Trading Day Checklist#

Market Open (9:30 - 10:00 AM)#

  • 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

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
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