Time-Stop
Closing a position after a predetermined duration because the statistical window for profitability has expired, based on historical MFE Duration data.
More Details
What is a Time-Stop?
A time-stop is an exit rule where you close a position after a specific amount of time has passed, regardless of price. Unlike traditional stop losses (price-based), time-stops are duration-based. The logic: if your data shows that a certain setup typically reaches peak profit within X minutes, then holding past that window exposes your capital to mean-reversion risk for no good reason.
This is an institutional concept that barely gets mentioned in retail trading, but it's one of the most effective exit optimizations you can make.
Learn more: Trade Exit Strategy: The Complete Guide | MFE/MAE Duration Analysis
When to Use Time-Stops
Time-stops work best when your MFE Duration data shows a clear cluster:
| MFE Duration Pattern | Time-Stop Rule |
|---|---|
| 90% of winners peak within 5 min | Close after 7-8 min if no target hit |
| MFE clusters at 15-20 min | Close after 25 min if still flat |
| Winning scalps peak in under 3 min | If not working in 3 min, close it |
If your MFE Duration is spread all over the place with no pattern, time-stops won't help much. Focus on price-based exits instead.
How to Build Your Time-Stop Rule
- Pull your MFE Duration data for a specific setup (minimum 50-100 trades)
- Find the cluster: Where does MFE Duration peak for the majority of winners?
- Add a buffer: If MFE peaks at 20 min, set your time-stop at 25-30 min
- Backtest it: Use TradesViz's Targets Simulator to test against your historical trades
- Combine with price: Time-stop + trailing stop is often the optimal combination
Time-Stops vs. Price-Stops
| Feature | Price-Stop | Time-Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Price hits level | Time expires |
| Best for | Momentum trades, breakouts | Scalps, specific setups with known MFE Duration |
| Weakness | Doesn't account for time decay of edge | Doesn't account for trades that need more time |
| Ideal use | Standalone risk management | Combined with trailing stops |
The Real Power: Combining Both
The best exit strategies combine price-based AND time-based rules:
- "If my scalp hasn't hit target in 5 minutes, close it. If it IS working, commit to holding 1+ hour with a trailing stop. No middle ground."
- "Default exit = 1 hour after entry. I need a specific, pre-defined reason to deviate."
These rules come from YOUR data, not from some generic advice. Pull your MFE Duration, test the rules in the simulator, and apply what works.
Learn more: Trade Exit Strategy: The Complete Guide | Stop Loss & Profit Target Simulator
Where to find it in TradesViz
Example
Data shows MFE Duration peaks at ~20 min for a breakout setup. Time-stop set at 25 min. If the trade hasn't hit momentum within 25 min, close it because the statistical window is expired.