Drawdown

Trader's Glossary · Risk

Drawdown

Definition. The decline in account value from its peak to its lowest point before a new high is made.

How it works

Drawdown is measured in money or as a percentage. Maximum drawdown is the largest such decline in the period studied.

Example

An account grows to 10,000, falls to 8,500 and only then exceeds 10,000. The drawdown is 1,500, or 15%.

What to watch out for

Every method has drawdown periods. It's important to know their typical size and to have a plan for a tough patch. A long drawdown is also a psychological burden.

See also

Expectancy, Tilt, Margin and leverage.

More in Hetman Capital Club

You'll find the full explanation with graphics, examples and exercises in the 🧘 Trader's body and mind space, and its use in the live market in the 🔴 Live Room. Both are available to Club members (in Polish).

Educational content, not investment advice.