Overview
Today’s scan reveals 69 continuation breakout signals across the market on February 23, 2026. The quality of setups is mixed, with several stocks showing strong momentum but relatively low relative volume (RVOL) readings, suggesting cautious institutional participation. The standout characteristic is the dominance of healthcare and medical sector names, which represent 6 of the top 10 candidates.
Overall setup quality is moderate. While we have solid price appreciation and several names near 52-week highs, the lower RVOL readings (many below 1.0) indicate these moves lack the explosive volume confirmation we prefer for high-conviction breakouts. The exception is MENS with 3.3x RVOL and 35.8% gains, though its micro-cap volatility presents elevated risk.
Top 5 Picks
AEM ($240.49) — Mining (Gold/Silver/Gems)
Technical Setup: AEM is printing a continuation breakout at virtually the 52-week high (only -0.1% away), showing exceptional relative strength in the precious metals space. The 5.4% gain comes on relatively subdued volume (RVOL 0.8), suggesting smart money accumulation rather than retail FOMO. The stock sits between zones with strong demand support at $201.36-$202.80 (15.67% below current price), providing a well-defined risk structure. The ATR%-M of 5.9 indicates expanding volatility, favorable for momentum continuation.
| Entry Zone | Stop Loss | Target 1 | Target 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $238-$242 | $228.50 | $252 | $268 |
Institutional Backing: No fund data available. Risk-reward ratio is approximately 1:2.5 to first target based on the 4.6% ADR.
AMGN ($379.42) — Medical (Biomed/Biotech)
Technical Setup: Amgen is executing a textbook supply zone test, currently positioned at_supply with overhead resistance at $380.47-$385.11 (distance only 0.28%). The 1.3% gain on 1.0x RVOL shows balanced participation. What makes this compelling is the strong demand foundation at $342.93-$352.20, providing 7.17% downside cushion. A confirmed breakout above $385 would open significant upside given the stock’s -1.5% distance from 52-week highs. The ATR%-M of 4.5 and ADR of 2.7% indicate this large-cap biotech is experiencing above-average volatility.
| Entry Zone | Stop Loss | Target 1 | Target 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $382-$386 | $372 | $395 | $410 |
Institutional Backing: No fund data available. The large-cap nature and tight ATR suggest institutional-grade quality.
ASND ($234.95) — Medical (Biomed/Biotech)
Technical Setup: ASND demonstrates powerful momentum with 4.4% gains on 1.1x RVOL, currently testing supply at $236.63-$242. The stock sits only -2.9% from 52-week highs after a massive 89.4% rally from lows, indicating sustained institutional accumulation. The at_supply position with strong daily demand support at $209.79-$216.66 (7.78% below) creates an asymmetric setup. The low ATR%-M of 2.0 suggests this is early-stage expansion from consolidation.
| Entry Zone | Stop Loss | Target 1 | Target 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $236-$240 | $225 | $248 | $260 |
Institutional Backing: No fund data available. The 4.3% ADR supports swing trading with defined stops.
ICLR ($104.66) — Medical (Research Equipment/Services)
Technical Setup: ICLR is staging a recovery bounce with 5.0% gains, though it remains deeply discounted at -50.4% from 52-week highs. The between-zones positioning creates opportunity as the stock has significant runway to supply at $146.61-$148.93 (40% above). The RVOL of 0.7 is concerning, but the 8.1% ADR and improving ATR%-M (-3.5 suggests recent contraction, now expanding) indicate a potential reversal setup rather than pure continuation. This is higher risk but offers substantial reward potential.
| Entry Zone | Stop Loss | Target 1 | Target 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $103-$107 | $98 | $118 | $132 |
Institutional Backing: No fund data available. Wide stops required given 8.1% ADR volatility.
CLS ($296.68) — Electronics (Contract Manufacturing)
Technical Setup: CLS presents a unique setup at_demand with minimal distance (0.02%) from the weekly demand zone at $261.48-$296.62. The 1.4% gain on low RVOL (0.5) suggests stealth accumulation. What’s remarkable is the 411% gain from 52-week lows, though the stock remains -18.4% off highs. The ATR%-M of -0.3 indicates recent compression, often preceding expansion. The 7.4% ADR requires wider stops but offers proportional reward.
| Entry Zone | Stop Loss | Target 1 | Target 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $294-$300 | $280 | $318 | $334 |
Institutional Backing: No fund data available. Weekly zone support provides strong structural foundation.
Honorable Mentions
- IRDM ($23.18): Telecom play between zones with 8.4-strength monthly supply overhead; clean structure but low 0.6 RVOL.
- LUCD ($1.43): Micro-cap medical device name up 5.2%, positioned between zones with room to $1.48-$1.60 supply.
- MAIA ($2.16): Biotechnology micro-cap with 11.9% ADR; between zones but very low 0.4 RVOL limits conviction.
- MENS ($2.73): Explosive 35.8% surge on 3.3x RVOL; high-risk/high-reward micro-cap near supply at $2.91-$3.06.
- MOH ($156.21): Managed care name up 3.5% but deeply discounted at -56.6% from highs; recovery play with distant monthly supply.
Strategy Summary
Today’s continuation breakout landscape is healthcare-heavy with moderate conviction signals. The medical sector dominance (6 of 10 picks) suggests sector rotation into defensive growth areas. Quality is reasonable for swing trades but lacks the explosive volume confirmation preferred for high-probability momentum plays.
Key observations: Most RVOL readings below 1.0 indicate institutional caution. Several names (AEM, ASND) at or near 52-week highs show leadership quality. The risk-reward remains favorable with well-defined demand zones providing stop-loss anchors.
Recommended approach: Scale into positions rather than full-size entries given muted volume. Prioritize the large-cap names (AMGN, AEM) over micro-caps for cleaner execution. Use the 4-8% ADR ranges to set realistic profit targets of 1.5-2x risk minimum. Monitor sector rotation—if healthcare continues leading, these setups strengthen considerably.