What is Scalping?
Scalping is a trading style focused on capturing small price movements over very short time frames — seconds to minutes. Most modern prop firms permit scalping, though some apply minimum hold times (typically 30 seconds to 1 minute) to discourage automated high-frequency trading patterns. The FundingTicks closure in January 2026 was partly triggered by a retroactive imposition of a 1-minute minimum hold time that voided scalper profits.
Key takeaways
Very short-term trading, often seconds to minutes.
Most modern prop firms permit scalping, though some apply minimum hold times (typically 30 seconds to 1 minute) to discourage automated high-frequency trading patterns.
The FundingTicks closure in January 2026 was partly triggered by a retroactive imposition of a 1-minute minimum hold time that voided scalper profits.
Scalping vs. Minimum Hold Time
Two terms that frequently get conflated. Here's how they actually differ.
ScalpingTrading Styles · PRO
Minimum Hold TimeTrading Styles · PRO
Very short-term trading, often seconds to minutes.
Minimum duration a position must be held to count.
Frequently asked questions
What is Scalping?
Scalping is a trading style focused on capturing small price movements over very short time frames — seconds to minutes. Most modern prop firms permit scalping, though some apply minimum hold times (typically 30 seconds to 1 minute) to discourage automated high-frequency trading patterns. The FundingTicks closure in January 2026 was partly triggered by a retroactive imposition of a 1-minute minimum hold time that voided scalper profits.
Why does Scalping matter for prop firm traders?
Scalping affects how you're allowed to trade on a prop firm account. Many firms layer restrictions onto specific styles to protect their treasury — and those restrictions need to fit how you actually trade.
How is Scalping different from Minimum Hold Time?
Scalping and Minimum Hold Time are commonly confused. Scalping: Very short-term trading, often seconds to minutes. Minimum Hold Time, by contrast: Minimum duration a position must be held to count.
What should traders watch out for with Scalping?
Style restrictions are often layered: a firm that allows scalping may still ban HFT-like behaviour, and minimum hold times can void otherwise legitimate trades.