Let’s talk about the market for a second… because right now, it’s just weird.
We’re not falling apart, but we’re not exactly charging ahead either. The indexes grind sideways. Sector momentum flickers in and out like a bad light bulb.
One day it’s energy, the next it’s healthcare, then it’s back to mega caps, but none of it sticks.
I’ve been saying this a lot in the Opening Playbook room lately: we’re in a reactive market. This isn’t the time to come in with a bold macro thesis and hope the market agrees. It’s a tape that punishes conviction and rewards adaptability.
So, I’ve had to adjust my approach. Big time.
I’m not trading broad sectors or trying to time the next breakout. Instead, I’ve narrowed my focus to individual stocks showing real relative strength. And more importantly, I’m trading them with tight setups and fast exits.
Here are a few names that have stayed on my radar:
✅ LLY – Eli Lilly continues to grind higher even when the rest of the market hesitates. It’s not explosive, but that’s the point. When it pulls back, buyers step in. In this tape, I’ll take that kind of stability every day.
✅ COST – Costco might be the best-looking chart out there right now. It’s got a clean trend, consistent volume, and zero drama. Again, nothing flashy. But if you’ve been in the markets long enough, you know that boring tends to win when everything else is noisy.
✅ TSLA – This one surprised me. I’ve been skeptical about Tesla all year, and long-term, I still have questions. But short-term? It’s acting better. It’s finding buyers. It’s tradable again. And that’s all I care about right now.
None of these are trades I’m married to. I’m not falling in love with setups, and I’m not trying to be a hero. These are short-term vehicles in a market that’s rewarding short-term action.
I’m taking fewer trades—but I’m trading them better. I’m not chasing, and I’m not predicting. I’m just reacting. That mindset has been key.
The folks in our room who are doing well right now? They’ve made that shift too. They’re not trying to win a trophy for “Best Macro Thesis.” They’re just stacking smart, small wins and protecting their capital.
So if you’re feeling frustrated, you’re not alone. But the way out isn’t to force things or sit on your hands waiting for the market to “make sense again.”
The way out is to adapt.
This is the market we have—and it’s not going to send you an apology email any time soon.
But it is giving opportunities to traders who stay sharp and focused.
You just have to be willing to trade what’s in front of you… not what you wish was happening.
Don’t forget to tune into the Opening Playbook every day at 10 am ET!
We’ll continue to dig into these topics and much more.
— Nate Tucci
