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Trading February 17, 2026 Pro Trader @ eCalcy 11 min read
Golden Rules of Intraday Trading: 2026 Edition
Day trading is risky but rewarding. Learn the risk management strategies that separate profitable traders from gamblers.
Intraday trading is not a get-quick-rich scheme; it's a business. In 2026, with HFTs (High Frequency Traders) dominating the market, retail traders need iron-clad discipline to survive.
Rule #1: The 1% Risk Rule
Never risk more than 1% of your total capital on a single trade. If you have ₹1,00,000 in your account, your maximum stop-loss for any trade should be ₹1,000. This ensures you can survive a losing streak without blowing up your account.
Algo-Trading Awareness
In 2026, 80% of volume is algorithmic. Avoid trading during the first 15 minutes of market open unless you are an expert, as volatility is highest and often manipulated by institutional algorithms.
Trading Checklist for 2026
- Check Global Indices (Dow Jones, SGX Nifty).
- Identify key Support & Resistance levels before market open.
- Never trade without a Stop Loss order in the system.
- Target a Risk:Reward ratio of at least 1:2.