> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://smartchoise.gitbook.io/smartchoise-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://smartchoise.gitbook.io/smartchoise-manual/options/account-protection/hard-stop-only-ea-trades.md).

# Hard Stop % Only EA Trades

This setting defines the maximum loss limit for trades opened only by the EA on the specific chart where it’s running.

* `0`: Disabled
* Custom (e.g., `10`): EA stops if it loses 10% of account balance

{% hint style="info" %}
Once this limit is reached, the EA will close all its open trades immediately and stop trading for the rest of the day.

This setting defines the maximum loss limit for trades opened *only by the EA* on the specific chart where it’s running. Once the loss reaches the set percentage, the EA will stop trading for the rest of the day.

This feature helps you manage the risk of just one EA, while other EAs or manual trades can continue running.

**Example:** If your balance is **$1,000** and you set this to **10**, the EA will automatically close all it's trades and stop trading for the rest of the day once its losses reach **$100**.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Consider setting a **value** that aligns with your risk tolerance. Test on a demo account to find the balance that works for you, ensuring you don’t close trades too early or risk too much.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}

* **Too High**: If set to a high percentage, the EA could risk a large portion of your balance before stopping, which may lead to potentially large losses. Be cautious when setting high limits.
* **Too Low**: If set too low, the EA may **stop trading prematurely**, **preventing recovery trades**. This could lead to missed opportunities for the EA to recover from a drawdown and potentially cut off profits too early. The recovery mechanism relies on some flexibility, and a very low Hard Stop may stop it from activating properly.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
"Hard Stop" is your last line of defense. Use it wisely, it’s better to step away for a day if your risk tolerance is small than to force a recovery in chaotic conditions.
{% endhint %}