News rules vary more than almost any other prop firm rule. Some firms allow trading through high-impact releases, some block a window of minutes either side, and some allow it but reduce or remove the profit from those trades on funded accounts. Here’s how the firms we review handle it.
Our picks at a glance
The5ers, FundedNext, Apex Trader Funding. 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
Evaluation vs funded rules. Many firms allow news trading during the challenge but restrict it once you’re funded.
The restricted window. Check how many minutes before and after an event are restricted, and which events count.
Profit deductions. Some firms don’t breach your account but reduce the profit from news trades.
Straddles and brackets. Placing orders on both sides of a release is banned almost everywhere.
The best options in detail
1. The5ers
The5ers’ Growth programs (Hyper and Pro Growth) allow news trading, except bracket strategies around releases. Its High Stakes program does not: no trades within 2 minutes of high-impact news.
| Evaluation | High Stakes 2-step (10% / 5%), Growth 1-step (10%), Bootcamp 3-step |
|---|---|
| Profit split | 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes) |
| Consistency rule | 3 profitable days per step (High Stakes) |
Visit The5ers Read our The5ers review
2. FundedNext
FundedNext allows news trading on every model, with no restrictions during the challenge. On funded accounts, only 40% of profit from trades within 5 minutes of a listed high-impact event counts toward your payout, while losses count in full.
| Evaluation | Stellar 2-Step (8% / 5%), 1-Step (10%), Lite, Instant |
|---|---|
| Profit split | 80%; 90% via scaling; 95% add-on |
| Consistency rule | Varies by model |
Visit FundedNext Read our FundedNext review
3. Apex Trader Funding
Apex allows news trading on its futures accounts but bans placing orders on both sides of a news event, and news trades must still meet its consistency and risk rules.
| Evaluation | 1-step evaluation, then Performance Account |
|---|---|
| Profit split | 100% of first $25K, then 90% |
| Consistency rule | None in evaluation; 50% on Performance Accounts |
Visit Apex Trader Funding Read our Apex Trader Funding review
News rules at other firms
Funding Pips may deduct profit from trades on affected currencies around events marked Restricted in its economic calendar on funded accounts. FTMO news conditions depend on the account type, so check before trading releases. E8 Markets allows news trading during evaluations.
See our full comparison of prop firm news trading rules.
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
Which prop firms allow news trading?
The5ers’ Growth programs, FundedNext (with a 40% profit cap on funded news trades) and futures firms such as Apex allow it with conditions. Always check the funded-account rules.
Why do prop firms restrict news trading?
Spreads widen and prices can gap during releases, so fills in a simulated account may not reflect what’s achievable in real markets.
What counts as a high-impact news event?
Usually events marked high impact on the firm’s economic calendar, such as NFP, CPI, FOMC decisions and central bank announcements.
Is news trading allowed during the evaluation?
At many firms, yes. Restrictions often apply only to funded accounts, so read both sets of rules.