Focus on the stuff that really moves!

It is that simple.

Most successful trading strategies are based on that. Technical analysis works best on stuff that runs up or down faster than the rest. The stocks that run up real hard also go down best.

Use top gainers/losers, gaps, unusual volume, whatsoever. It helps to check market direction and use relative strength. Stocks that hold up well during market corrections are usually good candidates to buy once the market reverses. It is best to wait for a consolidation or a pullback before entering.

For day trades the reason of the move is not that important, but if you want to hold partials for a swing go for earning surprises, big orders. Upgrades and takeovers usually don’t work beyond the day of the move…