E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ) on Topstep

Trading the E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ) at Topstep offers excellent opportunities with their trailing end-of-day drawdown system and flexible risk parameters. With up to 10 NQ contracts allowed and $5 per tick value, traders can scale their positions effectively across Topstep's three account sizes while benefiting from overnight holding capabilities on funded accounts.

Position sizing for NQ at Topstep requires careful consideration of the $5 per tick value and the firm's trailing end-of-day drawdown system. Unlike intraday trailing drawdowns that can tighten during volatile sessions, Topstep's drawdown floor only adjusts at day's close based on your closing balance, giving NQ traders more breathing room during the contract's characteristic intraday volatility.

The NQ's average daily range of 200-400 points translates to significant dollar movements with each contract representing $20 per point (4 ticks). On Topstep's $50,000 account, a conservative approach might involve 1-2 contracts with 15-20 tick stops, risking $75-$200 per trade. The $100,000 and $150,000 accounts allow for proportionally larger positions or tighter risk management, with the maximum 10-contract limit providing substantial scaling opportunities for experienced traders.

Topstep's end-of-day drawdown calculation is particularly advantageous for NQ traders who experience significant intraday swings. If you're up $1,000 intraday but your position moves against you temporarily, your drawdown floor won't tighten until the session closes. This system accommodates the NQ's tendency for sharp reversals and volatile sessions around economic releases.

Practical tips include monitoring the NQ during key sessions (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET for maximum volume), utilizing the overnight holding capability on funded accounts for earnings plays or gap strategies, and remembering that news trading is fully permitted. The 5-day minimum trading requirement encourages consistent engagement rather than sporadic large bets. Consider starting with single contracts to understand how NQ movements affect your Topstep metrics, then scaling up as you demonstrate consistency. The twice-monthly payout schedule (80% initially, then 90%) rewards steady performance over home-run swings.

On a $100,000 Topstep account, trading 2 NQ contracts with a 15-tick stop risks $150 total ($75 per contract). This represents just 0.15% account risk, allowing for multiple trades while staying well within conservative drawdown management parameters.