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A Risk Checklist for Index and Stock Futures

A concise pre-trade checklist covering contract exposure, volatility, liquidity, stop distance and event risk.

Futures provide direct exposure and leverage, which makes a clear risk framework essential. A small market move can create a meaningful change in account equity.

Understand the contract exposure

Check the current lot size, contract value, expiry and margin before planning the trade. Margin is not the same as maximum risk, and requirements may change with market conditions.

Build the scenario before execution

Define the market structure, entry condition, stop distance and maximum rupee risk. Also note major scheduled events that can cause gaps or rapid volatility.

  • Contract and lot size
  • Liquidity and spread
  • Entry and invalidation
  • Maximum rupee risk
  • Event and overnight-gap risk

Review the trade as a process

After the position is closed, compare the execution with the original plan. Process review is more useful than judging quality only by profit or loss.

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