Day Trade Cheat Sheet - April 04, 2026 (EOD)

 ## TODAY'S GRADE: B A mostly steady day with modest gains in small caps and tech, but notable weakness in some high-profile names and defensive sectors kept the market from stronger momentum. ## HOW INDEXES TRADED **SPY:** +0.09% - choppy, holding near recent highs with a tight range **QQQ:** +0.08% - steady, slight upside led by tech strength but lacking conviction **IWM:** +0.69% - strongest performer, showing clear leadership and follow-through ## BIGGEST MOVERS ### Winners **$PENG** +12.77% - strong rally likely driven by positive analyst attention and sector rotation into energy tech **$HES** +8.65% - energy sector strength amid rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions **$INTC** +4.62% - notable rebound after recent weakness, possibly fueled by optimism around AI and semiconductor demand ### Losers **$TSLA** -5.25% - sharp pullback after recent gains, investor caution on valuation and mixed sentiment on EV demand **$ARM** -3.99% - profit-taking following strong run, despite ongoing AI sector interest **$SNAP** -4.69% - weakness amid broader tech rotation and concerns over user growth ## WHAT WORKED Patterns or setups that worked today: - Small cap breakouts: **IWM** led with a solid +0.69%, benefiting from rotation into more cyclical and value-oriented names like **COST** (+1.75%) and **LW** (+2.26%). - Energy plays: Stocks like **HES** and **PENG** surged on rising oil prices and geopolitical risk, rewarding traders who positioned early in energy ETFs and related names. - Semiconductor rebounds: **INTC** and **MRVL** (+0.25%) showed strength after recent pullbacks, highlighting the value of buying dips in AI-related chipmakers. ## WHAT FAILED Setups that didn't work: - Mega-cap tech momentum faded as **TSLA** dropped 5.25% and **ARM** pulled back nearly 4%, showing that extended rallies in high-flying growth names remain vulnerable to profit-taking. - Defensive sectors struggled, with **XLV** down 0.62% and **LLY** off 1.94%, indicating rotation away from healthcare amid risk-on sentiment. - Gold-related trades disappointed as **GLD** fell 1.92%, despite geopolitical tensions, suggesting traders favored energy over traditional safe havens. ## AFTER-HOURS WATCH Earnings or news to monitor tonight: - Data not available for after-hours earnings, but watch for updates from key tech and energy names given today's sector moves. ## TOMORROW PREVIEW **Early Watch:** **NCNO**, **NET**, **U**, and **RIVN** are showing strong momentum and could extend gains. Watch for continued strength in energy and semiconductor sectors. **Catalyst:** Market awaits FOMC minutes from the March meeting and Delta Air Lines earnings, which could influence sentiment on inflation and consumer spending. **Bias:** Neutral to slightly bullish, with small caps and energy leading but tech mega-caps vulnerable to volatility.