Each day we write a few articles covering stocks making key technical developments.

Bullish Breakout on American Airlines (AAL)

by DAN Articles

American Airlines Group Inc. ($AAL) hit a new 52 week high today. AAL is at $41.37, and has traded in a range from $23.45 to $41.25 over the past 52 weeks. Volume was last at 4,977,990 with a 50 day average of 10,451,506.

52 Week Range $23.45-$41.25
Market Cap 29,801,719,625
Average Volume 10,451,506
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 58.80%
Insider Ownership: 0.00%
Percentage of Float Short 2.80%
Beta -2.53

American Airlines Group Inc. is above the 50 day moving average and above the 200 day moving average. This configuration is bullish. The stock has also been consolidating for the past 3 months. As such, AAL is likely to move higher and can be bought at current levels.

American Airlines Group Inc. American Airlines Group Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates in the airline industry.

A look at Qualcomm Inc.

by DAN Articles

Qualcomm Inc. ($QCOM) averages are at $79.45 (21 day SMA), $79.02 (50 day SMA), $72.76 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks QCOM has traded from a low of $59.02 to a high of $81.66. QCOM was last at $80.49 on a volume of 2,800,730. Average daily volume has been at 9,236,441.

52 Week Range $59.02-$81.66
Market Cap 136,059,316,627
Average Volume 9,236,441
Dividend Yield 2.24%
Institutional Ownership 83.50%
Insider Ownership: 0.10%
Percentage of Float Short 1.10%
Beta 1.11

As you can see by this daily chart, QCOM has been in a volatility squeeze for the past couple of weeks and is very close to breaking out. Monday’s intraday high was $87.89. A close above $87.90 on heavier than average volume would generate a buy signal. Those who wish to wait for a pullback (if one is to occur) might want to wait for a test of the 50-day moving average, which is currently at $79.47.

Qualcomm, Inc. develops digital communication technology called CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), & owns intellectual property applicable to products that implement any version of CDMA including patents, patent applications & trade secrets.

A look at Barracuda Networks Inc — Exact Double.

by DAN Articles

Barracuda Networks Inc ($CUDA) averages are at $34.29 (21 day SMA), $34.54 (50 day SMA), $0.00 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks CUDA has traded from a low of $18.63 to a high of $41.30. CUDA was last at $43.25 on a volume of 112,685. Average daily volume has been at 226,956.

52 Week Range $18.63-$41.30
Market Cap 2,111,885,321
Average Volume 226,956
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 38.20%
Insider Ownership: 0.00%
Percentage of Float Short 1.10%
Beta 6.91

Barracuda Networks (CUDA) first began trading last November, opening at $22.20. Earlier today that stock printed $44.40 — an exact double, While the stock has fallen away from that price, it remains above the breakout level shown in the chart above. Technical traders may want to pay particularly close attention to any further pullback in price. Any return to $40 must find support at that level — otherwise, this breakout is a false move and will likely lead to further consolidation.

Barracuda Networks, Inc., designs and delivers security and storage solutions. It offers cloud-connected solutions that help customers address security threats, improve network performance and protect and store data.

A look at Visa — A trend in motion tends to stay in motion

by DAN Articles

Visa ($V) averages are at $223.04 (21 day SMA), $221.90 (50 day SMA), $197.06 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks V has traded from a low of $155.68 to a high of $235.50. V was last at $224.79 on a volume of 177,138. Average daily volume has been at 3,174,614.

52 Week Range $155.68-$235.50
Market Cap 142,627,218,439
Average Volume 3,174,614
Dividend Yield 0.72%
Institutional Ownership 74.30%
Insider Ownership: 0.10%
Percentage of Float Short 2.30%
Beta 0.76

Visa (V) has been moving in a series of higher lows for nearly two y ears. The 50-day moving average has loosely defined the uptrending support where demand is more aggressive than supply. Technical traders should be keying on the 50-day moving average (currently at $222.37). So long as the stock remains above that level on a closing basis, buying the stock now presents a low risk entry with potential for significant advances.

Visa, Inc. is a payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, banks and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments.

A look at Trina Solar Ltd. — Volatility Squeeze About to Pop?

by DAN Articles

Trina Solar Ltd. ($TSL) averages are at $15.02 (21 day SMA), $14.99 (50 day SMA), $11.77 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks TSL has traded from a low of $3.31 to a high of $17.84. TSL was last at $16.68 on a volume of 671,948. Average daily volume has been at 4,855,623.

52 Week Range $3.31-$17.84
Market Cap 1,309,511,786
Average Volume 4,855,623
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 59.70%
Insider Ownership: 0.00%
Percentage of Float Short 10.60%
Beta 3.08

Trina Solar (TSL) has been trading in a fairly tight range for the past month or so. But over the past couple of days, the stock has started to test prior highs on increasing volume. When tests of prior highs occur from a tight consolidation, the outcome is often a bullish breakout. Technical traders might wish to focus on $17. A close above that level will likely lead to even higher prices.

Trina Solar Limited, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the manufacturing and selling of solar modules. It produces mono- and multi-crystalline silicon ingots, wafers, cells and related products.

A look at Guggenheim Solar ETF — Is the Sun Setting on Solar?

by DAN Articles

Guggenheim Solar ETF ($TAN) averages are at $41.41 (21 day SMA), $39.38 (50 day SMA), $32.57 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks TAN has traded from a low of $15.00 to a high of $47.50. TAN was last at $49.93 on a volume of 87,069. Average daily volume has been at 550,037.

52 Week Range $15.00-$47.50
Market Cap 552,282,640
Average Volume 550,037
Dividend Yield 0.95%
Institutional Ownership 0.00%
Insider Ownership: 0.00%
Percentage of Float Short 30.70%
Beta 2.30

The question in the title was provocative — because the technical picture on the Guggenheim Solar ETF (TAN) is bullish and showing no technical signs of deterioration of the uptrend. The stock has recently broken out of a trading channel and technical traders might want to watch how deeply any pullback falls into that channel. Strong stocks don’t retrace all of the channel that’s been broken. Also, a look at the weekly chart shows that TAN is moving out of a somewhat loose volatility squeeze.

So the sector appears to have some pretty strong upward momentum. So long as the trend remains intact, this sector is hot.

The investment seeks investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before the fund’s fees and expenses, of an equity index called the MAC Global Solar Energy Index.
The fund will invest at least 90% of total assets in common stock, ADRs and GDRs that comprise the index and depositary receipts representing common stocks included in the index. The Solar Index was comprised of approximately 26 securities selected based on the relative importance of solar power within the company’s business model. It generally will invest in all of the securities comprising the index in proportion to their weightings in the index. The fund is non-diversified.

A look at The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. — Finally Passing the Test?

by DAN Articles

The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ($GS) averages are at $163.05 (21 day SMA), $169.41 (50 day SMA), $162.43 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks GS has traded from a low of $137.29 to a high of $181.13. GS was last at $168.03 on a volume of 2,198,700. Average daily volume has been at 3,243,711.

52 Week Range $137.29-$181.13
Market Cap 76,351,355,916
Average Volume 3,243,711
Dividend Yield 1.32%
Institutional Ownership 73.30%
Insider Ownership: 3.40%
Percentage of Float Short 1.70%
Beta 1.71

Goldman Sachs (GS) had been bouncing along the 200-day moving average during the entire month of February. After repeatedly trading below the 200-day moving average, the stock is bouncing decisively off that key indicator and establishing it as viable support.

Technical traders will look at the series of five lows since April of last year. From this obvious pattern, they’ll likely be buying this stock right now.

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Its segments include Investment Banking, Trading and Principal Investments, Asset Management and Securities Services.

A look at Deckers Outdoor Corporation — Are the Bulls in Jail?

by DAN Articles

Deckers Outdoor Corporation ($DECK) averages are at $81.20 (21 day SMA), $81.55 (50 day SMA), $67.06 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks DECK has traded from a low of $46.13 to a high of $90.09. DECK was last at $74.47 on a volume of 1,153,070. Average daily volume has been at 1,420,372.

52 Week Range $46.13-$90.09
Market Cap 2,572,986,907
Average Volume 1,420,372
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 0.00%
Insider Ownership: 5.20%
Percentage of Float Short 17.90%
Beta 0.92

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) reported disappointing earnings last week and gapped from $82 down to $75 where it ultimately fell to test $70. Volume was massive last Friday as nearly 10 million shares changed hands. The stock has yet to test the gap created by the earnings miss. This is a stock that’s likely to continue to consolidate for a while. Technical traders will probably see that the stock is basically in jail and refrain from buying the stock.

Deckers Outdoor Corporation is a designer, producer, marketer, and brand manager of innovative, high-quality footwear and accessories.

A look at Salesforce.com Inc.

by DAN Articles

Salesforce.com Inc. ($CRM) averages are at $62.32 (21 day SMA), $58.94 (50 day SMA), $50.15 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks CRM has traded from a low of $36.09 to a high of $67.00. CRM was last at $62.80 on a volume of 5,353,520. Average daily volume has been at 5,159,151.

52 Week Range $36.09-$67.00
Market Cap 37,871,415,000
Average Volume 5,159,151
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 98.50%
Insider Ownership: 10.90%
Percentage of Float Short 8.50%
Beta 1.16

Salesforce (CRM) recently announced earnings that disappointed the Street. T he stock sold off and ultimately tested the 50-day moving average. Technical traders who focus more on the chart than the fundamentals should keep an eye on the 50-day moving average. So far, the stock remains in an uptrend and is current range bound between $60-$67.

So long as the stock remains above the 50-day moving average, the trend remains intact. A break of this key moving average will put the uptrend in quesiton.

Salesforce.com, Inc., provides enterprise cloud computing solutions, offering social and mobile cloud apps and platform services, as well as professional services to facilitate the adoption of its solutions.

A look at MannKind Corporation — Potential Pop in a Speculative Stock

by DAN Articles

MannKind Corporation ($MNKD) averages are at $5.60 (21 day SMA), $5.34 (50 day SMA), $5.83 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks MNKD has traded from a low of $2.43 to a high of $8.70. MNKD was last at $5.77 on a volume of 4,199,090. Average daily volume has been at 6,560,485.

52 Week Range $2.43-$8.70
Market Cap 2,047,402,000
Average Volume 6,560,485
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 17.10%
Insider Ownership: 2.10%
Percentage of Float Short 14.40%
Beta 1.75

MannKind (MNKD) is a biotech company that has an inhalant insulin delivery system (Afrezza) currently under review by the FDA. Assuming the FDA does finally approve Afrezza, this company will be poised to dominate the insulin delivery market due to the convenience of the delivery system. The stock has been been in consolidation after spiking to above $7 last month, with current support at approximately $5.00. Speculators may consider taking a position in this stock now while it is close to support. This is a volatile stock that is extremely sensitive to news events, so any position should be considered as a trade with a higher-than-average risk profile.

MannKind Corporation is engaged in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products for diabetes and cancer in the United States.

A look at SPDR Gold Trust — Mature consolidation?

by DAN Articles

SPDR Gold Trust ($GLD) averages are at $120.68 (21 day SMA), $119.28 (50 day SMA), $126.89 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks GLD has traded from a low of $114.46 to a high of $160.05. GLD was last at $122.93 on a volume of 3,757,620. Average daily volume has been at 7,811,929.

52 Week Range $114.46-$160.05
Market Cap 32,674,457,500
Average Volume 7,811,929
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 0.00%
Insider Ownership: 0.00%
Percentage of Float Short 4.80%
Beta 0.17

The SPDR Gold Trust ETF (GLD) has been basing since printing a low of $115 last June. While the stock remains in consolidation, the 200-day moving average has been drifting lower and lower and is not just slightly above the stock price. Also, the chart shows a breakout above a downtrending resistance line that’s been relevant since last August. So this could be poised to break out of consolidation and begin a new uptrend. Technical traders may want to start a position now and then add to it as the price moves through the 200-day moving average.

The investment seeks to replicate the performance, net of expenses, of the price of gold bullion.
The trust holds gold, and is expected to issue baskets in exchange for deposits of gold, and to distribute gold in connection with redemption of baskets. The gold held by the trust will only be sold on an as-needed basis to pay trust expenses, in the event the trust terminates and liquidates its assets, or as otherwise required by law or regulation.

A look at Gilead Sciences Inc. — The bulls continue to run.

by DAN Articles

Gilead Sciences Inc. ($GILD) averages are at $78.63 (21 day SMA), $75.68 (50 day SMA), $63.67 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks GILD has traded from a low of $40.16 to a high of $84.40. GILD was last at $80.44 on a volume of 4,541,700. Average daily volume has been at 11,675,330.

52 Week Range $40.16-$84.40
Market Cap 123,549,604,216
Average Volume 11,675,330
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 96.60%
Insider Ownership: 1.00%
Percentage of Float Short 5.50%
Beta 0.56

Gilead (GILD) has been bouncing along the 50-day moving average since July of 2012. This has been a very reliable technical support level that currently stands at $75.80. The steady uptrend remains intact after a successful test of that key moving average on Friday, February 7th. The stock is currently at $80.35 — just 6% above support. If you trade using chart analysis for a long-term bullish position, a stop that’s above 8% below current stock price levels would generate a prudent risk/reward profile.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes new medicines for different medical sectors.

A look at Cabelas Inc. — Pre-Earnings Run?

by DAN Articles

Cabelas Inc. ($CAB) averages are at $67.39 (21 day SMA), $65.43 (50 day SMA), $65.44 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks CAB has traded from a low of $47.65 to a high of $72.54. CAB was last at $70.81 on a volume of 1,195,990. Average daily volume has been at 749,649.

52 Week Range $47.65-$72.54
Market Cap 5,032,201,918
Average Volume 749,649
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 87.10%
Insider Ownership: 23.30%
Percentage of Float Short 13.80%
Beta 1.71

Cabela’s (CAB) is in the latter stages of completing a bullish Cup & Handle pattern, with current resistance at $72.00. The stock has been in consolidation for more than 8 months and appears poised to break out of this consolidation. Earnings are due to be released on February 13th. Technically oriented traders may want to focus on the $72 resistance level. Any breakout above that level could lead to even higher prices.

Cabela’s, Inc. is a specialty retailer, and a direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping, and related outdoor merchandise.

A look at Twitter Inc — Testing Key Support

by DAN Articles

Twitter Inc ($TWTR) averages are at $61.33 (21 day SMA), $57.19 (50 day SMA), $0.00 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks TWTR has traded from a low of $38.80 to a high of $74.73. TWTR was last at $50.39 on a volume of 59,765,500. Average daily volume has been at 21,911,349.

52 Week Range $38.80-$74.73
Market Cap 27,251,181,704
Average Volume 21,911,349
Dividend Yield 0.00%
Institutional Ownership 10.50%
Insider Ownership: 0.00%
Percentage of Float Short 6.00%
Beta 9.37

Twitter (TWTR) posted earnings that were actually better than consensus estimates, but also reported that their subscriber growth was slowing. The stock fell out of its prior trading range on much heavier-than-average volume and closed at $50. Despite falling more than 24% and being short-term oversold, a break of $50 could lead to even lower prices. Technical traders may want to watch this level. Any break below this key support level could present a good selling/shorting opportunity.

Twitter Inc is a global platform for public self-expression and conversation in real time. It provides a way for people to stay informed about their interests, discover what is happening in their world and interact directly.

A look at Honeywell International Inc. — Still in the Sweet Spot

by DAN Articles

Honeywell International Inc. ($HON) averages are at $90.07 (21 day SMA), $89.27 (50 day SMA), $83.26 (200 day SMA). Over the past 52 weeks HON has traded from a low of $68.84 to a high of $92.15. HON was last at $91.08 on a volume of 1,786,290. Average daily volume has been at 2,623,341.

52 Week Range $68.84-$92.15
Market Cap 71,475,839,340
Average Volume 2,623,341
Dividend Yield 2.01%
Institutional Ownership 83.90%
Insider Ownership: 0.30%
Percentage of Float Short 0.70%
Beta 1.26

Honeywell International (HON) has been walking up along the 50-day moving average for more than a year, where the bulls start buying the stock as soon as it tags this key intermediate term moving average. The stock has tested the 50-day moving average several times over the past two weeks and continues to move higher.

Technical traders might want to watch the $90 price level. Any pullback to that level puts the stock extremely close to support. A long position can then be taken with a small degree of risk.

Honeywell International, Inc. is a technology & manufacturing company, which serves customers with aerospace products & services, control, sensing and security technologies for buildings, homes and industry, turbochargers, automotive products, chemicals.