Swing traders hold positions for days, which creates problems that day traders never face: overnight swaps, weekend gaps and daily loss limits that count floating losses. The best firms for swing trading combine a static drawdown with permission to hold over weekends and no evaluation deadline.
Our picks at a glance
FTMO, The5ers, FundedNext. Each firm below accepts South African residents, and we’ve listed the rules that matter most for this use. Firm terms change often, so confirm details on the firm’s site before buying.
What to look for
Static maximum loss. A trailing drawdown can breach you after a normal pullback from a multi-day winner. Static limits let profits build a buffer.
Weekend holding. Some firms force positions closed before Friday’s close, which rules out most swing strategies.
Daily loss based on equity. If floating losses count, a position that moves against you overnight can breach the daily limit even if you don’t close it.
No time limit. Swing traders take fewer trades, so evaluations without deadlines remove pressure to force setups.
The best options in detail
1. FTMO
FTMO’s 2-Step has a 10% static maximum loss and no time limit, the ideal foundation for swing trading. Check the account type if you plan to hold over weekends or through news.
| Maximum loss | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) |
|---|---|
| Daily loss | 5% (2-Step); 3% (1-Step) |
| Time limit | None |
| Profit split | 80%, up to 90% via scaling |
Visit FTMO Read our FTMO review
2. The5ers
The5ers allows weekend holding across its programs (note higher swaps on indices) and its High Stakes program has no time limit. Its scaling plan rewards patient, consistent traders.
| Maximum loss | 10% (High Stakes); 6% stop-out (Growth) |
|---|---|
| Daily loss | 5% (High Stakes); 3% (Growth) |
| Time limit | None |
| Profit split | 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes) |
Visit The5ers Read our The5ers review
3. FundedNext
FundedNext’s Stellar 2-Step has a 10% static maximum loss and its 1-Step allows weekend holding in both stages. Some sources report funded 2-Step accounts must close before the weekend, so confirm for your plan.
| Maximum loss | 10% static (2-Step); 6% static (1-Step) |
|---|---|
| Daily loss | 5% (2-Step); 3% (1-Step) |
| Time limit | None |
| Profit split | 80%; 90% via scaling; 95% add-on |
Visit FundedNext Read our FundedNext review
Swing trading tips for prop accounts
- Use wider stops with smaller position sizes so a single overnight gap can’t breach the daily limit.
- Account for swap costs on positions held for several days.
- Avoid holding through major central bank decisions unless your plan accounts for gaps.
- Read our guide to trailing vs static drawdown before choosing a firm.
Trading from South Africa
Forex traders get the most liquidity during the London–New York overlap, roughly 14:00–18:00 SAST in the Northern summer and 15:00–19:00 in winter. US index futures are busiest after the New York cash open at 15:30 or 16:30 SAST. Payouts are income for SARS, usually declared through provisional tax: see prop firm tax in South Africa.
FAQ
Can you swing trade with a prop firm?
Yes. Choose a firm with a static drawdown, no time limit and permission to hold positions overnight and over weekends.
Which prop firms allow weekend holding?
The5ers allows weekend holding across its programs, and FundedNext’s 1-Step allows it in both stages. Rules differ by program, so check yours.
Is trailing drawdown bad for swing trading?
Yes, usually. A trailing limit rises with your open profits, so a normal pullback from a multi-day winner can breach the account.
Do swaps count against the daily loss limit?
At many firms, yes. Daily loss is often measured on equity including swaps and commissions.