Earnings season is in full swing, and the stakes just went up. Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), and Robinhood (HOOD) all delivered explosive Q2 reports this week—sending shockwaves through tech, fintech, and the broader market. But with Coinbase (COIN), Apple (AAPL), and Amazon (AMZN) reporting after the bell, the real question is: Will this spark a true market rally, or is it just another rotation into mega caps and hype names?
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Let’s break down what’s happening, what matters, and—most importantly—how you can spot the best trading opportunities from this wild tape.
META, MSFT, HOOD: Earnings That Matter
Meta and Microsoft both came in way ahead of Wall Street’s expectations.
- Meta (NASDAQ: META) posted a 22% jump in revenue and a 36% increase in net income, driven by relentless investments in AI, stronger-than-expected ad demand, and higher user engagement. The stock ripped over 12% after earnings, with analysts calling the growth “almost incomprehensible” at this scale.
- Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) not only beat the quarter but broke the $4 trillion market cap level for the first time, propelled by an 18% revenue jump and another record for Azure cloud growth (up 34% year-over-year). Microsoft’s focus on AI infrastructure and cloud continues to pay off—helping to boost chipmakers like AMD and Broadcom, who are riding the coattails of Big Tech’s capex binge.
- Robinhood (NASDAQ: HOOD) absolutely crushed it too, reporting nearly $1 billion in Q2 revenue and a 98% year-over-year surge in crypto trading revenue. The stock’s fortunes aren’t just about retail trading anymore: HOOD’s push into asset tokenization and global markets is starting to turn heads.
Key theme: The market is rewarding aggressive investment in AI and next-gen fintech. But the leadership remains very narrow. That’s the setup heading into tonight’s heavyweights.
The Next Dominoes: Coinbase, Apple, and Amazon Earnings
Now comes the big test.
- Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) reports after the close, just hours after Robinhood’s blockbuster quarter. Analysts expect $1.5 billion in revenue—a 4% year-over-year increase. With the SEC dropping its case, new S&P 500 status, and crypto trading volume up, Coinbase could easily outperform. If COIN posts a strong quarter, don’t be surprised to see the entire crypto exchange sector light up after hours and into tomorrow.
- Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) also report tonight. With all the AI and cloud hype in play, traders will be watching Apple’s update on iPhone, AI, and services, while Amazon’s cloud numbers and retail guidance are key for gauging the strength of both the consumer and the enterprise tech cycle.
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Bottom line: If these three names deliver, it could kick off a broader rally—and create new sympathy trades in both big and small caps.
Sympathy Runners: Where the Smart Money Looks Next
Earnings season isn’t just about the companies on the headline. It’s about where the action flows next.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Crypto Exchanges & Miners: If COIN follows HOOD’s strong print, expect sympathy momentum in smaller crypto exchanges and miners—names like MARA, RIOT, or even smaller fintechs that ride the blockchain wave.
- AI and Chip Stocks: Meta and Microsoft’s AI and cloud capex are a tailwind for chipmakers and AI infrastructure plays. Beyond the obvious (AMD, AVGO), keep an eye on lower-float tech names with hot news or sector momentum.
- Retail & E-commerce: Amazon’s results can move a whole sector. Names like SHOP, MELI, or even niche e-commerce IPOs could react to strong guidance or bullish commentary from AMZN’s management.
- High Volume, Low Float: These sympathy runners with news, volume, and a small float are where I focus. When you get that combo, especially on the back of sector headlines, that’s where you find the best risk/reward.
How I’m Trading This Market
Here’s my approach, plain and simple:
- Don’t chase the leaders late in the move. When Meta’s up 10%+ post-earnings, the easy money is likely made. Look for secondary setups, morning continuations, or key support levels—not just chasing green candles.
- Scan for sympathy runners with volume and float advantage. Sector headlines always send money looking for the next play. That’s where small caps and mid-tier names can get wild, fast.
- Have a plan, not a prediction. Define your entry, risk, and target before you hit the buy button. Price action tells the story—don’t get stuck on the narrative.
- Pay attention to market breadth. If only the mega caps are working, be selective. When the rally broadens, that’s when you can swing for bigger gains across more names.
Key Takeaways
We’re seeing breakout performance from the biggest names in tech and fintech. That’s bullish for the sector—but a real bull run needs more participation. If Coinbase, Apple, and Amazon come through, it’s not just about their stocks—it’s about what moves next.
Stay nimble. Scan for sympathy runners. Focus on liquid setups, and manage risk first. In volatile markets, it’s the traders with a plan and the discipline to follow it who come out ahead.
This is what I look for every morning.
This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.
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