Every trader knows the market changes from one hour to the next…
The energy shifts, the pace slows, and what worked at the open can sink you by midday.
What does work over and over again and at the same time every single week is my Monday Setup.
I hope you’re already using it, and if you’re not, don’t wait any longer…
Since the Fed’s rate cut, I think this trade’s going to be even more off the chain!
Here’s how the setup works…
Every Monday, the market kicks back into gear after its weekend nap… and that reset creates a unique opportunity.
As the first session of the week gets started, there’s a specific pattern we look for that appears again and again with uncanny consistency.
And it has delivered some unbelievable gains!
Look at this past Monday…
NanoVibronix (NASDAQ: NAOV) announced it had been granted a new patent, and the stock took off, gaining 168%* in a single session.
These are the kinds of Monday morning spikes we hunt for every week.
Now it’s time to learn how to spot them for yourself!
Watch the video below for the full trade breakdown and strategy tutorial on my Monday Setup.
Many traders make the same mistake…
They approach every moment of the day with the same mindset. That’s why they burn out early, blow up accounts, or miss the biggest opportunities of the day.
Not all trading hours are the same.
You can’t treat 9:30 AM like it’s 1:30 PM. And if you’re trading pre-market, you need a very different mindset than you’d use in the afternoon.
That’s where my Aggression Progression comes in. It’s a system built to help you trade with intention, using the right approach at the right time, managing energy, and keeping risk under control.
Table of Contents
What Is The Aggression Progression?
Think of it as a framework that starts hot and aggressive in the early hours, then gradually cools down as the day unfolds.
Early in the morning? Volatility is high, liquidity is thin…
Big moves are very possible, but they come with huge risks.
As the day progresses, setups get cleaner, confirmation gets clearer, and the approach gets more disciplined.
Early Pre-market Buy and Sell
Aggression Level: 5
This is the most aggressive play you can make. I always say, “If you buy in pre, sell in pre.”
You’re trading before the opening bell even rings, looking for that quick pop into pre-market resistance. These momentum trades are sparked by news, chat pumps, or some other catalyst.
They can rip higher in minutes, but they can also turn on you just as fast.
This trading window is best for experienced traders who know their setups and can move quickly.
I often trade the Red Candle Theory (RCT) setup during this time. I’m in and out before the official trading session begins.
8:00 to 8:30 AM
Aggression Level: 4
This is still pre-market, but more traders have entered the scene, liquidity is higher, and action is less chaotic. You’re working with a bit more information.
Most of the RCT setups have gone away, so now I’m looking for the Weak-Open-Red to Green (WORG) pattern or resistance breaks.
Remember, you’re still early in the day, before the market open, so the risk level is pretty high.
9:30 AM
Aggression Level: 3
That 9:30 bell unleashes the storm…
This is when Oracle is your best friend.
Our proprietary algorithm is like a filter for the morning noise. It identifies potential plays and gives you clear entry levels. If the stock doesn’t hit its signal, you simply move on.
No chasing. No guessing.
I rely on Oracle every day because it takes so much of the heavy lifting off my plate. It’s not foolproof, but it saves time and helps me focus only on higher-probability setups.
To see how Oracle works in real-time, check out one of our FREE daily webinars.
9:45 AM
Aggression Level: 2
If you’re a brand-new trader, I urge you to avoid trading before this time. You should be using my 9:45 AM Rule…
This is where patience pays off. By waiting until 9:45, you let the early chaos settle.
Fakeouts reveal themselves, weak hands are gone, and cleaner trends emerge. Breakouts at this stage are often stronger and more reliable.
Midday to Afternoon
Aggression Level: 1
By midday, the market has shown its hand. You’ve seen the spikes, the fades, and the survivors.
This is when one of my favorite afternoon patterns, the VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price) Hold, shines.
If the stock holds above VWAP, buyers are in control. Below VWAP? Sellers are winning.
This is the least aggressive, but one of the cleanest ways to trade. It gives you confirmation, removes guesswork, and helps you finish the day with control.
My Final Thoughts…
Sadly, most traders burn out by noon. They blow up in pre-market, chase garbage at the open, then spend the afternoon trying to dig out of a hole.
But it doesn’t have to be that way…
The Aggression Progression forces discipline over emotion by matching your strategy to your risk tolerance, and helping you manage your focus throughout the day.
If you want trading longevity, which means consistent growth and not just one lucky win, you need structure.
Find that structure with the Aggression Progression.
Have a great weekend, everyone. See you back here on Monday.
Tim Bohen
Lead Trainer, StocksToTrade
P.S.
Check out my latest watchlist for lower interest rates.
Supercharge your trading with this method.
I love this setup for trading after the market open.