Mastering Risk Management in Intraday Trading: A Checklist for Success

Dear Fellow Traders and Learners,

Intraday trading is a high-stakes arena that rewards preparation, discipline, and quick decision-making. However, without proper risk management, even the most skilled traders can find themselves facing significant losses. Whether you're trading in stocks or Futures & Options (F&O), a well-defined risk management plan can make all the difference. Here's a comprehensive example of checklist to help you navigate the complexities of intraday trading with a capital of ₹50,000.

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1. Define Risk Per Trade

Risking 1-2% of your capital per trade is a golden rule. For ₹50,000, this translates to a maximum loss of ₹500 per trade. Set your stop-loss levels accordingly to cap potential losses.

Example Formula:
Stop Loss = Entry Price × % Risk.
If a stock is priced at ₹200, and your risk is 1%, your stop-loss should be at ₹198.

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2. Position Sizing for Safety

Position sizing ensures you don't overexpose yourself to risk. Calculate the number of shares or contracts based on your stop-loss amount and the price difference.

Formula:
Position Size = Risk ÷ (Entry Price − Stop Loss).
This ensures you align your trade size with your risk appetite.

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3. Stick to a Risk-Reward Ratio

For every ₹1 risked, aim to earn ₹2 or ₹3. A Risk-Reward Ratio (RRR) of 1:2 or 1:3 increases the probability of long-term profitability, even if your win rate is less than 50%.

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4. Set Maximum Loss Limits

Stop trading for the day if your losses exceed 5% of your capital (₹2,500). For the week, limit losses to 10% (₹5,000). These boundaries prevent emotional trading and give you time to reassess your strategy.

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5. Adjust for Volatility

Use tools like Average True Range (ATR) or Implied Volatility (IV) to determine appropriate stop-loss levels. In volatile markets, opt for wider stops, but reduce your position size to maintain consistent risk.

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6. Monitor and Analyze

• Pre-Market: Study global trends, news, and SGX Nifty to identify key levels.
• Live Trades: Use stop-loss and target orders to reduce emotional decision-making.
• Post-Market: Log trades, review performance, and refine your strategy.

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Risk management isn't just a trading practice—it's a mindset. By adhering to this checklist, you'll protect your capital and trade with confidence, regardless of market conditions. Remember, the goal is not just to make profits but to ensure survival in the long run.

Here’s a complete checklist for risk management in intraday trading (Stocks and F&O), tailored for a starting capital of ₹50,000. The checklist will focus on aspects like position sizing, stop loss, risk-reward ratios, and margin requirements, with explanations and formulas. Put this in excel yourself and tweak as per your requirement.

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Risk Management Checklist for Intraday Trading

Task	Sub Task	Definition/Formula	What to Do
1. Define Risk Per Trade	Set Maximum Risk	Risk = 1-2% of Capital (₹50,000 × 1%) = ₹500	- Determine how much you’re willing to lose per trade.- For ₹50,000, limit risk per trade to ₹500.
	Calculate Stop Loss Amount	Stop Loss (SL) = Entry Price × % Risk Example: Stock Price = ₹200, SL = ₹200 × 1% = ₹198	- Calculate the price difference you’re willing to tolerate as a loss.- Use stop-loss orders to enforce discipline.
2. Position Sizing	Determine Quantity	Position Size = ₹Risk ÷ (Entry Price − Stop Loss)	- For Stock Price = ₹200 and SL = ₹198, Position Size = ₹500 ÷ (200 − 198) = 250 shares.- Adjust size to fit capital constraints.
	Leverage (F&O)	Use margin calculators to ensure sufficient funds for lot size	- Check margin requirements for futures contracts and avoid over-leveraging.- Trade within limits of ₹50,000.
3. Risk-Reward Ratio	Calculate Expected Reward	Reward = SL Amount × 2 or 3 (RRR: 1:2 or 1:3)	- If SL is ₹2, aim for a profit of ₹4-6.- Ensure trades have a high probability of achieving this ratio.
4. Set Maximum Drawdown	Daily Loss Limit	Daily Loss Limit = 5% of Capital (₹50,000 × 5%) = ₹2,500	- Stop trading if the day’s total losses reach ₹2,500.- Prevent emotional or revenge trading.
	Weekly Loss Limit	Weekly Loss = 10% of Capital (₹50,000 × 10%) = ₹5,000	- Halt trading for the week if losses reach this limit.- Review strategy before continuing.
5. Diversification	Avoid Overexposure	Maximum allocation per trade = 25% of capital (₹50,000 × 25%) = ₹12,500	- Never allocate more than ₹12,500 to a single stock or contract.- Spread risk across multiple trades.
6. Volatility Adjustment	Adjust for Volatility	Use ATR (Average True Range) or IV (Implied Volatility) to set tighter/wider stops	- Higher ATR/IV: Use wider SL.- Lower ATR/IV: Use tighter SL.- Adjust position size accordingly.
7. Pre-Market Analysis	Assess Market Sentiment	Review global markets, SGX Nifty, and news. Identify key levels.	- Mark support and resistance levels for the day.- Avoid trading during highly volatile periods like news events.
8. Entry and Exit Planning	Define Entry Levels	Enter near support (buy) or resistance (sell) based on technical signals.	- Use charts for confirmation (e.g., Moving Averages, RSI, MACD).
	Plan Exits	Exit at Target Price or SL	- Stick to your pre-defined exit points.- Avoid greed or hesitation.
9. Monitor Trade Execution	Use Trading Tools	Use stop-loss and target orders for all trades.	- Automate exits to reduce emotional decision-making.
10. Post-Trade Analysis	Review Performance	Log every trade (Entry, Exit, SL, P/L).	- Calculate success rate and average RRR.- Identify errors and refine your strategy.

Happy Trading! 💹

Warm Regards,

Amit Raj,

Author, Learner & Trader

https://www.amazon.com/author/amitraj

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or investment advice. Always consult a certified financial advisor before making any trading or investment decisions.