WED 2/25: MNST – SELLING ALL P/L: +$651.40 +2.2%

3:54 PM – Selling my entire MNST position here just before today’s bell. The company is set to report earnings tomorrow after the close, and shares can begin to get volatile ahead of that event. Earnings reactions are unpredictable and often sharp. While I do occasionally take risk into announcements, with Monster here I’d rather lock in a quick +2.2% gain and move on.

I believe my entries — outlined below — were near perfect, and something both to practice and learn from. Each 1/3 position was executed on a clear bullish technical signal the stock provided.

The 2/17 breakout to new highs on a +37% increase in volume was the initial BUY SIGNAL. I personally entered, admittedly a little late, the following day with a 1/3 position.

My first 1/3 ADD came on the 2/20 advance from the 10 DMA to new highs on a +14% increase in volume — exactly what I look for and you want to see.

The continued bullish action the following session gave me one final opportunity to complete the position as shares pushed to new highs once again.

If it weren’t for tomorrow’s earnings report, I would still be holding MNST. The 10 DMA is just beginning to “line up,” as I say. That action is typically constructive ahead of a developing, continued uptrend, as I have pointed out many times with previous winning selections.

I do realize MNST could blast higher on tomorrow’s quarterly report, and that’s money I am going to be missing out on. However, there’s also an equal chance the stock gaps down and sells off.

Every trader’s portfolio goals evolve over time. My focus right now is aggressively growing account equity — which is currently at all-time highs — by rotating into quicker-moving opportunities as I’m currently finding plenty each week in this current market.

At this stage, I’m perfectly content hitting some quick singles and the occasional doubles — stacking modest, consistent wins. Those will drive my balance home and push my total runs higher.

I prefer my capital be positioned in strength and momentum — and as always remain there only while bullish technical signals persist.

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MY BUYS:
2/18 (1/3) @ $83.68
2/20 (1/3) @ $82.98
2/23 (1/3) @ $84.76

NEW COST BASIS: $83.81

MY SELLS:
2/25 (ALL) +$651.40 +2.2%

James’ Trader’s Tip: Earnings Volatility Is a Choice

    • Earnings reactions are often sharp and unpredictable.

    • Protecting a quick gain is disciplined risk management.

    • Capital should rotate into stocks showing current momentum.

    • Aggressive growth still requires controlled risk.

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MON 2/23: MNST – BUYING/ADDING TO (1/3) @ $84.76

3:55 PM – Adding a final 1/3 to my Monster position as shares continue advancing from the 10 DMA with a (albeit) modest increase in volume. The stock remains very highly ranked and is trading at new all-time highs with little evidence of any willing sellers, even as the broader market tumbles. Technically, the longer-term uptrend that began following the early November earnings announcement remains intact.

MY BUYS:
2/18 (1/3) @ $83.68
2/20 (1/3) @ $82.98
2/23 (1/3) @ $84.76

NEW COST BASIS: $83.81

James’ Trader’s Tip: Add to Leaders Showing Relative Strength

• Stocks making new highs during market weakness show relative strength.

• Watch for continued support at the 10 DMA.

• Positions should be built or added to at specific bullish signals.

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FRI 2/20: MNST – BUYING/ADDING (1/3) @ $82.98

9:53 AM – Shares are advancing from the 10 DMA to new all-time highs with an increase in volume. That is a bullish sign and qualifies as a BUY SIGNAL. This stock has about the highest over-all ranks and a decent fundamental history.

I am personally adding another 1/3 to my position here as momentum confirms institutional demand.

BUY SIGNALS:
2/18 (1/3) @ $83.68
2/20 (1/3) @ $82.98

NEW COST BASIS: $83.32

James’ Trader’s Tip: Strength Off the 10 DMA is My Buy Signal

 • The 10 DMA is the heartbeat of short-term momentum.

 • When price advances from that line on expanding volume, it often signals fresh institutional buying.

 • Adding in stages keeps risk controlled while building conviction.

 • Confirmation beats anticipation — let price prove the move.

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WED 2/18: MNST – BUYING (1/3) @ $83.68

10:15 AM – Shares are breaking out to new all-time highs on increasing volume this morning, triggering a clear BUY SIGNAL. Technically, price is just above the 10 DMA — a constructive position that provides defined short-term support while keeping the stock from being extended. MNST carries very high overall ranks and a strong fundamental history. I’m personally nitiating 1/3 position here.

MY BUYS:
2/18 (1/3) @ $83.68

James’ Trader’s Tip: Breakouts Near Support Offer Better Risk Control

• Breakouts are strongest when confirmed by expanding volume.

• Entries just above the 10 DMA allow tight risk management.

• Avoid chasing extended stocks — buy strength near structure.

• High ranks plus technical confirmation stack the odds.

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