Monday, February 23, 2026

CRWD stock

 Based on historical trading patterns for CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (CRWD), there is a 50.62% probability of a rebound tomorrow following a down day. As of today, February 23, 2026, the stock experienced a significant drop, closing at $350.33, a 9.85% decline.

Key Market Drivers for Tomorrow
The likelihood of a rebound on February 24, 2026, is influenced by several immediate factors:
  • AI Disruption Fears: The recent plunge was triggered by competitive concerns following Anthropic's introduction of its Claude Code Security product, which impacted the broader cybersecurity sector.
  • Analyst Adjustments: On February 23, 2026, Stifel Nicolaus lowered its price target for CRWD from $600 to $480, though it maintained a Buy rating, suggesting long-term value despite short-term volatility.
  • Oversold Conditions: The stock hit a low of $342.72 today, a level significantly below its 52-week high of $566.90. Historically, such sharp declines often attract "buy the dip" investors.
  • Upcoming Earnings: Investors are closely watching for the next earnings report scheduled for March 3, 2026, where projected revenue growth is 22.48% year-over-year.
Analyst Consensus
Despite the recent sell-off, professional sentiment remains generally positive for the coming year.

  • Consensus Rating: Moderate Buy.
  • Average Price Target$546.26, representing an upside potential of approximately 56% from the current price.
  • Buy/Hold/Sell Split: 30 Buy, 16 Hold, and 3 Sell ratings.

$CRWD $PANW $NOW $CRM $ACN $IGV

 Which of these software stocks are you buying right now during the SaaS Apocalypse? $CRWD $PANW $NOW $CRM $ACN $IGV



why avoid trading first 30 minutes when market open

 Avoiding the first 30 minutes of the market open (9:30 AM – 10:00 AM ET) is advised because this period features extreme volatility, erratic price swings, and high, unpredictable volume, often leading to "fake-outs". The market is digesting overnight news, causing stocks to gap dramatically, which can trigger stop-losses and lead to significant losses for inexperienced traders.

Key Reasons to Avoid the First 30 Minutes:
  • Extreme Volatility and "Noise": The market is often chaotic as traders react to overnight news, creating violent, unpredictable price gaps.
  • High Risk of "Fake-Outs": Stocks may break out in one direction only to immediately reverse, catching traders on the wrong side.
  • Algorithmic Dominance: Algorithms and market makers often dominate the first 30 minutes, making it difficult for retail traders to time entries, as they often dictate the opening range.
  • Wait for Direction: Waiting allows the market to establish a clearer, more stable trend, usually after 10:00 AM, providing better entry and exit points.
  • Higher Costs: Increased volatility can lead to wider bid-ask spreads, making trades more expensive to execute.
Waiting allows traders to observe the market's initial direction and identify genuine momentum rather than reacting to volatile, short-lived price movements.

do not trade first 20 minutes when market opens

 The recommendation to avoid trading during the first 15 to 30 minutes of the market open (9:30 AM – 10:00 AM ET) is a common "rule of thumb" used to protect traders from extreme, unpredictable volatility. While not an official regulation, many professionals suggest this window to allow the "opening rush" of orders to settle and for reliable technical patterns to form.

Key Reasons to Wait
  • Extreme Volatility: The first 20 minutes often see aggressive price swings as the market reacts to overnight news, earnings, and global events.
  • Misleading Signals: Technical indicators (like VWAP or moving averages) require time to "settle" and can provide false signals in the first 15 minutes of price action.
  • Wider Spreads: Liquidity can be thin immediately at the open, leading to wider bid-ask spreads and higher slippage, which increases the cost of entering a trade.
  • The "10:00 AM Reversal": Many traders wait for the first 30 minutes to print on the chart because the market frequently course-corrects or reverses its initial trend right around 10:00 AM ET.
Strategic Exceptions
While beginners are often advised to stay away, seasoned traders may use this period for specific high-risk strategies:
  • Opening Range Breakout (ORB): Traders mark the high and low of the first 15 or 30 minutes and enter a trade only when the price breaks out of that range.
  • Scalping: Experienced scalpers may target the high volume of the first few minutes for quick, small profits, though this requires high-speed execution and strict discipline.
  • Closing Positions: If you already hold a position, the high volume at the open can be an ideal time to sell into strength and lock in profits from an overnight move.
Summary of Common "Wait Times"
Trader ProfileSuggested Wait TimePurpose
Novice / Beginner30 to 60 minutesAvoid emotional trades and high-risk volatility.
Learning Trader15 to 30 minutesWait for the "opening range" to establish a clear trend.
Experienced0 to 15 minutesCapitalize on high volume and momentum gaps.
For additional guidance on managing risk during volatile periods, you can review resources from Charles Schwab or Investopedia's beginner tips.