Stocks in Play - November 21st 2025

Stocks in Play: Leveraged ETFs, AZTA, GAP

Welcome to today's Stocks in Play report. Below are the key stocks to watch, along with brief x-ray and analysis.

Market Awareness

Yesterday we faded at the Trendline which shouldn’t have been much of a shock. Although the move was quite the spectacle. We are bouncing this morning but not with any great vigor although the VIX is red as we go into the open. I will be monitoring that for any spikes. I’m cautions. From yesterday WMT worked really well and held up throughout the day. This is tells us where we are at. Consumer Defensives aren’t where money goes when people are feeling speculative.

I think we will probably see a bounce toward the end of the day today. I don’t think shorts are going to want to press into the weekend. It’s important to note also that next week is Thanksgiving. While we don’t celebrate it in Ireland it’s usually a week that I like to take off. I’ll be heading away with Mrs. Irish on Tuesday for a break. I recommend others take it easy too. It will be low volume market and all the big players will be off. Take these opportunities to refresh yourself and don’t force it. I find that Monday & Tuesday of Thanksgiving week can have some one day wonder pumps but after that no real company is going to be announcing anything substantial.

I’ll be publishing a Week Ahead over the weekend but no Newsletter at all next week.

Enjoy the weekend and stay safe!

Today’s Picks

Leveraged ETFs: It’s very likely that everything bounces together today or fails. Either TQQQ or something important like NVDA is probably as good as any catalyst that occurs today. I won’t be surprised to see NVDA rally hard today and with it will go the TQQQ, caution at the open for a whip out of eager buyers.

AZTA: Beat on Revs and EPS, Strong Margin expansion signalling a Turnaround Inflection, Strong FY26 Guide and strong cash position and KPI Growth. Positive management commentary ‘‘Transformative’’ year. Lower Volume stock, need to see what it does at the open. Healthcare has been strong. Solid chart.

X-Ray AZTA: Industry Group: Medical Instruments & Supplies, Market Cap: 1.38B, Float: 44.90M Short Interest 6.92%, Days to Cover: 5.98, Exchange: NASDAQ

GAP: I had this as a pick earlier in the year. Strong earnings. Highest Comp sales growth in four years. Beat on Revs, EPS, GMs and most importantly Comp sales. Executing a return to growth and operational prudence. Chart has a large base.

X-Ray GAP: Industry Group: Apparel Retail, Market Cap: 8.56B, Float: 243.73M Short Interest 9.03%, Days to Cover: 2.23, Exchange: NYSE

Delayed Reaction Watchlist (click here Tradingview)

Sources & Services I Use in my Trading:

• Finviz - Short Interest, Float, Articles, Fundamentals (Free)

• Benzinga Pro - News Source + News Squawk + Earnings Data (Paid)

• Tradingview - Charting & Scanning (Paid)

• Koyfin - Fundamental Data (Paid)

• EarningsWhispers - Earnings Calendar (Free)

• Tradersync - Trade Journal (Paid)

_{PS: There are many ways to trade stocks in play. It does not have to be the one that keeps going straight up and sometimes it doesn’t even have to be day one of the catalyst. Everyone must find a setup, timeframe and method that works for them. This list is supposed to educate on the criteria I use and the methods in which I find Stocks in Play. Yours may differ and that is completely okay.}