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Momentum Trading

Ride the trend with stocks showing strong price action and volume

See Today's Top Momentum Stocks →

What Is Momentum Trading?

Momentum trading is based on a simple premise: stocks that are going up tend to keep going up, and stocks that are going down tend to keep going down. Rather than fight the trend or search for reversals, momentum traders ride the wave while it's moving in their direction.

This strategy works because market psychology creates trends. When a stock breaks out to new highs on strong volume, it attracts attention from investors, analysts, and algorithms. This buying pressure fuels further gains, creating a self-reinforcing cycle — at least for a while.

Momentum trading requires discipline and active monitoring. You need to know when to enter a trend, when to ride it, and when to exit before it reverses. It's more hands-on than buy-and-hold strategies, but it can capture significant gains during strong bull markets or sector rotations.

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Active Strategy Warning

Momentum trading requires regular monitoring and quick decision-making. Trends can reverse suddenly, especially during market volatility or news events.

Not suitable for passive investors or those who can't check positions frequently. Set stop-losses and stick to your exit plan.

Core Momentum Principles

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The Trend Is Your Friend

Don't fight market direction. If the stock is rising on strong volume, assume it will continue until proven otherwise. Trade with the trend, not against it.

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Volume Confirms Price

Strong moves should be accompanied by high trading volume. Volume validates the trend. Low-volume rallies are suspect and often reverse.

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Relative Strength Matters

Look for stocks outperforming their peers and the broader market. Strong relative strength indicates leadership, which tends to persist.

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Timing and Exits

Know your exit strategy before entering. Use stop-losses to protect gains. When momentum fades, exit quickly — don't hope for a rebound.

Key Metrics We Use

Price Performance (3-12 Months)

Recent price appreciation relative to starting point

+20%+
Target: Stocks up 20%+ over 3-6 months with consistent uptrend

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

Measures momentum on a scale of 0-100

50-70
Target: RSI between 50-70 indicates strong momentum without being overbought

Volume Trend

Average volume compared to historical levels

Target: Volume above 20-day average on up days confirms buying interest

52-Week High Proximity

How close the stock is to its 52-week high

90%+
Target: Trading within 10% of 52-week high shows strength

Moving Average Position

Price relative to 50-day and 200-day moving averages

Above
Target: Price above both 50-day and 200-day MAs indicates uptrend

How We Score Momentum Stocks

Our momentum scoring system identifies stocks with strong, sustained price trends. High scores mean:

Real Examples

Company A (Technology)

AI chip maker on strong growth trajectory

91

6-Month Gain

+48%

RSI

62

Volume Trend

+35%

52W High

98%

Strong breakout on earnings beat, sustained buying pressure, institutional accumulation

Company B (Healthcare)

Biotech with FDA approval momentum

87

6-Month Gain

+62%

RSI

68

Volume Trend

+52%

52W High

100%

New drug approval catalyst, sector rotation into healthcare, strong chart pattern

Company C (Energy)

Oil producer benefiting from commodity rally

83

6-Month Gain

+34%

RSI

58

Volume Trend

+28%

52W High

94%

Rising oil prices, sector leadership, consistent weekly gains

Entry and Exit Guidelines

✅ When to Enter

  • Breakout above resistance on high volume
  • Stock making new 52-week highs
  • RSI between 50-70 (strong but not overbought)
  • Positive catalyst or sector rotation
  • Pullback to support in established uptrend

❌ When to Exit

  • Break below 50-day moving average
  • Volume dries up on up days
  • RSI above 80 (overbought, reversal risk)
  • Stop-loss triggered (typically 7-10% below entry)
  • Loss of relative strength vs. market

Is Momentum Trading Right for You?

✅ Best For:

  • • Active traders who monitor positions daily
  • • Those comfortable with technical analysis
  • • Investors with higher risk tolerance
  • • Quick decision-makers
  • • Those who can follow discipline and rules
  • • Bull market participants

⚠️ Not Ideal For:

  • • Passive buy-and-hold investors
  • • Those who can't monitor positions regularly
  • • Conservative, risk-averse investors
  • • Emotional traders who don't cut losses
  • • Investors seeking dividend income
  • • Those uncomfortable with volatility

Tips for Momentum Success

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Always Use Stop-Losses

Protect capital with 7-10% stop-losses. Never let a winner turn into a big loser.

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Don't Chase Parabolic Moves

If a stock has already doubled in 2 months, you're late. Wait for the next setup.

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Scale In and Out

Build positions gradually and take partial profits along the way.

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Follow the Leaders

Focus on stocks showing the strongest momentum in the strongest sectors.

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Adapt to Market Conditions

Momentum works best in trending markets. Reduce exposure in choppy, sideways conditions.

Ready to Ride the Momentum Wave?

See today's highest-scoring momentum stocks with strong trends and volume confirmation.

View Today's Momentum Stocks

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