In the field of financial trading, monitor settings have a significant impact on a trader's market analysis and decision-making. Whether you are trading short term (e.g. day trading) or long term (e.g. swing trading), a proper monitor setup can significantly improve trading efficiency.

Is multi-screen trading really necessary?

We often see the so-called "trading guru" on social media to show their multi-screen trading setup - desktop full of four, six or even eight monitors, hanging on the wall with a large screen TV, next to the laptop and smartphone, as if the number of these devices can directly improve the success rate of trading. As if the number of these devices could directly increase the success rate of trading. However, this is not the case. Instead of helping you trade, too much information distracts you and reduces your trading efficiency.

Attention and concentration in trading

Psychological studies have shown that human beings have a limited amount of time to focus on a single task, and Daniel Goleman's book Focus mentions that a person's concentration on a task changes over time and usually starts to decline after 30-40 minutes. Therefore, when traders are confronted with multiple screens, their attention can easily be distracted by different sources of information, thus affecting the quality of trading decisions.

Monitors: less is more

After years of practice and research, many professional traders have come to an important conclusion: one monitor is enough for most trading needs. Focusing on one screen during the trading process allows you to pay better attention to the market dynamics and execution of trading strategies. If a second monitor is indeed needed, it should only be used for ancillary tasks such as monitoring market news or handling other non-trading related tasks.

Mobile trading and screen size

With the rise of mobile trading, many traders have taken to using their laptops to trade while travelling. This approach not only increases work flexibility, but also allows traders to maintain a consistent trading experience in different environments. Therefore, it is recommended that traders get used to trading on a laptop screen to avoid discomfort due to changes in equipment.

Focus on the trading plan

In today's trading environment, the key is to follow a trading plan and stay focused on the market. Multi-screen setups, while looking professional, can actually be a source of distraction for traders. The success of a trade does not depend on the number of monitors, but rather on the trader's ability to make the best trading decisions at critical moments.