News restrictions exist because scheduled releases produce slippage, gaps and spread widening that a simulated environment struggles to price fairly. They are also the rule traders breach most often by accident, because the restriction usually covers holding a position — not just opening one.
What a typical restriction actually says
| Restriction type | What it forbids | Common window |
|---|---|---|
| Full ban | Any position open across a high-impact release | ±2 to ±5 minutes |
| Open-only ban | Opening a new position in the window | ±2 minutes |
| Instrument-specific | Trading the currency affected by the release | ±5 minutes |
| No restriction | Nothing — news trading permitted | n/a |
Questions to ask before you buy
- Does the restriction cover holding, or only opening?
- Which calendar defines "high impact," and where is it published?
- What is the window, in minutes, either side?
- What is the penalty — a voided trade, or a breached account?
Where FundedAxe stands
News trading is allowed on FundedAxe evaluations and funded accounts, and weekend holding is allowed. One caveat applies once you are funded: profit from trades opened or closed within five minutes of a high-impact release may be removed. That aside, swing strategies and event-driven strategies do not need to work around a calendar. Normal execution conditions still apply — spreads widen around releases for everyone.
Trade the calendar if that is your edge
News trading and weekend holding are both permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Do prop firms allow news trading?
It varies. Many restrict holding positions across high-impact releases, typically within a two to five minute window either side. FundedAxe allows news trading on both evaluations and funded accounts, though on a funded account profit from trades opened or closed within five minutes of a high-impact release may be removed.
Can you hold trades over the weekend at a prop firm?
Some firms require all positions closed before the weekly close. FundedAxe permits weekend holding.
FundedAxe evaluations and funded accounts are simulated. Traders do not trade real client capital; rewards are paid on simulated performance under the terms of the FundedAxe trader agreement.