Howdy folks,
There’s an old saying I’ve come to live by in the trading world: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
When you’re trading, especially in today’s unpredictable markets, winging it just doesn’t cut it. If you want to stay ahead, you need a game plan — and that starts with weekly market planning.
Today, I’m going to walk you through why setting aside time to prepare for the trading week is one of the best habits you can develop, and I’ll share how I go about it myself.
Why Weekly Planning Matters
The market moves fast, and if you don’t know where to focus, you’re going to feel like you’re chasing your tail.
That’s why planning is so important. Taking just a little time each week to get organized:
- Reduces guesswork: You’ll know exactly where your attention needs to be.
- Builds confidence: You’ll trade with a clearer sense of purpose.
- Keeps you ahead of the curve: You’ll spot opportunities and risks before they hit you.
I like to think of it this way: A pilot doesn’t take off without checking the weather, the flight plan, and the fuel. Trading isn’t any different.
How to Plan Your Trading Week
Here’s a simple framework I use to get ready for the week ahead.
1. Review Last Week
Before you look forward, take a moment to look back.
- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- Were there trades you hesitated on but turned out great? Or ones you jumped into too quickly?
This reflection helps you identify patterns in your behavior and the market.
2. Check the Calendar
The market’s rhythm is often dictated by scheduled events. Here are some key things to look out for:
- Economic Reports: Is the Fed speaking? Are CPI or jobs numbers due out?
- Earnings Season: If it’s earnings season, focus on the companies reporting that could move the sectors or indices you’re trading.
- Holidays: Shortened trading weeks or market closures can affect volume and volatility.
Knowing what’s coming gives you a chance to prepare and avoid surprises.
3. Scan the Charts
This is where the rubber meets the road. Open up your charts and start identifying key areas to watch:
- Support and Resistance Levels: Where has the market consistently turned around?
- Trendlines: Are we in an uptrend, downtrend, or sideways chop?
- Moving Averages: Are we above or below key moving averages (e.g., 20-day, 50-day)?
Set alerts for these levels so you don’t have to babysit the screen all day.
4. Focus on Sectors or Stocks
Once you’ve got the big picture, narrow your focus to the sectors or stocks that are most likely to move.
For example:
- Are energy stocks heating up?
- Is tech showing signs of a breakout?
- Are defensive sectors like utilities or healthcare gaining traction?
You don’t need to watch everything — just the areas where the opportunities are strongest.
5. Plan Your Risk
Before you take any trades, know your risk tolerance for the week.
- How much are you willing to lose if things don’t go your way?
- Are there hedges you should consider?
By setting boundaries upfront, you avoid the emotional rollercoaster that can derail even the best traders.
The Takeaway
The markets can be chaotic, but your trading doesn’t have to be. Weekly market planning might feel like a chore at first, but trust me, it’s one of the most powerful habits you can develop.
When you know what to expect, where to look, and how to react, you’re not just another trader caught in the noise — you’re a step ahead.
So set aside some time this weekend to prep for the week ahead. Your future self will thank you.
Until next time,
— Geof Smith
P.S. Commodities like uranium are shaping up for a big year, and Trump’s pro-nuclear policies are adding fuel to the fire. I’m showing you how to target these opportunities right here in this FREE session.
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