Before the opening bell, the market is already shaping its story for the day. Overnight sessions, economic data, earnings reports, and geopolitical headlines are moving prices before most traders finish their first coffee. The difference between a reactive trader and a confident, profitable one often comes down to preparation. That’s why we created the ATGL Pre-Market Trading Checklist — a proven daily routine that gives you the critical market information you need in one place, whether you’re a day trader, swing trader, or long-term investor.
Without a structured checklist, you risk chasing headlines, over-trading, or missing the best setups entirely. With it, you start every session with a clear plan — entries, exits, risk controls, and conviction. This is how professional traders keep their edge.
Our checklist begins with a universal market scan designed for all trading styles. We break down index futures action, volatility readings, overnight market moves, sector performance, and the economic calendar. You’ll know instantly whether the market is risk-on or risk-off before you place your first trade.
For day traders, this checklist becomes your morning playbook. You’ll identify the top pre-market gappers with high relative volume, confirm catalysts like earnings beats or major news events, and map critical levels such as pre-market highs/lows, VWAP, and opening range breakouts. We also help you set a hard stop for daily losses before the bell — no guesswork, no emotional trading.
Swing traders use the same framework to spot multi-day or multi-week opportunities. Our process highlights sector rotation, breadth indicators, and chart patterns like consolidations, pullbacks, and breakouts. You’ll be aware of every key earnings report or macro event that could affect your positions during the week. By the time the market opens, you’ll have a refined watchlist of high-quality setups with defined risk/reward ratios.
Even long-term investors benefit from our daily pre-market review. Understanding the macro backdrop — interest rate moves, inflation trends, GDP growth, sector leadership — allows you to adjust portfolio allocation proactively. We also track earnings trends and valuation changes that could impact your core holdings.
Here’s a quick reference snapshot of what each type of trader gets from the checklist:
| Category | Day Trader | Swing Trader | Passive Investor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market tone | Futures, VIX, overnight ranges | Trend & sector rotation | Macro regime & cycle |
| Catalysts | Today’s earnings/news | Week’s earnings & events | Quarter/year macro & EPS |
| Universe | Gappers, high volume, liquid | RS leaders, bases/pullbacks | Core ETFs, quality equities |
| Levels | PM H/L, prior H/L, VWAP, ORB | 20/50/200-DMA, pivots | 200-DMA, valuation bands |
| Risk | Max loss/day, OR invalidation | R/R ≥2, gap risk, sizing | Allocation bands, hedges |
How to use it: Each morning before the open, start with the universal market scan to get the overall tone. Then move into the section that matches your trading style, mark key levels on your charts, and set alerts. Review your risk parameters, finalize your plan, and then execute without hesitation once the bell rings.
Our full Pre-Market Trading Checklist will soon be available to ATGL members — delivered before 8:00 AM ET every trading day — ready to guide your decisions. This upcoming resource will give you market tone, catalysts, technical levels, and tailored insights for day traders, swing traders, and long-term investors.
📥 Coming Soon — Be the First to Get It
Sign up now to be notified the moment the daily pre-market trading plan launches. Secure your spot for a free first week and be ready to trade with more confidence, clarity, and control from the opening bell.
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