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Most traders go day to day trading on the fly, take a position when it feels right, especially in the heat of the moment when prices are just moving without them. Not preparing for what lies ahead for the day, week or month can be a costly endeavor. Many don't come with a plan, much less a checklist to prepare for the day. Many professionals are preparing two to three hours even before the market opens. It only shows how serious they value their work and money.
No trading is complete without a routine to make good trading habits in preparation for the trades. No good trading results come from lack of preparation. Once a routine is carried out consistently, trading success will come consistently. A basic checklist below will get a new trader started. Modifications can be made accordingly to fit the trader's preferences (use of fundamental or technical analysis), trading style (day, swing, position) and markets (single or multiple markets).
Before market opens
1. Check the day's economic calendar for any scheduled reports and announcements for the day-- This part covers the fundamental analysis. He will be checking the expected numbers against reports that will be publish during the day, recalculating the numbers to find value. (This is typically for the trader whose major strategy is based on fundamentals).
2. Draw up analysis for changes in the fundamental news
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