Are you starting to take trading and investing more seriously? Perhaps it’s time to upgrade your setup. Whether you’re a full-time trader or you just dabble in some forex trading and other markets in your spare time, the right equipment and environment can make all the difference. Focus on these key areas to build the perfect trading den.
Find the right space
Consider the best place for your trading setup at home. A spare bedroom could be completely revamped or a few tweaks to your existing home office might do the job. Even a corner or nook somewhere may have enough space for what you need.
Ideally, you’ll want it away from noise and other distractions. If this isn’t possible, invest in some noise-cancelling headphones to help you maintain concentration on the markets when it matters most.
Invest in quality hardware
The heart of any trading setup is the technology, both for aesthetics and functionality. Installing multiple monitors gives that true trader look – especially if you can have both portrait and landscape orientations.
A handful of monitors allows you to keep an eye on various charts, news feeds and trading platforms simultaneously. They can give you an upper hand when it comes to monitoring real-time positions and executing trades. Ensure they’re raised to help you maintain your posture throughout trading sessions.
Your choice of hardware is also significant. While you don’t need something super powerful, as you might need for gaming, it should be able to handle multiple tasks and graphical outputs without struggle. Something i5 (or equivalent) and above should give you the processing power needed, along with 16GB or more RAM.
Maximise comfort with the right furniture
As with any activity in front of a screen, comfort and ergonomics are crucial. Invest in a comfortable chair with proper back support and make sure it’s the right height for your desk (or adjustable if not).
An ergonomic keyboard and mouse can also help prevent strain during long periods of activity. To protect your eyes, consider wearing glasses with blue light filters – especially if you’re using screens in the dark. These can reduce the effects of prolonged screen exposure, ensuring you stay alert when you need to be.
Add features for creativity and inspiration
Consider additional features designed to help you thrive in the financial markets. This could be whiteboard walls, charts or calendars for planning and strategy.
Alternatively, inspirational touches such as motivational quotes can remind you of lessons from your investing heroes. Framed artwork or prints could help you keep one eye on your financial goals.
Find what inspires and motivates you and use it to create the perfect trading den.