Happy Monday, traders…

Ben here.

There’s no sugarcoating it, Friday was another brutal day in the markets, capitulating further downward from Thursday’s momentum stock bloodbath.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.6%, the Nasdaq Composite fell 2%, and growth stocks across the board got wrecked even more. 

Headlines about UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) facing a DOJ investigation led to a 9.2% drop in their shares.

Plus, Walmart Inc.’s (NYSE: WMT) downbeat earnings guidance has added to the volatility.

I get it — buying calls when the market is this bearish feels counterintuitive. It’s like trying to convince yourself to jump into a cold pool, every instinct tells you to stay put. 

But some of the best call-buying opportunities occur when stocks correct. If you liked these stocks 30% higher last week, you should love them 30% lower this week. 

That said, you need to be extremely careful and disciplined in an environment like this. And if you aren’t extremely confident in the setup, don’t trade it. 

I’m building a watchlist of the strongest names for potential recoveries. No guarantees that these bounce next week, but I want to be ready to position myself for the rebound.

After all, nearly every time the Nasdaq has dropped more than 2% intraday in the past few years, it’s been a major dip-buying opportunity. 

With that in mind, here are ten names on my radar right now (and the key price levels I’m watching)…

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT)

Microsoft Corporation has been consolidating after a strong pop early last week. It’s forming a flag pattern that could lead to another leg higher. 

The key here is whether it can get back over the 21-day moving average and hold. If it does, we could see a move up toward $430 or even $440 in the near term. 

There’s a lot of bullish order flow in Microsoft Corporation, and with an earnings gap still in play, there’s plenty of room for this to run.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE)

Pfizer Inc. has been a slow mover, but it’s trying to push higher. It had a decent bounce off recent lows last Thursday but failed to close above the 21-day moving average. 

If it can reclaim that level and break over $26, we could see it push toward the $27+ range. A ton of in-the-money calls came in on this one, which is something to keep an eye on.

PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL)

PayPal Holdings Inc. has been basing out nicely after its earnings move…

Last week, we saw significant call volume on the $80 strikes for next week, and open interest confirmed that new buyers were stepping in. 

If PayPal Holdings Inc. can push over $78 and hold, there’s room for a move toward $79-$80 in the short term. Given how well it’s held its post-earnings gains, this one could be setting up for more upside.

PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP)

PepsiCo Inc. is quietly trying to break out of a long-term downtrend. 

The stock put in a nice double bottom and is now reclaiming key levels, approaching its 50-day moving average around $150, which will be a key level to clear. 

The longer-term idea here is a move back toward $160+, so this is one to consider for a longer hold.

Celsius Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH)

Celsius Holdings Inc. is on fire, up over 35% following strong earnings and an acquisition announcement. 

The stock initially dipped on the news but quickly found buyers, and now it’s making an explosive move higher. 

This kind of strength is tough to chase, but it’s worth keeping an eye on for possible continuation or a pullback entry.

Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE)

Nike Inc. had a monster move earlier in the week and has been consolidating ever since. It’s in a tight range, and a break over recent highs could set it up for another leg higher. 

This is one of the stronger names in the market right now, and if it holds up, it could turn into a solid momentum trade (if the group reverses). 

Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER)

Uber Technologies Inc. has gained more than 20% since its recent earnings report. 

It’s now sitting right under a major resistance level. If it can clear $78, it could set up for a push toward $80. 

The stock has shown relative strength and is holding up well despite some choppy market action.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS)

Casino stocks have been showing strength, and Las Vegas Sands Corp. is no exception. 

It broke above its 21-day moving average on Thursday and it’s holding up well. If it can build on this move, there’s room for a push higher.

Bitcoin (BTC) & Crypto Stocks

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) nearly hit $100,000 this week, and crypto-related stocks were moving with it. 

Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) made a move higher on Friday morning after the SEC dropped its case, which is a big win for the company. 

But then, the momentum bloodbath continued, and COIN went from being up 4% in the morning to down 5.5% by the mid-afternoon — a nearly 10% swing to the downside.

By the end of the day on Friday, BTC was right at $95,000 support. If it can hold this level, it will likely push higher next week.

Keep these names on your radar for a potential bullish reversal next week. But if support levels don’t hold or resistance levels don’t break, wait for a better entry.

Balance confidence and caution. 

💰The Biggest Smart Money Bets of the Day💰

• $8.6 million bullish bet on MSTR 02/28/2025 $342.50 puts @ $5.16 avg. (seen on 2/21)

• $5.6 million bullish bet on SLV 03/28/2025 $26 calls @ $3.68 avg. (seen on 2/21)

• $2.7 million bullish bet on TLT 09/19/2025 $105 calls @ $0.75 avg. (seen on 2/21)

Stay disciplined,

Ben Sturgill

P.S. Nvidia’s earnings report on Wednesday is the biggest catalyst of the year so far…

Join Jeff Zananiri TODAY, February 24 at 2:00 p.m. EST as he breaks down everything you need to prepare for the report. 

Click here to be ready for Nvidia’s earnings!

*Past performance does not indicate future results