Weekly Update: Bull Storm Into 2022 at Record Highs

US markets ended the year on a high note, to be sure.

The benchmark S&P 500 index broke above the 4,800 level this week for the first time ever.

It’s now approaching a 30% gain for the year.

And it’s a similar figure for the Nasdaq 100.

But zooming out to a wider range of smaller stocks, the Russell 2000 index is up only about half that amount for the year at 16.5%.

That’s still a respectable gain, and it’s been a great trading range over the past year with a lot of opportunities.

But it points back to what I’ve been telling you lately…

The performance of large-cap and mega-cap stocks is masking a stealth correction throughout much of the market.

Yes, there will be plenty of great trading opportunities in 2022… And I’ll be here alerting you to many of them.

But I continue to recommend cautious trading because I don’t want you to get complacent as we head into the new year.

With that in mind, let’s get right to this week’s Watchlist stocks…

Lee Enterprises, Inc.

Lee Enterprises, Inc. (LEE) is a small, $232 million publishing company that produces print and digital newspapers and provides advertising and marketing services.

After surging 119% in 22 days, I put LEE on the Watchlist last week.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Lee Enterprises, Inc. (LEE) -- Source: TC2000
Daily Chart of Lee Enterprises, Inc. (LEE) — Source: TC2000

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 99/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 235%
  • Sales growth: +1%
  • Triple momentum: yes

It also met the criteria for a “high tight flag.”

Since then, the stock has stayed within its retracement zone, so I’m going to keep it on our list to see if it can break out higher.

Ideally, we want the stock to stay in the “flag” portion for two to three weeks or more.

This way we can make sure the profit-taking has been absorbed.

Typically, traders use the low of the retracement zone as where to place a stop loss.

But if price continues to tighten, you could use the swing low of the final retracement.

Alphabet Inc.

Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) is the 1.9 trillion parent holding company for technology platforms Google, Android, YouTube and many other leading tech brands.

The fact that a nearly $2 trillion company is still growing sales by 41% per quarter is mind-blowing.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) -- Source: TC2000
Daily Chart of Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) — Source: TC2000

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 92/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 70%
  • Sales growth: +41%
  • Triple momentum: yes

The company grew profits by 99%, 189% and 82% in the last three quarters, respectively, showing there may be no limit to how big Google can become. 

Shares have been consolidating for the last few months, and we now have a tight pivot range where we can buy to risk just 6% on the trade.

Driven Brands Holdings Inc.

Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (DRVN) is a $5.6 billion automotive services provider for retail and commercial customers.

It does paint and body work, repairs, oil changes and other general services, and it is also a distributor of various aftermarket auto parts.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Driven Brands (DRVN) -- Source: TC2000
Daily Chart of Driven Brands (DRVN) — Source: TC2000

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 87/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 49%
  • Sales growth: +39%
  • Triple momentum: yes

As a stock, DRVN is a recent initial public offering (IPO) trying to complete its first base as a public company.

The stock tried to break out earlier this month, but it appears to be finding sellers near the $34 area where the stock peaked back in January.

If we can get through that area into new high ground, there is a good chance the stock will run higher.

Last week’s low needs to hold in order for this to remain a low-risk trade, however.

If the stock breaks down, I will wait for a new entry point.

Live Coaching Session

Monday, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, we’ll be hosting our regular weekly coaching session for Stealth Trades. 

We’ll send you a login reminder that morning, just so you don’t forget.

We’ll cover all of our new stocks on the Watchlist as well as the rest of the stocks inside Stealth Trades.

You need to attend this session to get the most from your subscription!

In the meantime, you can watch the replay of our latest Stealth Trades session right here.

Best wishes for your trading,

Ross Givens

Editor, Stealth Trades

Weekly Update: Why Managing Risk is Crucial Right Now

Is this the start of a real market downturn?

Maybe it is… Maybe it’s not. 

As I’ve noted recently, the market has been extremely weak under the surface for months now…

And it’s certainly possible that the indexes and big name technology stocks could finally succumb to that and head lower.

We’re not seeing that happen just yet, as the S&P 500 index is only off of its all-time high by about 2%.

But the fact is that most breakouts are not working right now.

Instead of seeing the follow-through move we would normally expect, breakout stocks are getting sold off before they’re able to gain any real traction.

The stocks are sound, and the setups look good. But it seems to me that institutions are selling into the strength.

Now’s the Time to Manage Risk

I don’t mean for this to sound scary, but I would not be upset to see a 10%-20% correction to “reset” the market.

This would set up a lot of fresh new opportunities and clear the way for another leg up on this bull market.

For now, we’ll continue to abide by our trading rules for the new Watchlist stocks below.

However, you always want to be aware of how much risk you’re taking.

If you feel uncomfortable with this kind of up and down volatility, consider using smaller position sizes or setting tighter stops.

And when markets are shaky, don’t hesitate to take some profits and lock in a gain if you have one.

JB Hunt Transport Services

JB Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) is a $21 billion logistics services company focused on trucks and transporting stuff via those trucks.

And as you know, moving stuff via trucks is a major market in high demand right now.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of JB Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) -- Source: TC2000
Daily Chart of JB Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) — Source: TC2000

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 91/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 46%
  • Sales growth: +27%
  • Triple momentum: yes

After a healthy run in the first half of the year, JBHT has taken a breath to consolidate near the $200 level.

A shakeout move down to $185 likely hit some stops, so the stock should be even further consolidated into stronger institutional hands.

Look to buy on a breakout to new high ground.

Republic Services, Inc.

Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) is a $43 billion waste management company focused on serving municipal and residential customers.

The other side of the business processes and sells cardboard containers, newsprint, aluminum, glass and other materials.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) -- Source: TC2000
Daily Chart of Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) — Source: TC2000

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 93/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 57%
  • Sales growth: +14%
  • Triple momentum: yes

Sales growth of 14% isn’t huge for most companies. But in the waste management sector, it is fairly substantial.

After a one-day pop higher on big volume at the end of October, RSG has tightened into a low-risk 5% range.

RSG broke out of two similar bases this year, each leading to solid short-term gains.

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) is the $76 billion operator of market exchanges, clearing houses and listings venues that some of you have likely heard of or even traded with before.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) -- Source: TC2000
Daily Chart of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) — Source: TC2000

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 88/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 25%
  • Sales growth: +18%
  • Triple momentum: yes

Levi Strauss made a fortune selling pick, shovels and denim to hopeful miners in the gold rush of the 1800s.

He found a way to profit without ever making a bet on whether or not he would find gold.

The same thing goes for exchanges like ICE. Futures contracts on crude, gold, natural gas, electricity and agricultural products all trade on the Intercontinental Exchange. And the company gets its fees whether traders win or lose.

We have an opportunity for an early entry on ICE if the stock can break above Thursday’s highs while only risking about 6% on the trade.

Live Coaching Session

Monday, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, we’ll be hosting our regular weekly coaching session for Stealth Trades. 

We’ll send you a login reminder that morning, just so you don’t forget.

We’ll cover all of our new stocks on the Watchlist as well as the rest of the stocks inside Stealth Trades.

You need to attend this session to get the most from your subscription!

In the meantime, you can watch the replay of our latest Stealth Trades session right here.

Best wishes for your trading,

Ross Givens

Editor, Stealth Trades

Weekly Update: Five Stealth Stocks Set to Soar in a Shaky Market

The bears are always worried about something it seems…

First, it was inflation and rising interest rates.

Then, it was earnings season.

And to end the Thanksgiving holiday week, there was a new boogie man on Wall Street…

A new variant of the coronavirus spooked traders who sent the S&P 500 index down 2.3% on Black Friday.

While there were some intermittent bounces last week, the index ended lower again by another 1.9%.

We’re also seeing this fear show up in the S&P 500 Volatility Index (VIX), which has spiked over 70% in just two weeks.

The VIX is now at its highest level since March 2021, which sounds bad.

But here’s the thing… The S&P 500 is only off of its recent all-time high by about 5%.

If you zoom out on the charts, this drop is barely noticeable, and the longer-term trend for the broad market is still very much intact.

I am currently taking a more short-term, cautious approach to my trading right now, which I think is a prudent move while uncertainty is elevated.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for the bulls, and I have five new ones to share with you today.

Permian Basin Royalty Trust

The Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) is a small-cap ($415 million) oil trust that receives ongoing royalty interests from oil- and gas-producing properties in Texas.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) -- Source: TradingView
Daily Chart of Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) — Source: TradingView

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 99/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 196%
  • MFI reading: 82
  • Sales growth: +146%
  • Triple momentum: yes

After a textbook breakout in late September, shares jumped 63% in just three weeks on heavy volume.

Price action then tightened up again near the $9 level and began another leg higher.

But market weakness surrounding a new COVID variant and falling energy prices has given investors the chance to buy PBT on a pullback at the initial breakout level.

Those looking for additional confirmation may choose to wait until shares break above $9.25.

CorVel Corporation

CorVel Corporation (CRVL) is a financial services company that provides workers’ compensation, auto, liability and health solutions for corporate clients and government agencies.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of CorVel Corporation (CRVL) -- Source: TradingView
Daily Chart of CorVel Corporation (CRVL) — Source: TradingView

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 97/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 106%
  • MFI reading: 62
  • Sales growth: +16%
  • Triple momentum: yes

CorVel isn’t a “hot stock” by most metrics, but shares have quietly doubled in 2021.

I’m not surprised. With a small float of only 8.9 million shares, it doesn’t take too much demand to send the stock price higher.

CRVL has been consolidating for the last nine weeks, and last week’s market selloff likely shook out some weak-handed holders.

If the stock breaks above $200 on increased volume, we could easily see another quick leg higher.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (F), the $76 billion American auto manufacturer, has been an absolute monster this year – currently up 129% year-to-date.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Ford Motor Company (F) -- Source: TradingView
Daily Chart of Ford Motor Company (F) — Source: TradingView

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 97/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 130%
  • MFI reading: 55
  • Sales growth: -5%
  • Triple momentum: yes

While most of the legacy automakers have failed to keep pace with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, Ford’s focus on a next-generation electric fleet has investors excited.

F has tightened up over the last five weeks and held its ground well despite overall market weakness.

It trades in a narrow 8% range, giving traders the chance for a low-risk entry point at new highs.

For safety, I would sell if it trades below $19.00.

Toll Brothers, Inc.

Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL) is the $8 billion home builder, which should continue to benefit greatly from the current housing boom in the United States.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL) -- Source: TradingView
Daily Chart of Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL) — Source: TradingView

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 90/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 64.1%
  • MFI reading: 60
  • Sales growth: +24%
  • Triple momentum: yes

Toll Brothers is coming out of a beautiful seven-month-long base.

Pullbacks compressed from 24% down to a risk-friendly 6%.

Shares broke out on Thursday, then immediately squatted back to the $67 area on Friday morning to give traders a second chance at this entry.

I suggest buying here with a stop below the swing low at $63.10.

Century Communities, Inc.

Century Communities, Inc. (CCS) is another, smaller homebuilder with a very similar technical setup to Toll Brothers.

Here’s how the chart is setting up:

Daily Chart of Century Communities, Inc. (CCS) — Source: TradingView

And here’s how the stock is setting up with my Stealth System:

  • Surge score: 91/100
  • % Above 52-wk low: 88.6%
  • MFI reading: 65
  • Sales growth: +21%
  • Triple momentum: yes

We have a classic compression pattern with decreasing volatility, shallower pullbacks and periods of below-average volume.

Earnings are up big this year, and analysts are expecting another 10% increase in 2022, which I expect will be even higher.

Shares of CCS also broke out on Thursday, but if you can get it for less than $77, you can work a stop at $69.35 and still risk less than 10% on the trade. 

Live Coaching Session

Monday, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, we’ll be hosting our regular weekly coaching session for Stealth Trades. 

We’ll send you a log in reminder that morning, just so you don’t forget.

We’ll cover all of our new stocks on the Watchlist as well as the rest of the stocks inside Stealth Trades.

You need to attend this session to get the most from your subscription!

In the meantime, you can watch the replay of our latest Stealth Trades session right here.

Best wishes for your trading,

Ross Givens

Editor, Stealth Trades