Futures are telling a split story this morning. Dow’s up 12 points (+0.04%), Russell 2000 ticking 0.03% higher, but tech’s dragging — Nasdaq 100 down 0.26%, S&P 500 off 0.08%. That’s the market digesting Friday’s record Dow close while questioning whether tech can hold recent gains.
What Changed Overnight
Not much in terms of major catalysts, which is why we’re seeing this directionless chop. Apple’s still riding the wave from that 16% revenue beat in Q1 fiscal 2026 ($143.8B, EPS $2.84), and iPhone sales jumped 23% year-over-year. That’s the kind of number that keeps mega-caps buoyant, but it’s old news by now.
The real question is whether the broader market has juice left after pushing the S&P 500 past 6,000. Earnings growth is tracking at 13.6% year-over-year, which is solid, but we’re pricing in perfection. Any stumbles in earnings reports this week could trigger profit-taking.
Today’s Earnings to Watch
- Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) — Steel and mining. If they beat, it’s a vote of confidence for industrial demand.
- Becton Dickinson (BDX) — Medical devices. Healthcare’s been steady, and BDX is a bellwether.
- CNA Financial (CNA) — Insurance. Not a mover, but tells you something about risk appetite.
None of these are headline-grabbers, but CLF could move if commodity traders pile in. As I mentioned in last week’s recap, earnings season is where disciplined traders find their edge — not by chasing hype, but by watching how the market reacts to fundamentals.
Reddit’s Talking DUMP
My Reddit scan flagged DUMP as the top ticker this morning — 3.53 confidence, bullish sentiment, backed by a due diligence post on r/wallstreetbets titled “Don’t trust the Monday rally.” That’s contrarian positioning, which usually means retail’s betting on a fade.
DUMP’s not on my radar as a quality play (never heard of it before this morning), but it’s worth noting when Reddit starts coordinating around obscure tickers. I’m staying clear — too much noise, not enough edge.
Other mentions: RDDT (Reddit itself, ironically), GPS (Gap Inc.), and a few microcaps that don’t pass my liquidity filter.
My Watchlist for Today
I’m keeping it simple. Three setups, all conditional:
- SPY $605-$607 — If we break above Friday’s close and hold, I’ll scalp calls on a retest of $610. If we reject, I’m eyeing puts targeting $600 support.
- QQQ $525 — Nasdaq’s at a decision point. Below $525, tech looks heavy. Above $530, it’s game on for another leg up. I’ll wait for direction before committing.
- CLF $14.50-$15.00 — If earnings come in strong and the stock pops above $15, I’ll take a swing trade into the afternoon. Stop at $14.25.
What I’m Not Doing
I’m not chasing anything at the open. Pre-market volume is anemic, and the lack of catalyst means we could chop sideways for hours. I’d rather wait for 10:30 AM EST when institutional flow picks up and we get real price discovery.
I’m also ignoring the Reddit hype stocks. DUMP might rip 20% today, or it might crater. Either way, it’s not a trade I can manage with my risk parameters. If you’re trading microcaps, set tight stops — these things move fast and don’t care about your entry.
Game Plan
- Wait for the open — Let the first 30 minutes flush out the gamblers.
- Watch volume — If SPY or QQQ break key levels on strong volume, I’ll enter. If volume is weak, I sit.
- Manage risk — No position bigger than 30% of my account. Stop losses on every trade.
- Be patient — Most days, the best trade is no trade. Today might be one of those days.
The market’s not giving us much to work with. That’s okay. I’d rather wait for clarity than force a trade and bleed capital. If CLF earnings surprise to the upside or tech finds a bid, I’ll have setups ready. If not, I’ll review my Reddit scan data and look for swing opportunities later this week.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not financial advice. Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Always do your own research and assess your risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.