Trade Ready Pre-Market Checklist
Your Daily Routine to Avoid Costly Mistakes and Trade with Confidence
Use this checklist each morning before entering any trades. It will help you trade with intention, avoid emotional decisions, and stay on track toward consistency.
1. Market Conditions Check
- Check the overall market trend (bullish, bearish, or choppy)
- Scan financial news for major events (earnings, Fed, world news)
- Note economic calendar events (CPI, job reports, FOMC, etc.)
- Decide: Is today a good day to trade or stay on the sidelines?
Why this matters: Trading in volatile or unclear conditions can destroy your edge. Know when to sit out.
2. Stock Selection Formula
- Find stocks with:
- High relative volume
- Clean chart patterns
- Clear news catalyst (if applicable)
- Choose 1–3 stocks that align with your strategy
- Check support/resistance zones before choosing entries
Why this matters: Random stock choices lead to random results. Trade what fits your system.
3. Risk Management Check
- Define your max risk per trade (e.g., 1–2% of your account)
- Set your stop-loss before entering the trade
- Ensure your risk-to-reward ratio is at least 1:2
- Ask: Can I emotionally accept this loss before I place the trade?
Why this matters: Risk management is what separates pros from gamblers.
4. Entry & Exit Plan
- Define your entry point
- Set your exit plan: profit target and stop-loss
- Know what will make you exit early (news drop, trend break, etc.)
- Avoid entering "just because it looks good" — wait for your setup
Why this matters: No plan = no discipline. And no discipline = blown accounts.
5. Mindset Reset
- Take 2 minutes to breathe or journal before trading
- Remind yourself: "One trade will not make or break me."
- Commit to your plan — no chasing, hoping, or revenging
- Set a daily goal: Follow my process, not just make money
Why this matters: Your mental state affects every click. Trade from control, not emotion.
