Trading pro Q&A: What is your morning routine as a trader?

Katerina Parpa

Exness trading journalist

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A strong start can shape the entire trading day. Three market professionals share how they prepare each morning—from scanning news to building the right mindset—and why routine is a trader’s hidden edge.

For traders, the first few hours of the day can set the tone for everything that follows. Markets move fast, and being unprepared—or mentally unfocused—can lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. That’s why many experienced traders rely on structured morning routines to stay sharp, informed, and disciplined.

From checking economic calendars and reviewing overnight developments to preparing mentally and journaling past trades, these habits aren’t just rituals—they’re essential tools for navigating volatile markets. In this edition, three trading professionals share how they start their day and the routines that help them stay consistent in an unpredictable environment.

What is your morning routine as a trader?

Haikel Ali

Exness Trading Training Specialist

I start my trading day by checking the economic calendar to ensure I’m aware of any important news events. This helps me spot potential high volatility. After that, I move to the charts and perform technical analysis. No matter how precise my calculations are, news can change market direction in an instant, so preparation is essential.

Tip for traders: Review the economic calendar before trading; a great trading decision lies not only in knowing when to enter the market, but in wisely choosing when to step aside.

Michael Stark

Financial Content Leader

I never open MT5 on an empty stomach. After breakfast, I check whether anything big has happened overnight before reminding myself of any major events scheduled for the day. If appropriate, I close trades once I reach a decent profit level, discover that my idea is no longer valid, or I’m faced with a loss. Tip for traders: Having a set routine you can run through without much thought is ideal. This makes monitoring positions (and a lot else) much easier and less stressful.

Tomislav Kamenecki

Senior financial market strategist

I start my day pretending I’m a disciplined trader: 15 minutes of mindset work, then books and news. I watch for market-moving events like a hawk, then stare at the charts, set alerts… and try not to overtrade or sabotage myself. After that, I review yesterday’s positions and write notes in my journal.

Tip for traders: Most bad trades start before a trader opens the charts. A structured morning routine is your first risk tool. Ask yourself: Am I mentally ready to trade?

Key takeaways

A structured morning routine helps traders remain focused and consistent.
Checking the economic calendar is essential for anticipating volatility.
Reviewing overnight market activity provides important context.
Physical and mental preparation—like eating and getting into the right mindset—affects decision-making.
Journaling and reviewing past trades improve long-term performance.
Routine reduces stress and helps traders make clearer, more disciplined decisions.