As we kick off 2026, Nvidia (NVDA) remains the undisputed king of liquidity, though it’s no longer a “up-only” affair. Trading near $186, the stock has transitioned into a massive battleground for intraday traders, often swinging $5–$10 in a single session. With its market cap hovering around the $4.5 trillion mark, NVDA’s price action now dictates the entire Nasdaq-100’s direction. Traders are currently eyeing the $180 support and $195 resistance levels as the key range for the first weeks of the year.
The real “fire” for momentum hunters is currently in the memory and software plays. Micron (MU) is seeing explosive volume, recently breaking toward $290 as the market prices in a persistent shortage of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) required for AI chips. Meanwhile, Palantir (PLTR) has become the ultimate high-beta vehicle. Despite—or perhaps because of—its polarizing valuation of over 400x earnings, it is consistently one of the most active names on the Nasdaq, providing the 3-5% daily swings that day traders thrive on.
Finally, Tesla (TSLA) and Apple (AAPL) are providing a “tale of two tapes” for the new year. Tesla is entering 2026 under immense pressure to prove its Robotaxi and “Cybercab” production timelines, making it a favorite for short-sellers and volatility scalpers. Conversely, Apple has regained its momentum, outperforming many of its peers in the last quarter of 2025. With its stock currently around $272, traders are looking for a break above $285 to signal a new leg up in the “AI-at-the-edge” trade.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.