Trading Day Checklist
Market Open (9:30 - 10:00 AM)
Warning
High volatility period - Observe first, trade second
- Watch opening auction and initial direction
- Note volume relative to average
- Identify if opening is gap up/down/flat
- Wait for initial range to establish (first 30 min)
Active Trading (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Before Each Trade
- Setup matches a documented playbook
- Position size calculated and within limits
- Entry, stop, and target defined
- No upcoming news/events in next 30 min
During Trade
- Monitor position without overtrading
- Note any changes in market character
After Each Trade
- Log entry, exit, and reason
- Calculate actual R:R achieved
- Note what went well and what didn’t
- Take a break if emotional
- Avoid revenge trading
Power Hour / Market Close (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
- Review any open positions
- Decide hold overnight or close
- Avoid new positions in final 30 min (unless planned)
- Prepare end-of-day journal entry