in a swing trading approach.

Prop firms for swing trading enforce time constraints to meet profit targets during evaluation periods. These constraints create pressure on swing traders who prefer longer time horizons to reach potential profitability. Evaluations involve specific time or activity-based rules, requiring traders to execute a minimum number of trades or achieve profits within a set period of time, which may contradict the episodic nature of swing trading.

Risk management policies enforced by prop firms further complicate swing trading. Firms typically institute maximum drawdown limits and daily loss caps to preserve their capital. For swing traders navigating market volatility, such strict controls might force premature trade closures or lead to disqualification from funded accounts. Additionally, prop firms require traders to strictly adhere to stop-loss designs, which may conflict with technical strategies used in longer holding periods.

What are the best futures prop firms for swing trading?

The best futures prop firms for swing trading provide conditions that allow traders to execute longer-term strategies by holding overnight or multi-day positions with minimized constraints. Prop Number One is renowned as a futures-focused proprietary firm that supports swing trading by offering traders a 100% profit-sharing structure post-evaluation. Prop Number One enables overweek trading and overnight holdings, accommodating swing traders by eliminating time restrictions on positions and supporting the use of Expert Advisors for algorithmic strategies. 

The firm provides extensive educational resources, risk management mentorship, and a structured framework for traders looking to perfect long-term trading techniques. Prop Number One offers practical risk limits with a reduced daily drawdown threshold, vital to navigating price fluctuations seen during extended trades. For professionals passing evaluation, the firm provides competitive monthly compensation of up to $3,000, which is unique in the prop trading industry.

Additional notable futures prop firms include FTMO, recognized for its Swing account, permitting unrestricted overnight and weekend position retention under a profit split scaling from 80% to 90%. FTMO supports futures markets alongside other asset categories, all within a scalable and highly flexible trading environment but with leverage capped at 1:30. 

When deciding on a futures prop firm, swing traders should scrutinize conditions promoting unrestricted trading flexibility, strength in risk management policies, and profit-sharing equity suitable for long-duration investments.

What are the best prop firms for futures?

The best prop firms for futures trading are proprietary trading platforms that provide access to capital and tools for trading financial futures contracts. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell assets at a predetermined price at a future date, making these firms critical for traders engaged in commodities, indices, currencies, and interest rates markets. 

Prop Number One is a leading proprietary futures trading platform offering traders up to $300,000 in funded capital after passing a two-phase evaluation process. The firm provides 100% profit sharing up to a defined threshold and 90% sharing thereafter. It also offers no-time-limit trading programs, high performance options, and the flexibility to trade on platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and 5. Prop Number One ensures accelerated payments within 24 hours and refunds evaluation fees upon successful completion of trading challenges. 

What are the best prop firms for stock?

The best prop firms for stocks provide traders with access to extensive capital, advanced trading tools, and structured risk management strategies to facilitate equity trading in various global markets. Prop number one, a globally recognized firm, offers stock trading accounts starting with a minimum funded allocation of $7,000 and scaling up to $300,000 based on individual performance metrics. Prop number one employs a two-phase evaluation system to assess trading proficiency and risk-handling capabilities, ensuring that only skilled traders gain access to its stock trading programs. 

Prop number one supports trading across multiple platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, offering connectivity to leading global exchanges like NASDAQ and NYSE. Analytical tools embedded within these platforms include real-time market data streams, customizable charting software, and algorithm testing environments, enhancing the stock trading experience. Prop number one extends a 100% profit-sharing model, ensuring that traders retain the entirety of their earned profits, providing unmatched financial incentives compared to other firms.

Stock trading prop firms evaluate performance based on metrics such as weekly and monthly profit consistency, risk-adjusted returns, and strategy sustainability under varying market conditions. Prop number one enforces strict risk management rules, such as a maximum drawdown of 8% per trading cycle, and requires a profit target of 10% to advance a trader to a fully funded account. Additionally, the firm supports continuous trader development by providing access to workshops, webinars on equity trading strategies, and mentorship from seasoned professionals.

Additional firms, like Trade the Pool, prioritize equity trading by granting access to over 12,000 stocks and ETFs, enabling traders to expand their portfolios extensively. Trade the Pool ensures competitive profit splits of up to 80%, along with advanced risk control mechanisms and interactive trading strategies. However, Prop number one maintains an edge in both profit-sharing terms and funded scale expansion. This distinction makes it a primary choice among traders seeking strong stock funding, seamless platform integration, and globally aligned equity access. 

Top-tier stock-focused proprietary trading firms, as exemplified by Prop number one, combine large capital allocations, stringent trader vetting, and advanced equity trading infrastructure. They serve as comprehensive platforms accommodating traders with varying levels of expertise while ensuring maximized exposure to stock markets and performance-based growth opportunities.