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Home/Glossary/High-water mark

Drawdown and loss limits · Pro

High-water mark

By Omer Rapaport · Content updated 11 September 2026

Also searched as: HWM, peak balance

What does High-water mark mean?

A high-water mark is the highest account value recognized by a particular calculation. Trailing drawdown rules may use an intraday equity peak or a highest end-of-day balance.

Example

An intraday high of $26,000 and a closing balance of $25,400 produce different reference values.

Illustrative example; not a provider’s quoted offer.

Why it matters for prop traders

Determine which value the provider recognizes before calculating the loss floor.

Sources and further reading

The following primary sources support the terminology. Provider rules describe their own products and may change.

  • Apex - Intraday trailing drawdown

Related terms

  • Intraday trailing drawdown
  • Daily loss limit
  • Daily reset time
← All 181 terms

Frequently asked questions

Which high-water mark should I use for the loss floor?

Determine which value the provider recognizes before calculating the loss floor.

Sources: Apex - Intraday trailing drawdown

What is a practical example of High-water mark?

Illustrative example: An intraday high of $26,000 and a closing balance of $25,400 produce different reference values.

Sources: Apex - Intraday trailing drawdown

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