Why is kyndryl stock dropping

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, you can trade the NQ (Nasdaq 100 futures) on Topstep. Topstep offers a proprietary trading firm environment where traders can fund their accounts and trade various futures contracts, including the NQ, after successfully navigating their evaluation programs.

Key Facts

Topstep allows trading of the NQ (Nasdaq 100 futures).
Traders must pass Topstep's evaluation programs to trade live funded accounts.
The NQ is a popular E-mini futures contract representing the Nasdaq 100 index.
Topstep provides simulated trading environments and risk management tools.
Successful traders can earn a funded account with profit sharing.

Overview

The question of whether one can trade the NQ, specifically referring to the E-mini Nasdaq 100 futures contract, on the platform Topstep is a common one for aspiring futures traders. Topstep is a prominent proprietary trading firm that provides a pathway for traders to prove their skills and potentially receive a funded trading account. This means that individuals who demonstrate consistent profitability and adherence to risk management rules in Topstep's simulated or evaluation accounts can be given the opportunity to trade with real capital, sharing in the profits generated.

The NQ is one of the most actively traded futures contracts, highly sought after by traders due to its representation of the technology-heavy Nasdaq 100 index. Its volatility and liquidity make it an attractive instrument for both day traders and swing traders. Topstep's model is designed to identify traders capable of handling the risks associated with such instruments, offering them a structured environment to hone their strategies and achieve financial success in the futures market.

How It Works

Futures Trading and Evaluation: Topstep operates by offering simulated trading accounts for aspiring traders. These accounts are designed to mimic real market conditions, allowing traders to practice their strategies without risking their own capital initially. The core of Topstep's offering is its evaluation program, which consists of one or more steps. Traders must consistently meet specific profit targets while strictly adhering to daily loss limits and overall maximum drawdown rules. The NQ is a primary instrument available for trading within these evaluation accounts.
The Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ): The Nasdaq 100 futures contract is a derivative that tracks the performance of the Nasdaq 100 index. This index comprises the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, with a significant weighting towards technology and growth stocks. Trading the NQ on Topstep means participating in the futures market for this influential index, requiring traders to understand its underlying market drivers, such as technological innovation, economic outlook, and interest rate policies.
Risk Management and Rules: A cornerstone of Topstep's philosophy, and indeed proprietary trading in general, is rigorous risk management. During the evaluation phase and once a trader is funded, strict rules are in place. These typically include a daily loss limit (e.g., a maximum amount that can be lost in a single trading day) and a trailing maximum drawdown (the maximum loss allowed from the highest point the account balance has reached). Failing to adhere to these rules, even if profitable overall, can result in failing the evaluation or losing a funded account. The NQ, being a volatile instrument, necessitates disciplined adherence to these risk parameters.
Funded Accounts and Profit Sharing: Upon successful completion of the evaluation program, traders are eligible for a funded account. This account is funded by Topstep, allowing the trader to trade with real capital. The trader then keeps a significant percentage of the profits generated from this account (often 80% or more), while Topstep receives a portion and covers the costs of the account. This model provides an incentive for traders to perform well and a way for them to scale their trading operations.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Topstep (for NQ)	Other Prop Firms (General)
Evaluation Structure	Clearly defined multi-step evaluations with specific profit targets and strict risk limits.	Varies significantly; some have single-step, others multiple. Risk parameters can differ.
Instrument Availability	Offers NQ alongside other popular futures contracts like ES (S&P 500), YM (Dow), and TF (Russell 2000).	Broad range of instruments is common, but specific offerings for NQ may vary.
Risk Management Tools	Emphasizes daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns as core components of their ruleset.	Risk management is paramount, but the specific mechanics of limits and drawdowns can differ.
Funding Potential	Clear path to funded accounts with profit sharing, often with scalable account sizes.	Funded accounts are the goal, but the structure and profit splits can vary widely.
Trading Platform	Typically provides access to popular platforms like NinjaTrader, Thinkorswim, or their proprietary platform.	Platform offerings are diverse, with many supporting popular third-party charting and execution software.

Why It Matters

Access to Capital: For many aspiring traders, the biggest hurdle is securing sufficient capital to trade effectively in the futures market. Topstep, by offering a funded account program, democratizes access to capital. This allows individuals with strong trading acumen but limited personal funds to participate in markets like the NQ, potentially generating significant income.
Skill Development and Discipline: The evaluation process itself is invaluable for developing discipline and refining trading strategies. The stringent risk management rules enforced by Topstep force traders to be methodical and to prioritize capital preservation. Learning to trade the NQ successfully under these conditions builds a strong foundation for long-term trading success, instilling habits crucial for navigating market volatility.
Market Opportunity: The NQ, representing a significant portion of the global technology sector, offers substantial trading opportunities. Its price movements can be influenced by a wide array of economic news, technological advancements, and market sentiment. By enabling traders to access the NQ through their platform, Topstep allows individuals to capitalize on these market dynamics, provided they possess the necessary skills and discipline to do so profitably and within the firm's risk parameters.

In conclusion, the answer is a definitive yes. Topstep provides a structured and regulated environment for traders to prove their abilities and potentially trade the NQ with funded capital. The emphasis on evaluation, risk management, and profit sharing makes it an attractive option for many looking to enter the proprietary trading world.