If you’re trading with Topstep, one of the most common questions among both beginners and experienced traders is “Topstep trades closed by what time?” Understanding when trades must be closed is essential, as holding positions beyond permitted hours can lead to violations or even account termination.
This guide provides a detailed overview of Topstep’s trading session rules, funding account policies, and best practices to ensure you comply with all timing requirements while managing your trading strategy effectively.
1. Why It’s Important to Know When Topstep Trades Must Be Closed
Knowing Topstep trades closed by what time is not just about following a schedule — it’s about protecting your progress. Funded and evaluation accounts operate under specific risk management rules, including strict cut-off times for open positions.
Failing to close trades on time can result in:
Topstep enforces these rules to replicate professional trading environments and encourage responsible trading behavior.
2. Topstep Trading Hours Overview
Topstep traders primarily operate on CME Group futures markets, such as E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq (NQ), Crude Oil (CL), and others. These markets typically open Sunday evening and close Friday afternoon (U.S. Central Time).
Here’s a general schedule for Topstep:
However, Topstep requires traders to close all open positions before the daily close or session break to avoid holding trades during non-trading periods.
3. Topstep Trades Closed by What Time — Key Cut-Off Points
The critical question, “Topstep trades closed by what time?”, depends on your trading product and account type. Let’s break it down:
For Most Futures Products:
In funded accounts, positions must not be held overnight unless your specific account type permits swing trading (which is rare). Always confirm with Topstep support before attempting overnight trades.
4. Why Topstep Enforces Trade Closing Times
Topstep uses strict timing policies for several key reasons:
By following the correct Topstep trades closed by what time rule, you avoid penalties and demonstrate responsibility, which improves your chances of reaching the funded stage.
5. Common Mistakes Traders Make
Even experienced traders can make timing-related mistakes. Some of the most frequent include:
✅ Tip: Always check the Topstep dashboard or CME Group holiday calendar for adjusted session hours.
6. Best Practices for Managing Trade Timings
To comply with Topstep trades closed by what time requirements, implement these best practices:
a. Use Time Alerts
Set alarms in your trading platform (NinjaTrader, Tradovate, etc.) to remind you 15–20 minutes before session close.
b. Monitor the Daily Session Clock
Display a session clock within your charting layout so you’re always aware of time.
c. Avoid Entering Trades Near Close
Opening new positions within 10 minutes of close increases risk — liquidity drops, and spreads widen.
d. Sync Platform Time
Ensure your trading software is aligned with Central Time (CT) to prevent timing errors.
e. Review Daily Rules
Topstep may update timing or market coverage periodically. Recheck the official Trader Rules section regularly.
7. What Happens If You Don’t Close on Time?
If trades remain open past the required cut-off, Topstep’s system may force-liquidate positions, which can cause unexpected losses. Repeated infractions can trigger account review or disqualification.
Violating the Topstep trades closed by what time rule can also affect your Evaluation or Funded Account status, delaying payouts or advancement.
8. Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re trading the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) and forget to close your trade until 3:13 PM CT. Even if the market is still open, you’ve breached the 3:10 PM CT rule. That violation can void your evaluation progress, forcing you to restart or reset the account.
In a funded account, such an action may trigger a loss limit lockout, instantly halting trading privileges.
9. Summary Table — Topstep Daily Closing Schedule
Market Type Closing Time (CT) Action Required Equity Index Futures3:10 PM CTClose all positionsEnergy Futures1:55 PM CTClose all positionsMetals & Commodities3:10 PM CTClose all positionsHolidaysVariesCheck announcements
10. Final Thoughts
Understanding Topstep trades closed by what time is crucial for every trader aiming to pass evaluations or maintain a funded account. These cut-off times aren’t arbitrary — they exist to manage risk, ensure fairness, and prepare traders for real-world professional conditions.
By closing trades before the official deadlines, you safeguard your progress, maintain compliance, and build habits that align with institutional trading standards.
Remember: Always close positions before 3:10 PM CT (or earlier for certain markets) and verify your time zone conversion. With discipline and awareness, you’ll avoid costly violations and trade with confidence under Topstep’s program.
✅ Pro Tip: Combine disciplined timing with proper risk management and daily goals — success in proprietary trading comes from consistency as much as profitability.
This guide provides a detailed overview of Topstep’s trading session rules, funding account policies, and best practices to ensure you comply with all timing requirements while managing your trading strategy effectively.
1. Why It’s Important to Know When Topstep Trades Must Be Closed
Knowing Topstep trades closed by what time is not just about following a schedule — it’s about protecting your progress. Funded and evaluation accounts operate under specific risk management rules, including strict cut-off times for open positions.
Failing to close trades on time can result in:
- Automatic liquidation of open positions.
- Daily loss limit breaches.
- Violation of account rules leading to disqualification.
Topstep enforces these rules to replicate professional trading environments and encourage responsible trading behavior.
2. Topstep Trading Hours Overview
Topstep traders primarily operate on CME Group futures markets, such as E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq (NQ), Crude Oil (CL), and others. These markets typically open Sunday evening and close Friday afternoon (U.S. Central Time).
Here’s a general schedule for Topstep:
- Market Opens: Sunday at 5:00 PM CT
- Market Closes: Friday at 4:00 PM CT
- Daily Maintenance Break: From 3:15 PM to 3:30 PM CT (markets temporarily pause)
However, Topstep requires traders to close all open positions before the daily close or session break to avoid holding trades during non-trading periods.
3. Topstep Trades Closed by What Time — Key Cut-Off Points
The critical question, “Topstep trades closed by what time?”, depends on your trading product and account type. Let’s break it down:
For Most Futures Products:
- All trades must be closed by 3:10 PM CT (5 minutes before the daily CME close).
- This allows time for price settlement and prevents overnight exposure.
- Positions should be closed by 1:55 PM CT, as these markets close earlier.
- Follow the same timing as their main contract counterparts (e.g., Micro E-mini S&P 500 follows ES rules).
In funded accounts, positions must not be held overnight unless your specific account type permits swing trading (which is rare). Always confirm with Topstep support before attempting overnight trades.
4. Why Topstep Enforces Trade Closing Times
Topstep uses strict timing policies for several key reasons:
- Risk Control: Prevents traders from exposure to market volatility during illiquid after-hours periods.
- Fair Evaluation: Ensures consistent trading conditions for all participants.
- Broker Synchronization: Allows systems to reconcile positions and performance metrics accurately.
- Professional Habits: Helps traders develop discipline — a crucial trait for long-term success.
By following the correct Topstep trades closed by what time rule, you avoid penalties and demonstrate responsibility, which improves your chances of reaching the funded stage.
5. Common Mistakes Traders Make
Even experienced traders can make timing-related mistakes. Some of the most frequent include:
- Confusing time zones: Not converting Central Time (CT) to local time correctly.
- Assuming auto-close safety: Believing Topstep will automatically exit positions — in reality, this can still trigger a rule violation.
- Holding during news releases: Forgetting that volatility near close can widen spreads and affect fills.
- Ignoring early closes: On U.S. holidays, markets often close early — these exceptions are announced in advance.
✅ Tip: Always check the Topstep dashboard or CME Group holiday calendar for adjusted session hours.
6. Best Practices for Managing Trade Timings
To comply with Topstep trades closed by what time requirements, implement these best practices:
a. Use Time Alerts
Set alarms in your trading platform (NinjaTrader, Tradovate, etc.) to remind you 15–20 minutes before session close.
b. Monitor the Daily Session Clock
Display a session clock within your charting layout so you’re always aware of time.
c. Avoid Entering Trades Near Close
Opening new positions within 10 minutes of close increases risk — liquidity drops, and spreads widen.
d. Sync Platform Time
Ensure your trading software is aligned with Central Time (CT) to prevent timing errors.
e. Review Daily Rules
Topstep may update timing or market coverage periodically. Recheck the official Trader Rules section regularly.
7. What Happens If You Don’t Close on Time?
If trades remain open past the required cut-off, Topstep’s system may force-liquidate positions, which can cause unexpected losses. Repeated infractions can trigger account review or disqualification.
Violating the Topstep trades closed by what time rule can also affect your Evaluation or Funded Account status, delaying payouts or advancement.
8. Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re trading the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) and forget to close your trade until 3:13 PM CT. Even if the market is still open, you’ve breached the 3:10 PM CT rule. That violation can void your evaluation progress, forcing you to restart or reset the account.
In a funded account, such an action may trigger a loss limit lockout, instantly halting trading privileges.
9. Summary Table — Topstep Daily Closing Schedule
Market Type Closing Time (CT) Action Required Equity Index Futures3:10 PM CTClose all positionsEnergy Futures1:55 PM CTClose all positionsMetals & Commodities3:10 PM CTClose all positionsHolidaysVariesCheck announcements
10. Final Thoughts
Understanding Topstep trades closed by what time is crucial for every trader aiming to pass evaluations or maintain a funded account. These cut-off times aren’t arbitrary — they exist to manage risk, ensure fairness, and prepare traders for real-world professional conditions.
By closing trades before the official deadlines, you safeguard your progress, maintain compliance, and build habits that align with institutional trading standards.
Remember: Always close positions before 3:10 PM CT (or earlier for certain markets) and verify your time zone conversion. With discipline and awareness, you’ll avoid costly violations and trade with confidence under Topstep’s program.
✅ Pro Tip: Combine disciplined timing with proper risk management and daily goals — success in proprietary trading comes from consistency as much as profitability.