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ThinkCapital Static Drawdown
The Simple Answer
ThinkCapital uses a static maximum drawdown on some accounts and a trailing maximum drawdown on others. The Dual Step (2 Step) and Nexus (3 Step) accounts use a static drawdown, where the loss level is fixed from the starting balance and does not move. The Bolt (Instant) and Lightning (1 Step) accounts use a trailing drawdown, where the loss level follows your balance upward.
In short, a static drawdown gives you a fixed and predictable failure point, while a trailing drawdown moves with your balance. The daily loss limit still applies on every account alongside the maximum drawdown.
Below is a breakdown of how the ThinkCapital drawdown model applies across account types and stages.
Static vs Trailing Drawdown
Static drawdown, also called absolute drawdown, sets your maximum loss at a fixed level calculated from the starting balance. That floor never moves, so any profit you make increases your total cushion. Trailing drawdown, also called relative drawdown, moves the loss level up as your balance rises, which protects part of your gains but reduces the room you have left to draw down. Static is generally easier to manage because the failure point stays in one place.
Breakdown by Account Type
Bolt (Instant)
The Bolt (Instant) account has no evaluation phase and starts on a funded account. It uses a trailing drawdown of 6%. Trailing, then locks to the initial balance once you are 6 percent in profit.
Lightning (1 Step)
The Lightning (1 Step) account uses a trailing drawdown of 6% in both the evaluation and the funded stage. Trailing, then locks to the initial balance once you are 6 percent in profit.
Dual Step (2 Step)
The Dual Step (2 Step) account uses a static drawdown in both the evaluation and the funded stage. Fixed to the initial account balance, 7 percent on the challenge and 8 percent when funded.
Nexus (3 Step)
The Nexus (3 Step) account uses a static drawdown of 8% in both the evaluation and the funded stage. Fixed to the initial account balance.
Final Comments
ThinkCapital uses a static maximum drawdown on the Dual Step (2 Step) and Nexus (3 Step) accounts and a trailing drawdown on the Bolt (Instant) and Lightning (1 Step) accounts. Traders who specifically want a static, fixed failure point should choose one of the static accounts. On every account, the daily loss limit continues to apply alongside the maximum drawdown, and the exact percentages depend on the account size and program.
FAQ
Does ThinkCapital use static or trailing drawdown?
It depends on the account. The Dual Step (2 Step) and Nexus (3 Step) accounts use a static drawdown, while the Bolt (Instant) and Lightning (1 Step) accounts use a trailing drawdown.
What is static drawdown?
Static drawdown sets your maximum loss at a fixed level based on the starting balance. It does not move as your account grows, so the point at which the account fails stays the same.
Which ThinkCapital accounts use static drawdown?
The Dual Step (2 Step) and Nexus (3 Step) accounts. The other accounts use a trailing drawdown.
Does the maximum drawdown trail on the funded stage?
On the Dual Step (2 Step) and Nexus (3 Step) accounts the drawdown stays static on the funded stage, while on the Bolt (Instant) and Lightning (1 Step) accounts it trails.
What is the difference between static and trailing drawdown?
A static drawdown keeps the loss level fixed from the starting balance, so your failure point never moves. A trailing drawdown moves the loss level up as your balance rises, which protects some profit but leaves you less room as you gain.