[How-to] [How-to] Copy settings: splitting money and when to stop

How much you put in and when you stop matters as much as who you pick. Decide your stop rules before you start copying, or you won't keep them.

Splitting money

• Set a total copy budget and put no more than 30% on one trader
• Two traders who both trade only gold are effectively one. Mix instruments and styles
• For the first 2 weeks put in half the planned amount, check fills match the master, then add

Settings to turn on

• Copy stop (loss limit): most copy services have "stop copying if I lose this much." Set it around 15–20% of the amount
• Max lot / max positions: so your account follows only up to a set size even if the trader suddenly goes big
• Copy ratio: proportional is the safe default. Fixed lots distort risk when account sizes don't match

Stop when (write this down in advance)

1. Your loss since you started copying hits your limit (e.g. −15%)
2. The trader sets a new max drawdown record (it has become riskier than before)
3. The style changes: lots suddenly grow, averaging down starts, stops disappear
4. Open positions sit in loss for a long time without a stop
5. Fills get worse after the trader's copier count or AUM jumps

After stopping

• Don't throw it all at another trader on impulse. Take a few days and use the 7 steps again
• Write one line on why you stopped — your next pick will be much better

EADesk Paper copy includes the P&L of open positions when you stop and returns that value to your balance. Practice your stop rules before going live.