With all the volatility and relentless selloffs, it’s a little surprising not to see more aggressive trade signals right now. Scanning over 2,000 stocks using my methodology, only eight candidates meet the criteria - and not all are worth pursuing. That says a lot about today's cautious landscape, especially for retirement savers seeking both protection and opportunity.

There were eight stocks, but I’ve picked the best three to look at… 

Of the current setups, Verizon (VZ), Kinder Morgan (KMI), and Amgen (AMGN) stand out:

• VZ is breaking out of a short-term bull flag and through a key Monkeybar level today. I’m targeting $47.30 in the next 10 days — a potential 7% return or better. However, volume is light. For greater conviction, wait for at least average volume on an up candle before entering.
• KMI mirrors VZ’s bullish price pattern and Monkeybar breakout. The breakout level is $27 with a $29 target, offering another 7% upside. Unlike VZ, KMI is confirming on higher volume, which boosts confidence that it will hit the target within two trading weeks.
• AMGN is taking heat today, along with much of healthcare. It broke down from a symmetrical triangle and Monkeybar support — creating a bearish opportunity. I’m eyeing $250 as a downside target, also a 7% move. Instead of shorting shares, consider a call vertical spread to capture premium while managing risk, but be mindful of dividend risk with the ex-dividend date on 05/16/2025.

In a market where signals are scarce and retirement portfolios are under pressure, smart, selective trades like these — focused on risk/reward and confirmation — are how we stay tactical and protective at the same time.

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