Prop Firm News Trading Rules: What's Allowed
Some prop firms restrict trading around major news; many futures firms allow it. The three kinds of rules and how to check yours.
By Prop Firm Duel · · updated Sep 27, 2026
A news trading rule controls whether you can trade around major economic releases, such as interest rate decisions and jobs reports. Some firms ban trading in a window before and after the release. Others allow it but may not count the profit, and many futures firms allow it freely.
Key takeaways
- News rules differ more between firms than almost any other rule.
- All 7 futures programs we track that publish a clear news policy allow news trading.
- Some firms allow news trading in the evaluation but restrict it once you're funded.
- The firm's own list of restricted events is the one that applies, not a general calendar.
What counts as news trading?
News trading usually means opening or holding a position during a window around a scheduled, high-impact release. Typical events include central bank rate decisions, inflation reports and monthly jobs data. Prices can jump several points in seconds around these releases, which is exactly why some firms restrict them.
Why do some firms restrict news trading?
Around big releases, prices can gap and orders can fill far from where you placed them, which can eat into your drawdown in seconds. A firm restricts news trading to avoid paying out on moves that would be hard to repeat in real market conditions. Firms that allow it are usually comfortable with that risk, especially when funded accounts are simulated.
What do the rules look like?
News rules tend to fall into one of three patterns:
- Allowed: you can trade through any release. This is the norm in futures. When we checked on September 26 and 27, 2026, every one of the 7 futures programs with a clear published policy allowed it.
- Restricted window: no opening or closing trades for a set number of minutes before and after listed events. The length of the window varies by firm.
- Allowed, but profit doesn't count: you can trade, but profit made inside the window is removed before a pass or payout.
Do evaluation and funded rules differ?
Sometimes. Some firms allow news trading during the evaluation and restrict it once you're funded, which is when it starts to affect your payouts. If you trade the news as part of your strategy, confirm the funded rule before you buy.
How to check a firm's news rule
- Find the news section on the firm's rules page or help center.
- Note the exact window, in minutes before and after.
- Check which events count, and whether the firm links a calendar.
- Check whether the rule applies to the evaluation, the funded account or both.
Every firm page on Prop Firm Duel shows whether news trading is allowed, with a link to the firm's own source.
Common questions
What happens if I trade in a restricted window?
Depending on the firm, the profit may be removed, or the trade may count as a rule break. Read the firm's exact wording.
Is news trading allowed at futures prop firms?
At the futures programs we track that publish a policy, yes. Still, check the program you're buying, since policies change.
Does holding a trade through news count?
At firms with a restricted window, usually yes. Close positions before the window if the rule applies.
News rules are one of several rules that suit some trading styles better than others.
How we got these numbers
Figures come from each firm's published rules, reviewed by a person and dated September 26–27, 2026. Confirm current terms on the firm's site. See our methodology.
Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Prop firm evaluations and most funded accounts trade in a simulated environment, and payouts depend on meeting each firm's rules. Everything on this site is general education, not financial advice. Rules and prices change: always read the firm's current terms before you buy. We have no affiliate or paid relationship with any firm listed. Our disclosure.