A Trade Idea Is Not a Process: Context → Chart → Risk → Plan → Platform
A trade idea is not a process. Use the same sequence every time so one exciting setup does not bypass the parts that protect your capital.
1. Read the market context
Start with the broader regime, risk appetite, dollar context, and currency proxies.
Cost of skipping it: you can end up fighting the broader backdrop without realizing it.
2. Inspect the actual pair
Use TradingView to inspect the real pair, compare timeframes, set alerts, and decide whether the setup still deserves attention.
Cost of skipping it: a broad proxy is not the actual chart you are about to trade.
3. Run the risk math
Estimate position size, pip value, drawdown impact, and reward-to-risk before entry.
Cost of skipping it: a good idea with bad sizing can still become an expensive trade.
4. Write the plan
Define entry, invalidation, target, maximum loss, and review rules while you are still objective.
Cost of waiting: once money is at risk, it becomes easier to move the rules.
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