What to Trade Today: Metals and Energy Shine as Market Awaits Clarity

The premarket session starts with a cautiously optimistic tone as investors digest overnight data and prepare for what could be a volatile day. Index futures are mixed: the S&P 500 and Nasdaq show a slight upward bias, while the Dow Jones remains in the red. But the real action is in commodities. Gold is up nearly 0.75%, copper is surging over 2.8%, and silver is up 3.38%. WTI crude, however, is down just under 0.02%, suggesting that energy traders are holding back a bit while metals buyers are pushing forward. The broader market is clearly split — one eye on inflation risks, the other on the potential for a new bull run in materials. With geopolitical tensions and regulatory shifts continuing to shape sentiment, today's focus is on the metals and energy sectors, where volatility could translate into opportunity.

1. Southern Copper (SCCO), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Buy

Southern Copper is in a sweet spot right now. Technically, it’s a 5 — neutral territory, but with enough volatility to suggest a breakout could be near. The RSI is in overbought territory, the Bearish Engulfing pattern is a warning sign, and the rest of the indicators are neutral. Fundamentally, though, this stock is strong: a 9.12 score, solid net profit margins, and good equity management. Fund flows are also in a good place, with a 50.5% positive inflow ratio. Analysts, however, are more cautious, averaging a 2.75 score with one “Sell” and three “Neutral” ratings. Recent news is all about Trump’s tariff announcements and capital-raising moves in the metals sector — two factors that could either push SCCO higher or hold it back. This is a stock that’s waiting for a catalyst. If the copper price holds up and the tariffs get attention, SCCO could be one of the first to move. But if the market gets spooked by regulatory uncertainty, look for a quick correction.

2. Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Hold

Marathon Petroleum is in a tricky spot. Technically, it’s a 3 — weak and cautious. Bearish signals are strong, and the market is in a state of flux. Fundamentally, though, the story is better: a solid 8.79 score, with good price-to-cash flow and ROE metrics. Fund flows are positive, too, at 7.8. Analysts are split: a 3.67 average score, with two “Buys” and one “Neutral.” Recent news includes a big push from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to revamp the oil and gas sector, plus the upcoming OPEC+ meeting about increasing output. MPC has the fundamentals to weather short-term volatility, but the technicals suggest that any rally might be short-lived. If the OPEC+ meeting goes bullish, MPC could see a bounce. If it’s bearish, the stock may struggle. Right now, it’s better to watch than chase.

3. Edgewise (EWTX), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Buy

EWTX is a high-risk, high-reward name. Technically, it’s a 4 — weak but not dead. All three indicators are bearish, but the stock still shows some volatility. Fundamentally, it’s a mixed bag: a 0.94 score, with some strong metrics but also clear weaknesses. Fund flows are in a good place, with a 7.69 score and 49.93% inflow ratio. Analysts are more optimistic, giving it a 4.00 score with all “Buy” ratings. But the market is still unsure. Recent news is all about regulatory changes in the pharmaceutical sector — FDA leadership shifts, new drug price executive orders — which could shake up EWTX’s industry. This is the kind of stock that can make or break a day trade. If the FDA news breaks in its favor, it could pop. If it breaks the other way, it could tank. For short-term traders, it’s worth watching — but don’t commit unless you’ve got a stop loss in place.

4. Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Strong Buy

ANF is showing some nice signs of life. Technically, it’s a 7 — strong and cautious. One bullish indicator, one neutral, no bearish — it’s in a tight trading range. Fundamentally, it’s a 5.46 score, not great but not bad. Fund flows are positive, too, at 7.8. Analysts are mixed: a 3.89 score with three “Strong Buys,” two “Buys,” and four “Neutrals.” Recent news is all about retail trends — from vaccine policy changes to the return of uranium mining and algorithmic trading. The stock is in a sweet spot between optimism and caution. If the retail sector gets a lift from the changing vaccine rules, ANF could see a quick pop. But if consumer spending remains flat, it could stall. This is a stock that could surprise either way — but right now, it’s leaning bullish.

5. Liberty Broadband A (LBRDA), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Hold

LBRDA is in a rough patch. Technically, it’s a 2 — weak and bearish. Two strong bearish indicators: the Marubozu White and WR Overbought. Fundamentally, it’s a 9.62 — strong but not enough to offset the technical damage. Fund flows are good at 7.43, but all inflow ratios are negative. Analysts are mixed, with a 5.00 score and one strong buy out of a small number of analysts. Recent news is all about policy shifts — vaccine rules, uranium mining, and tariffs — all creating a sense of uncertainty. This is a stock that’s being held back by its technicals, despite strong fundamentals. For short-term traders, there could be a bounce if the market gets a positive jolt from the news. But for now, it’s better to watch and wait.

The market is clearly split today — one hand reaching for growth in materials and energy, the other holding back for clarity in policy and regulation. Copper and gold are up, but crude is flat. Short-term traders have a few solid options in SCCO, ANF, and EWTX. Longer-term investors may want to wait for more clarity from OPEC+, the FDA, and the Trump administration’s next moves. But for today, the metals and energy sectors are the place to be. As the bell approaches, watch how SCCO and copper prices set the tone for the session.