Risk meter, how much should you risk?
Risking 2% can quite literally save your trading account. By risking too much your trading can be at risk of large drawdowns. But why is this? We searched across the interweb and found several reasons to keep risk low:
Surviving losing streaks: Risking 2% per trade allows you to withstand a series of losses without depleting your account. For example, starting with $20,000: If you risk 10% per trade and lose 19 trades in a row, you would be left with only $3,002. Whereas risking 2% would leave you with $13,903, a 30% loss of your initial account.
Preventing large drawdowns
By capping risk at 2%, you can avoid significant account drawdowns, which can be devastating to your trading career. A 10% maximum drawdown limit, for instance, would require a much smaller account size to maintain the same level of risk.
Proper risk management
The 2% rule is a simple and effective way to manage risk, making it accessible to beginners. It’s a basic principle that can be applied to any trading strategy, regardless of market conditions or account size.
Avoiding over-trading
Risking too much per trade can lead to over-trading, which can exacerbate losses and increase the likelihood of account destruction. By limiting risk, you’re more likely to trade with discipline and avoid impulsive decisions.
Focus on trading skill improvement
As your trading skills improve, you can gradually increase your position size and risk percentage, allowing you to take advantage of better opportunities while still maintaining a safe and sustainable trading approach.
In summary, risking 2% per trade provides a balanced approach to risk management, allowing you to:
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Survive losing streaks.
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Prevent large drawdowns.
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Practice proper risk management.
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Avoid over-trading.
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Focus on improving your trading skills.
This approach is applied to any trading strategy and account size. Making it a versatile and effective principle for traders of all levels.
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Editors’ Picks
![EUR/USD stays below 1.1100, looks to post weekly losses](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Currencies/Majors/EURUSD/european-euro-coin-on-top-of-american-dollar-bill-11292130_XtraSmall.jpg)
EUR/USD stays below 1.1100, looks to post weekly losses
EUR/USD continues to trade in a narrow range below 1.1100 and remains on track to end the week in negative territory. Earlier in the day, monthly PCE inflation data from the US came in line with the market expectation, failing to trigger a reaction.
![GBP/USD struggles to find a foothold, trades near 1.3150](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Currencies/Majors/GBPUSD/iStock-157771037_XtraSmall.jpg)
GBP/USD struggles to find a foothold, trades near 1.3150
GBP/USD stays on the back foot and trades in negative territory at around 1.3150 on Friday. The US Dollar holds its ground following the July PCE inflation data and doesn't allow the pair to stage a rebound heading into the weekend.
![Gold retreats toward $2,500 ahead of the weekend](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Commodities/Metals/Gold/gold-bars-50657756_XtraSmall.jpg)
Gold retreats toward $2,500 ahead of the weekend
Gold stays under modest bearish pressure and declines toward $2,500 in the American session on Friday. The 10-year US Treasury bond yield edges higher toward 3.9% after US PCE inflation data, causing XAU/USD to stretch lower.
![Week ahead – Investors brace for NFP amid Fed rate cut speculation](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Macroeconomics/EconomicIndicator/Employment/NFP/america-back-to-work-gm178972493-25143312_XtraSmall.jpg)
Week ahead – Investors brace for NFP amid Fed rate cut speculation
Here comes another NFP week, with investors eagerly awaiting the results as they try to discern the size and pace of the Fed’s forthcoming rate cuts. The weaker than expected July numbers triggered market turbulence, instilling fears about a potential recession in the US.
![Easing Eurozone inflation to back an ECB rate cut in September](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Macroeconomics/Countries/Europe/Eurozone_countries/Eurozone/eu-flags-flying-at-the-european-commission-building-brussels-belgium-24759579_XtraSmall.jpg)
Easing Eurozone inflation to back an ECB rate cut in September Premium
Eurostat will publish the preliminary estimate of the August Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices on Friday, and the anticipated outcome will back up the case for another European Central Bank interest rate cut when policymakers meet in September.
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