The Ultimate Pre-Trade Checklist: 20 Questions to Ask Before You Hit ‘Buy’ or ‘Sell’

Successful trading isn’t just about spotting opportunities—it’s about having the discipline to stick to a plan and minimize risk. Every trade you take should be backed by sound analysis and a clear strategy. Use this 20-question checklist to ensure you’re not jumping into trades blindly and are prepared for any outcome. If you can confidently answer these questions, you’re ready to trade. If not, it’s time to rethink.

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1. What is the setup?

A trade without a defined setup is just a gamble. Are you trading a breakout, pullback, or trend reversal? For example, a breakout trade works when the stock clears a resistance level with strong volume. Knowing the setup ensures you’re not trading out of impulse.

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2. Are the setup’s parameters met?

Each setup has rules. For a bull flag setup, the pullback must remain tight, with low volume during the consolidation and high volume on the breakout. Skipping these parameters can lead to false breakouts and losses.

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3. Is your reward-to-risk ratio at least 2:1?

Your goal should always be to make more than you risk. For example, if you risk $2 per share, your target should be $4 or more. A reward-to-risk ratio of 2:1 ensures that even if half of your trades fail, you’ll stay profitable.

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4. Is your stop price placed logically?

A proper stop price is set where the trade idea is invalidated. If you buy at $50, a logical stop might be at $48, just below support. Avoid setting arbitrary stops, and make sure your stop accounts for volatility to avoid getting stopped out prematurely.

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5. Does your target account for the stock’s volatility?

Volatile stocks like Tesla or small-cap runners require wider targets, while blue chips may need tighter targets. Make sure your target aligns with the stock’s typical range to avoid unrealistic expectations.

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6. Is there resistance on the way to your target?

Be mindful of key levels. If your target is $110 but strong resistance sits at $105, plan accordingly. Either adjust your target or prepare to scale out part of your position at $105 to lock in gains.

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7. Are you trading based on emotion (FOMO or revenge)?

Emotional trades are often the most expensive. Ask yourself—are you entering because you missed the last move, or are you trying to make up for a recent loss? FOMO and revenge trades rarely end well. Step back, reset, and trade with a clear mind.

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8. How is the stock’s sector and industry performing?

Sector trends matter. For instance, if you’re trading a tech stock, knowing how XLK (tech ETF) is performing can help confirm or reject your setup. Sector strength boosts the odds of your trade working, while weakness may indicate trouble ahead.

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9. What’s the current market trend?

Is the overall market in an uptrend or downtrend? It’s easier to go long when the market is bullish and short when it’s bearish. Always keep an eye on major indices like SPY, QQQ, and DIA to ensure your trade aligns with the trend.

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10. Do you have a worst-case scenario plan?

What happens if the trade goes south immediately? Have a pre-defined stop-loss in place or a plan to exit quickly. If you prepare for the worst, you’ll avoid panic and keep your emotions in check.

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11. Is your portfolio overleveraged in this type of stock?

Too much exposure to one sector or stock type can amplify your losses. If your portfolio is heavily invested in tech stocks, for example, consider balancing your exposure to reduce risk.

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12. Are you overleveraged in this particular setup?

Even if you’re confident, risking too much on a single trade can wipe out your account. Stick to consistent position sizing to ensure one bad trade doesn’t ruin your performance.

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13. What’s the stock’s short interest?

High short interest can signal potential for a short squeeze—but it also reflects bearish sentiment. Be prepared for increased volatility if the stock is heavily shorted.

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14. What is the stock’s float size?

A low float stock can move sharply on small volume, making it risky for some traders. On the other hand, high float stocks tend to trade more predictably. Understand the float to align with your strategy.

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15. Are insiders buying or selling the stock?

Insider buying often signals confidence in the company’s future, while insider selling can raise red flags. Use insider activity as a secondary confirmation for your trade.

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16. Are institutions buying or selling the stock?

Institutional buying or selling moves markets. If major funds are accumulating shares, it’s a bullish signal. Heavy selling by institutions may suggest underlying weakness.

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17. Is the stock overbought, oversold, or neutral?

Use technical indicators like RSI to gauge momentum. An overbought stock may be due for a pullback, while an oversold stock might be primed for a bounce. Timing your trade with these signals can increase your odds of success.

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18. Would you recommend this trade to a family member?

This question helps remove bias. If you wouldn’t recommend the trade to someone you care about, why take it yourself? This is a quick way to spot emotional or poorly thought-out trades.

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19. Does the stock have a catalyst?

Catalysts—like earnings, FDA approvals, or product launches—can drive big moves. A strong catalyst can improve the chances of follow-through on your trade idea.

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20. Are there any upcoming news events for the stock?

Unexpected news can derail even the best setups. Check for upcoming earnings announcements, Fed meetings, or major industry events that could impact the stock before placing your trade.

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Final Thoughts

Trading isn’t just about finding the right setups—it’s about preparation and discipline. Use this checklist before every trade to ensure you’re making informed, logical decisions. If you can’t confidently answer these questions, it’s a sign you’re not ready. Trading with a plan reduces risk, increases consistency, and builds long-term success.

Stick to your strategy, manage your risk, and trade smart.

Trade well,

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Key Takeaways:

• Every trade should follow a structured plan.
• Emotions like FOMO and revenge have no place in trading.
• Align your trades with market, sector, and stock trends.
• Proper risk management ensures long-term profitability.

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