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3 Top Momentum Stocks to Watch in 2023

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Written by Timothy Sykes
Updated 5/2/2023 18 min read

What are the fastest-moving stocks in the stock market? Momentum stocks!

Every trader comes into the stock market wanting to make money quickly. Momentum stocks seem like a good option because of their insane volatility. But it’s not that simple…

I love momentum stocks, but they’re risky. The volatility is tough to navigate. But once you figure it out, it can change your trading game for good.

In this post, I’ll go over the pros and cons of momentum stocks and how to trade them. And I’ll give you a few to keep an eye on this year. So let’s get to it…

What Are Momentum Stocks?

Momentum stocks have the potential to rise — and fall — fast. The momentum in stocks is relative to time, volume, and market cap. Large-cap momentum stocks usually won’t move 100% in a day like some of the small-cap momentum stocks do.

That’s why day traders like me love small-cap momentum stocks. When there’s enough momentum behind them, they can keep going.

Momentum is closely tied to volume and volatility. Usually, the greater the volume, the more momentum and volatility. It’s supply and demand. When more people want in on a stock, the price rises to meet the demand.

Want to learn more? Get a solid foundation with the 30-Day Bootcamp that Matt Monaco and I put together. It’s a month’s worth of lessons with daily assignments and homework. You can work at your own pace and repeat it as many times as you like. Bonus: It comes with “The Complete Penny Stock Course” book and my “Pennystocking Framework” DVD.

Momentum Investing vs. Value Investing

momentum stocks vs value investing
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Momentum stocks aren’t just for day traders. They can be great for investors too…

Momentum investing is buying into large-cap momentum stocks that have seen consistent price action over a few months.

Like Tesla in 2020. That stock had an insane run. Even after months of uptrending, buyers continued to pile in. Tesla went up nearly 500% last year alone.

Value investors, on the other hand, want to buy stocks that are underpriced based on the value of the companies behind them. Buyers looking for value use fundamental analysis to see if a company’s financials show its stock is undervalued.

I’m not an investor. I’m a trader. My niche is in momentum penny stock trading. There are risks to it, but for me, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Pros and Cons of Momentum Trading

The biggest pro to momentum trading is the potential gains. You can make huge returns in a short time. That’s why I love momentum stocks so much.

Last year I made over $1 million in profits using the momentum strategies I’ve relied on for 20+ years.* The market’s always changing, but these patterns repeat. Study the past so you can be better prepared for the future.

(Please note: my results are not typical. I’ve spent years developing exceptional skills and knowledge. Always remember trading is risky. Never risk more than you can afford.)

Another advantage to momentum trading is that there’s always a trade. Whether it’s a bull market or a bear market, you can always find momentum stocks to trade.

Of course, there are downsides…

Since momentum stocks are so volatile, there can be a lot of trading risk if you’re not careful. Never trade with more than you’re willing to lose … You never know what’s going to happen. If a trade starts going south, cut your losses quickly and move on.

Time constraints can be another disadvantage. If you aren’t constantly watching the markets, you could miss out on big moves. If you have a job, try to set it up so you’ll get as much screen time as possible. The more time you spend watching the stock market, the quicker you’ll learn.

Read “The Complete Penny Stock Course” to get a head start on momentum trading. It can teach you how to manage risk while trading the most volatile stocks in the market.

How Do You Find the Momentum of a Stock?

The best way to find a stock’s momentum is to look at the volume and price action.

You can start by scanning for stocks that have made big moves. Those moves can be over a day, a week, a month — it depends on what you’re looking for. If a small-cap stock has gapped up 50% for two consecutive days, there’s likely a lot of momentum behind it.

Then consider the volume. If a stock’s average volume is a million shares per day, and lately it’s been around 200 million, that’s a good sign that it has momentum. Heavy volume tends to push a stock even further in the direction it’s going.

Stock screeners can make it easier to scan for stocks that have momentum. A screener like StocksToTrade can be an invaluable tool for finding hot stocks.

StocksToTrade was designed by traders, for traders. It has customizable scans, broker integration, killer charts, Twitter feeds, and more! I use it every day to help build my watchlist.

(Quick disclaimer: I proudly helped design and develop StocksToTrade and am an investor in it.)

How to Trade Momentum Stocks

how to trade momentum stocks
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Finding hot momentum stocks is the easy part. Trading them? Not so easy.

Statistics show most traders lose money. Still, many newbies have the crazy idea that momentum trading is an easy way to get rich quick. Wrong! Momentum trading takes time and dedication to master. And there’s still no guarantee that you’ll be successful.

There’s no one-size-fits-all trading strategy for momentum stocks. But I’ve come up with some resources that have proven useful for many traders.

One of these is a simple, effective way to determine how solid a trading setup is. I call it the Sykes Sliding Scale … Go over the Sykes Sliding Scale until it’s ingrained in your mind. It’ll help you prepare for every trade.

For more resources, head over to my YouTube channel. And get my no-cost “Volatility Survival Guide” for tips on how to ride momentum in a volatile market. My free book, “An American Hedge Fund,” will tell you how I got started on my trading journey.

And if you’re ready to take your trading to the next level, apply to join my Trading Challenge. You’ll get access to thousands of video lessons, live webinars, arguably the best trading chat room around, and more.

What Are the Best Momentum Indicators?

These indicators take different parts of a stock’s chart to help paint a picture of what might happen in the future. None of them come with a guarantee … Trading isn’t an exact science.

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

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Relative strength index can be helpful in short-term trading. It scores the momentum in a stock’s highs and lows. A score of 30 usually indicates a low point — meaning the stock is likely to rise from there — and a score of 70 usually indicates a high point.

Traders use RSI to see if there are lower highs or higher lows. Lower highs can indicate a falling stock price, and higher lows can indicate an uptrend.

supernova placement

Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)

MACD can be confusing if you aren’t versed in it.

It’s calculated by subtracting a slower exponential moving average (EMA) of a stock from a faster EMA. The difference between the two lines is used to calculate the stock’s momentum.

Still confused? Don’t worry. Most charting software (like StocksToTrade) has a built-in MACD indicator, so all you need to do is click a few buttons and you’re set.

For more details on MACD, check out this post.

Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP)

VWAP is one of the most popular momentum indicators. I think it’s the one to focus on the most. It’s similar to MACD, but it takes average price and volume into account.

My Challenge students and I may use VWAP to look for afternoon trading opportunities. If a stock’s trading above VWAP into the afternoon, it could continue to grind higher.

VWAP also acts as a support level and stop-loss point if a trade goes against you.

Momentum Trading Strategies for Beginners

If you’re a beginner, keep it simple. The simplest strategies usually work the best.

Focus on the biggest movers with higher than average volume. These are the stocks that’ll give you the best opportunities.

Once you’ve got these stocks on your radar, watch for patterns like the supernova and the morning panic dip buy. These are some of the easiest patterns to spot. They can also be some of the most rewarding.

Now, let’s go over a few momentum stocks that you can add to your watchlist…

3 Momentum Stocks to Watch in 2021

I want to be clear that these aren’t recommendations. I’m not giving you stock tips — I want you to think for yourself. I’m showing you these charts to help you learn the patterns and prepare for the next good trading opportunity.

Want to see the stocks I’m watching every week? Sign up for my no-cost weekly watchlist and it will land in your inbox each Sunday.

Regen Biopharma (OTCPK: RGBP)

RGBP is a biotech company focused on stem cell regenerative medicines. They use pre-clinical and clinical trials to see how patients react to treatment.

Take a look at the five-day chart ending from mid-April…

momentum stocks RGBP
RGBP chart: 5-day, 1-minute candles — courtesy of StocksToTrade.com

This is a great example of a multi-day OTC runner. Look how it gapped up day after day on extremely high volume. That’s the type of momentum we look for as day traders.

This stock went up more than 3,000% over three days! Even if you only get in on a tiny portion of a move like that, you can grow your account.

It’s so important to study the patterns so you’re prepared when opportunities arise. I don’t know how many times I need to say it: Study, study, study!

Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: MARA)

MARA is in the cryptocurrency space. The company uses its hardware to mine for bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH). MARA’s price action is like BTC’s but on a much smaller scale.

Since RGBP was more of a day trade setup, I thought I’d give you more of a longer-term trade idea.

Check out the six-month chart…

momentum stocks mara
MARA chart: 6-month, 1-day candles — courtesy of StocksToTrade.com

You can see on the chart the stock’s been uptrending — with a few dips along the way.

These are the types of plays that momentum investors and swing traders look for. No one can predict exactly how high a stock will go. As long as there’s continued momentum, it can go higher.

AeroCentury (AMEX: ACY)

ACY leases used aircraft and engines to foreign and domestic airlines. This low float stock has made some big moves.

Here’s the chart…

momentum stocks acy
ACY chart: 6-month, 1-day candles — courtesy of StocksToTrade.com

This chart isn’t quite as clean as the other two, but it shows what can happen when low float stocks get momentum behind them.

Look at the move back in late December. The stock went from under $2 a share to almost $40. That was also the first day it had high volume. It’s been gapping up and down ever since.

Even though it doesn’t fit the typical momentum idea, keep this stock on your radar. Watch for high volume … The potential for low float stocks with high volume can be insane. Be ready for it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Momentum Stocks

What Are Good Momentum Stocks?

Good momentum stocks are the ones that make big moves with higher than average volume. Study up and do your research until you find the momentum stocks that can work with your trading plan.

Do Momentum Trading Strategies Work?

Yes! If they didn’t, I wouldn’t teach them. I think momentum trading can be one of the quickest ways to build a small account. But it’s also one of the quickest ways to lose your cash. That’s why you have to work your butt off and cut losses quickly when a trade goes south.

How Do You Measure Stock Momentum?

By continuously taking price differences for a fixed time interval. I think it’s smart to take volume into account as well. When there’s more volume, it’s even more likely that a stock will continue in the direction it’s headed.

How Do You Identify Momentum Stocks for Intraday Trading?

A good stock screener is a big help when trying to identify which momentum stocks you can day trade. Use it to find hot sector stocks that have made big moves on higher-than-average volume. These stocks will have lots of volatility — and that can work in your favor if you’re prepared.

How Are Momentum Indicators Used in Stocks?

Momentum indicators can help determine how likely it is that a stock will continue trending in a specific direction. When momentum indicators show a bullish trend, it can be a good time to buy into a stock. When momentum indicators look bearish, you might want to stay away or try shorting the stock. But I’m not a big fan of short selling these days. It’s too risky.

Momentum Stocks: The Bottom Line

momentum stocks bottom line
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Momentum trading can be one of the best ways to grow your brokerage account quickly. No matter how much — or how little — cash you have, your account can start to grow if you figure out how to capitalize on momentum stocks.

I’ve spent 20+ years figuring out the best ways to trade momentum stocks. It’s not an easy task, but my resources can help make it easier. Apply to join my Trading Challenge to help speed your learning curve.

Remember to keep it simple and trade the patterns that repeat. You don’t need to use some insanely complicated mathematical indicator to figure it out. Just focus on hot sector stocks that move big and have higher than average volume. The higher the volume, the better. And when you spot ‘em, snipe ‘em with a well-prepared plan.

What do you think? Are you trading momentum stocks? Let me know in the comments!


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Author card Timothy Sykes picture

Timothy Sykes

Tim Sykes is a penny stock trader and teacher who became a self-made millionaire by the age of 22 by trading $12,415 of bar mitzvah money. After becoming disenchanted with the hedge fund world, he established the Tim Sykes Trading Challenge to teach aspiring traders how to follow his trading strategies. He’s been featured in a variety of media outlets including CNN, Larry King, Steve Harvey, Forbes, Men’s Journal, and more. He’s also an active philanthropist and environmental activist, a co-founder of Karmagawa, and has donated millions of dollars to charity. Read More

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* Results are not typical and will vary from person to person. Making money trading stocks takes time, dedication, and hard work. There are inherent risks involved with investing in the stock market, including the loss of your investment. Past performance in the market is not indicative of future results. Any investment is at your own risk. See Terms of Service here

The available research on day trading suggests that most active traders lose money. Fees and overtrading are major contributors to these losses.

A 2000 study called “Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors” evaluated 66,465 U.S. households that held stocks from 1991 to 1996. The households that traded most averaged an 11.4% annual return during a period where the overall market gained 17.9%. These lower returns were attributed to overconfidence.

A 2014 paper (revised 2019) titled “Learning Fast or Slow?” analyzed the complete transaction history of the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1992 and 2006. It looked at the ongoing performance of day traders in this sample, and found that 97% of day traders can expect to lose money from trading, and more than 90% of all day trading volume can be traced to investors who predictably lose money. Additionally, it tied the behavior of gamblers and drivers who get more speeding tickets to overtrading, and cited studies showing that legalized gambling has an inverse effect on trading volume.

A 2019 research study (revised 2020) called “Day Trading for a Living?” observed 19,646 Brazilian futures contract traders who started day trading from 2013 to 2015, and recorded two years of their trading activity. The study authors found that 97% of traders with more than 300 days actively trading lost money, and only 1.1% earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage ($16 USD per day). They hypothesized that the greater returns shown in previous studies did not differentiate between frequent day traders and those who traded rarely, and that more frequent trading activity decreases the chance of profitability.

These studies show the wide variance of the available data on day trading profitability. One thing that seems clear from the research is that most day traders lose money .

Millionaire Media 66 W Flagler St. Ste. 900 Miami, FL 33130 United States (888) 878-3621 This is for information purposes only as Millionaire Media LLC nor Timothy Sykes is registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser. No information herein is intended as securities brokerage, investment, tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes cannot and does not assess, verify or guarantee the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information, the suitability or profitability of any particular investment, or the potential value of any investment or informational source. The reader bears responsibility for his/her own investment research and decisions, should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment, and investigate and fully understand any and all risks before investing. Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes in no way warrants the solvency, financial condition, or investment advisability of any of the securities mentioned in communications or websites. In addition, Millionaire Media LLC and Timothy Sykes accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this information. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns.

Citations for Disclaimer

Barber, Brad M. and Odean, Terrance, Trading is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors. Available at SSRN: “Day Trading for a Living?”

Barber, Brad M. and Lee, Yi-Tsung and Liu, Yu-Jane and Odean, Terrance and Zhang, Ke, Learning Fast or Slow? (May 28, 2019). Forthcoming: Review of Asset Pricing Studies, Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=2535636”

Chague, Fernando and De-Losso, Rodrigo and Giovannetti, Bruno, Day Trading for a Living? (June 11, 2020). Available at SSRN: “https://ssrn.com/abstract=3423101”