Who this is for — Anyone who opens charts and clicks in the first minutes. Pre-market = written plan with a clear head; in session you only execute.
The pre-market routine is the mandatory sequence before the first order: calendar, top-down analysis, market regime, day's setups, risk limits. It also defines when to stay flat.
In plain terms — Pilot briefing before takeoff — do not improvise with the engine running.
Pre-market checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Calendar | Macro events, red windows |
| Top-down | HTF levels, if-then scenarios |
| Regime | |
| Setups | |
| Risk | Max loss, max trades, capital ok |
| No-trade | Mandatory flat conditions |
Typical duration: 20–40 min — repeatability > complexity.
Expected output
- 0–3 setups «on watchlist» with defined triggers
- Checklist printed or on-screen
- Alignment with trading session
Typical mistake — Skipping pre-market «because there's already movement» — you chase, you do not select.
Example — NQ: CPI 14:30 → no trade 14:00–15:00; trend-up regime; only «H1 pullback» playbook; max −2R.
Summary card
- When: before trading session.
- Output: written plan + limits.
- Rule: no click without briefing.
Silver path — Review module. Index: Silver path.