Mastering Red Days: Pro Insights From TheChartGuys
Welcome to another breakdown inspired by TheChartGuys—one of YouTube’s most trusted trading channels, hosted by the experienced and engaging Dan McDermitt. If you’re a regular in the trading community, you know TheChartGuys are revered for their clarity and actionable analysis. But every new trader faces a universal challenge: how to navigate and make the most of shaky, red market days when things seem uncertain. Today’s article draws from Dan’s latest pre-market walk-through, unpacking the realities and opportunities hidden in red openers. By the end, you’ll discover fresh insights on building confidence and strategy, especially on those tough mornings.
Inside A Red Start: How Dan Confronts Volatility Before The Bell
Picture this: it’s pre-market, the screens are up, and the chat is buzzing. Dan greets his crew with upbeat energy, but acknowledges the day’s challenge. The market is a bit red this morning. Economic data is due in minutes—PPI, Fed commentary, oil inventories. Many traders freeze or panic on these mornings, unsure whether to risk new trades or sit on the sidelines.
What stands out is Dan’s approach: there’s no panic, no doom, only quiet confidence built on preparation. He lists what’s ahead—PPI numbers, oil inventories, the Beige Book, and potential Fed remarks. Rather than react emotionally, he frames the red start as simply “no major damage done yet.”
Market’s a bit red this morning. No major damage done yet.
This mindset is a crucial contrast to many beginners who might see a red open as the sign to exit or become fearful. For Dan and many pros, red days are not the exception—they’re part of the rhythm of active trading, where calm and process beat panic every time.
The Power Of Preparation: Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity
Experienced traders know that the market’s reaction to scheduled news is often more important than the news itself. As Dan lines up the day’s economic releases and notes the market’s slight dip, he teaches viewers to anticipate, not just react.
He doesn’t sugarcoat it—red mornings can rattle anyone, but having a process is what makes the difference. Dan’s process includes:
- Knowing key economic events scheduled for the day
- Assessing pre-market trends and volume
- Identifying important support/resistance zones
- Preparing for both bullish and bearish scenarios
His tone is reassuring, reminding the crew that while uncertainty is present, it can also be the source of great opportunity for those who are mentally and technically prepared.
PPI in 8 minutes. We have oil inventory today…some Fed speak and beige book.
This focused attention to preparation, rather than prediction, helps diffuse fear. Beginners often feel anxious on volatile red days because of unpredictability—but the takeaway is to shift attention to what you can control: preparation, not prediction.
Building Calm In Chaos: Developing Consistent Confidence On Difficult Days
A fundamental shift happens when you stop fearing red days and start treating them as normal market mechanics. Dan never dramatizes a down open—instead, he focuses on the facts, reminds his viewers about what’s really significant (the reaction to news, the levels to watch), and interacts with the community with warmth and clarity.
When traders adopt this perspective, they become less emotional and more objective. The change is subtle but powerful:
- Red days become routines, not anomalies: Expect them and learn their rhythm.
- Data, not drama, leads the session: Decisions are shaped by pre-set criteria, not feelings.
- Community matters: Dan’s light banter with the pregame crew is part of creating a supportive, learning environment.
Instead of flipping out over every market dip, experienced traders keep their heads clear and stick to their plans. As Dan shows, being able to laugh—“Oh, you make me laugh”—even amid the market’s noise, is a subtle but vital strength.
Grow Small Investments Big With Traderfriends
If you’re inspired by Dan’s steady approach to challenging market opens, you’re already a step ahead. The next level? Surrounding yourself with a teaching-focused, supportive trading community—where resilience is built daily, and small accounts can steadily develop into bigger ones.
That’s where Traderfriends comes in. This community arms you with daily insights, real-time support, and the education needed to grow confidently, even on choppy red mornings. Take today’s insight from TheChartGuys and combine it with the resources available at Traderfriends—a place where your progress as a trader is the top priority.
Tip: Try prepping for your next trading session the way pros do—focus on your process, anticipate news, and don’t let a red open dictate your game plan. With the steady support of Traderfriends, you’re never trading alone, no matter how the market opens.
