# Tracking Index Volatility Session by Session

> Stock indices exhibit different behaviors in different market sessions. Learn how to track this volatility in your journal.

**Tags:** indices, volatility, trading-sessions, journaling
**URL:** https://traderjournal.app/gold-and-indices/tracking-index-volatility-session-by-session

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# Tracking Index Volatility Session by Session

Stock indices like the Nasdaq (NAS100) and S&P 500 (SPX500) are heavily influenced by the opening and closing of physical stock exchanges. Consequently, index volatility changes dramatically throughout the day.

Tracking this volatility session by session in your journal is key to identifying when your strategy has an edge.

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## The Three Main Index Phases

- **The Pre-Market (Asian/European Session):** Volume and volatility are generally low. Trends can be slow and range-bound.
- **The US Open (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM EST):** This is the highest volume period. Trends are established, but fakeouts are common.
- **The Close (3:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST):** Volatility increases as institutional traders square their portfolios for the day.

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## How to Journal Session Volatility

When you enter an index trade, log the exact session phase. Add tags like "us-open", "us-midday", or "pre-market".

Review your data:
- Does your trend-following strategy lose money during the midday range?
- Do you get stopped out frequently during the opening 15 minutes due to high volatility?

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## Optimizing Your Hours

If the data shows that you lose money trading the open but are highly profitable after 10:00 AM EST, update your plan to wait 30 minutes after the open before placing trades.

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Trader Journal for MT4 and MT5 automatically categorizes your trades by time and session, making session analysis simple.

Download it today at android.traderjournal.app or ios.traderjournal.app.