How to Know Which Stocks Will Move Today
One of the most common questions I get is: “How do you know which stocks will move today?” It’s something every trader wants to figure out — because let’s be real, catching a strong mover early can make your whole day. But it’s not about luck. I use a routine that helps me spot potential runners before the market opens, and I’ll walk you through exactly how I do it.
I don’t rely on alerts from other people. I built my own system that tells me where momentum is starting to build — and I do it using free tools, no indicators, and a clear checklist. The same method I use every morning is detailed inside my ebook, where I show how I find stocks and setups that consistently help me pay bills with trading profits.
Table of Contents
Start With Pre-Market Scanners
Each morning, I check a pre-market stock screener to find tickers with unusual volume. If a stock is already up 10% or more with above-average volume, I take a closer look. These early movers often continue to run at the open — especially if there’s news backing the move.
Volume is key. I don’t touch anything with low volume, even if the price is gapping. If people aren’t watching it, I’m not interested. Momentum needs attention, and attention shows up in the volume.
Look for a Catalyst
Once I find something moving, I ask why. Was there breaking news, an earnings report, an FDA approval, a company buyout? These are the events that fuel big moves. I’ve learned to avoid “random” gappers that don’t have a clear reason behind them — they often fade fast.
I also make sure to read the actual headlines. Not just the summary. A positive-sounding headline can have negative details once you dig deeper. I want to know what the rest of the market is reacting to — before I react myself.
Check the Daily Chart
A big mistake beginners make is jumping into a mover without checking where it is on the chart. Is it at resistance? Did it already run for three days straight? I avoid chasing. I want stocks that are just starting a new leg up, preferably with clean levels and room to run.
If I see a stock breaking over a key resistance from the previous day, and it has fresh volume and a catalyst, that’s a green light. If the chart is messy or extended, I skip it — no matter how hyped it is.
Watch Sector Momentum
Some days, entire sectors move together — biotech, EVs, energy, etc. When I notice a theme forming, I narrow my scanner to that niche. If one small-cap biotech pops, there’s a good chance others will follow. Momentum rotates, and I ride the wave.
Inside my ebook, I show how I use this sector-based strategy to filter and focus on where smart money might be flowing — instead of spreading myself too thin.
Build a Focused Watchlist
I narrow my scan results down to six tickers max. These are the ones I plan to watch when the bell rings. I write notes on each: key levels, entry ideas, and why it’s on my list. This gives me a clear plan — I’m not guessing when the market opens.
Every stock that makes it on my list has earned its spot. If I’m unsure about a ticker, I leave it out. I’d rather miss a trade than enter a bad one. This discipline is what helps me stay consistent.
Conclusion
You don’t need to trade 20 stocks a day or chase Twitter alerts. You just need to spot where attention is building, understand the chart, and prepare your list with intention. That’s how I know which stocks might move each day — and why I’m able to focus instead of chasing.
If you want to learn this process step by step and apply it with a small account, my ebook walks you through everything — from scanning, to filtering, to creating a daily trading plan that actually works.
Let the market come to you. Build a system. And trade what makes sense to you.
I also rely heavily on price action patterns from the previous day. Stocks that had strong volume the day before and closed near their highs often have follow-through the next morning. If a stock formed a flag or consolidation pattern, I’m even more interested. That shows potential energy waiting to be released.
Another filter I use is float size. I personally prefer low to mid-float stocks because they tend to move faster when volume surges. But I avoid extremely low-float names that can be manipulated too easily. I want volatility — but with some structure behind it.
I also pay attention to gap-fill zones. If a stock is gapping up into an area where it previously dropped hard, I’m cautious. That zone can act as resistance. But if it’s reclaiming a level after a clean breakout, that’s a potential momentum continuation setup.
One overlooked trick I use is monitoring volume leaders in the pre-market — not just top gainers. A stock that traded millions of shares before 9:00AM is already showing massive interest. If the chart confirms the setup, it might be one of the biggest movers that day.
I don’t need fancy software or expensive platforms to spot movers. I use free screeners, basic charts, and a daily habit of scanning. The key is consistency. Doing the same scan every morning lets me notice what’s normal and what stands out.
Another thing I watch for is unusual options activity. If I see large call buying in the pre-market for a stock that’s already gapping up, that adds conviction. It’s not something I base my trades on alone — but it adds a layer of confidence when aligned with my other signals.
People often ask me why I’m not in 10 different Discords or chasing callouts. The truth is, I don’t want noise. I want clarity. I want to know why a stock is moving, where I want to enter, and how I’m managing risk. That’s the mindset I built over time — and it’s what I share in my ebook.
Another piece I focus on is pre-market price structure. I look at where buyers step in and where price rejects. If a stock holds above pre-market support and breaks pre-market highs, that often leads to clean setups at the open.
I also like to monitor gap-up percentage. If a stock is gapping too much, it might be extended. But if it’s gapping just enough to clear resistance and has volume behind it, I’m interested. My sweet spot is usually 5%–15% pre-market gap, depending on the float.
What helped me grow the most wasn’t just finding stocks — it was sticking to my morning checklist and letting the plan guide me. I share this exact checklist in my ebook along with how I pick trades that let me consistently cover my bills, month after month.
I no longer wake up stressed wondering what to trade. I follow the same system daily, adjust based on volume and sectors, and trust my process. That’s how I know what’s moving — and how I stay focused in a market full of distractions.