FTMO vs FundingPips for an automated gold strategy
If you want to run an automated gold (XAU) or indices system on a forex prop account, FTMO and FundingPips are two of the most-used homes. Here is how they compare where it counts.
⚠ Rules change often. Prop-firm rules and drawdown models change frequently. Always verify the firm's current Terms of Service before deploying any strategy. Figures here were checked May 2026.
KEY FACTS
- Every rule, every cell taken from the two rules cards (verified September 2026).
- The same dimensions are filterable across all 16 firms on the comparison table .
- FundingPips is static by default; FTMO's 2-Step is static while its 1-Step trails.
- A TradingView strategy reaches either via PineConnector to MT5 .
Source: Puravida Edge, from the article below; rules data verified 29 September 2026.
Both are established CFD firms that allow Expert Advisors, support MetaTrader, and cover gold and indices — the instruments behind a NAS/XAU systematic approach.
| Rule | FTMO | FundingPips |
|---|---|---|
| Drawdown (evaluation) | Static: 10% maximum loss, 5% daily loss on standard accounts | Static on all evaluation programs: 10% on 2 Step, 6% on 2 Step Pro and One Step, 12% on the Flex variants; Zero runs a 5% intraday equity trail |
| Drawdown (funded) | Static | Same as evaluation |
| Daily loss limit | 5% | 5% on 2 Step; 3% on 2 Step Pro, One Step and Zero |
| Consistency | None on the challenge; MetriX review on funded | None on evaluations; 35% on the On Demand payout cycle of 2 Step Standard (resets after each reward); 15% on Zero at every payout |
| Minimum days and payout gate | 4 trading days per phase | 3–5 per phase on 2 Step; none on One Step Flex; 7 profitable days per 30 to keep Zero active |
| Contract cap (50K) | $400,000 per trader or per strategy across accounts | not published on the card |
| Scaling plan | No scaling plan stated on the card | No scaling plan stated on the card |
| Automation | EAs permitted under anti-HFT restrictions, own logic only — third-party signal copying may violate terms | EAs and algorithmic bots allowed on all challenge types (April 2026); MT5 EAs and cTrader cBots; no arbitrage, latency or group-coordination strategies |
| Copy trading | Own accounts allowed; opposing positions across accounts count as hedging violations | not published on the card |
| News | Restricted on standard; Swing accounts allow holding through news and overnight | Allowed on 1 Step and 2 Step; prohibited on Zero; short funded-stage news window applies |
| Payout | 80/20 to 90/10 by scaling tier; on demand after the first | Reward cycle chosen before first trade: weekly 60%, bi-weekly 80%, monthly up to 100%; Hot Seat scaling to 100% split and $2M |
| Profit split | 80/20–90/10 | 60–100% by cycle |
Every rule, every cell taken from the two rules cards (verified September 2026). Where a firm does not publish a rule clearly, the cell says so rather than guessing. The same dimensions are filterable across all 16 firms on the comparison table.
Drawdown is the deciding factor
For an automated swing system, a static drawdown is the friendliest — a fixed floor that doesn't trail. FundingPips is static by default; FTMO's 2-Step is static while its 1-Step trails. Note FTMO measures daily loss on intraday equity, so a deep unrealized dip can trip the daily limit even before a trade closes — sizing has to account for that.
Automation & gold
Both allow EAs; FTMO bans latency arbitrage and tick exploits but accepts normal automated strategies. For gold specifically, always check current leverage and any stop-loss-timer conditions, which vary and occasionally change. A TradingView strategy reaches either via PineConnector to MT5.
Which for an automated XAU system?
FundingPips' forgiving static model is the easier home for a swing gold strategy; FTMO adds brand trust and a clean 2-step static path if you size for its intraday-equity daily loss. Puravida Edge's forex portfolios — Champion and Focus — run XAU + NAS as multi-day, hardcoded-TP/SL systems built for static-drawdown accounts. Guides: pass FTMO · pass FundingPips. See also trading gold on a prop firm.
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Related
- Prop firms that use MT5: automation and bridges
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- FundingPips rules, every rule dated
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FAQ
Is FTMO or FundingPips better for an automated gold strategy?
FundingPips' forgiving static drawdown is the easier home for a swing gold system. FTMO works too via its 2-Step static path, but you must size for its intraday-equity daily loss.
Do FTMO and FundingPips allow EAs / automated trading?
Yes, both allow Expert Advisors. FTMO prohibits latency arbitrage and tick-scalping but accepts normal automated strategies.
How does a TradingView strategy trade on these firms?
Through a bridge — typically PineConnector connecting TradingView alerts to MetaTrader 5.
Not financial advice. Performance figures referenced are hypothetical, modeled outputs (1,500-path Monte Carlo on a backtest + live sample). Past performance does not guarantee future results. Prop-firm Terms of Service compliance is your responsibility — verify every rule with the firm directly.