What “Long-term” means
Each set is backtested from 1 Jan 2020 to now, 5–6 years that include very different markets. Keep a balance equal to the set’s 2020 → now max equity drawdown, shown on every card as Balance needed. This gives the set enough room to get through the worst phase it has ever had, so it has a much higher chance of completing its ROI. This is what we recommend.
Long-term means proven over a longer period. It does not mean low risk, small drawdowns or a fixed loss limit.
What is the 2nd max drawdown?
From 2020 to now, every set has had several drops in equity. The max drawdown is the single deepest one. The 2nd max drawdown is the next deepest. It is smaller, so a balance sized on it needs less money and the monthly % looks higher.
Why we look at it: the max drawdown can come from almost anything: a tick-data glitch in the MT5 tester, or a one-off event that is unique and does not repeat. So when the single deepest drawdown is far bigger than the 2nd one, it can sometimes be ignored, and the 2nd drawdown shows how deep the set's normal bad phases really go.
If you keep your balance on the 2nd equity drawdown, your risk profile is higher: if a phase like the worst one ever comes again, the drop can be bigger than your balance.