For example:
Stock ABC closed yesterday at $40 per share. The stock is set to open the following day’s session at $40.50 per share. If the stock opens at $40.50 and begins to push higher, there may be underlying strength and the price may continue to rise.
If the stock opens at $40.50 and immediately begins to trade below the open price, the stock may have some underlying weakness and may look to fill the gap left from yesterday’s close. If a market is trading above its opening price, it may pay to look for long trades. If a market is trading below its opening price, it may pay to look for shorts.
The market open and where price is in relation to it can potentially provide traders with clues as to sentiment and market direction. Using the open, one may also be able to look for long or short trades with favorable risk/reward ratios. While the open can be volatile and erratic, it may also provide some of the best trade set-ups for the day.
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