What to Trade Today: Tariff Talk and Energy Gains Shape Pre-Market Moves

The U.S. market is starting the day with a mixed but cautiously optimistic tone. Pre-market futures point to a modest rally in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, while the Dow Jones shows more restrained strength. Meanwhile, energy and metals markets are seeing sharp moves: WTI crude oil futures surged over 1.8%, hitting $60.43, driven by ongoing global supply concerns and potential U.S. policy shifts. Copper and silver futures are also showing strength, with copper up nearly 0.35% and silver gaining 0.8%. Gold, on the other hand, is slightly in the red, reflecting a flight from safe havens as risk appetite appears to be rising. These moves suggest a market eyeing both near-term macroeconomic cues and potential shifts in trade and energy policy. With the pre-market already in motion, let’s take a closer look at five key stocks that offer actionable short-term trading opportunities today.

1. Ramaco Resources A (METC), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Strong Buy

Ramaco Resources A is showing strong short-term momentum despite a mixed analyst outlook. Technically, it scores a 7—moderately bullish with one active signal pointing higher. Fundamentally, it’s in good shape with an 8.12 score, supported by strong net profit margins and solid equity multiplier performance. Fund flows are also on the positive side, with a 7.8 rating showing consistent inflows across fund sizes. But the analyst consensus is bearish, with an average rating of just 2.00. That tension—between strong fundamentals and weak sentiment—is a classic short-term trade setup. The real catalyst? President Trump’s announced 50% tariff hike on steel and aluminum, which could boost demand for U.S. resource producers like METC. Traders should watch for a breakout above key resistance levels, but be mindful that this is a short-term play with long-term risks.

2. Brookdale Senior Living (BKD), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Buy

Brookdale Senior Living is another one to watch in the short term. It’s technically neutral at 5, with no clear directional bias. Fundamentals are weak at 2.04, pointing to poor ROE and price-to-book metrics. That’s a red flag for long-term investors. But here’s the twist: fund flows are strong with a 7.97 score, and there’s a rare strong buy rating from an active analyst. The market is waiting to see how funding shifts and regulatory changes will impact the broader healthcare sector. Recent news on new healthcare funding could indirectly benefit BKD, but budget proposals threatening access may temper optimism. This is a high-volatility name with short-term potential but limited upside for long-term holds. If you’re in, keep it tight and watch for any regulatory or budgetary news.

3. Schlumberger (SLB.N), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Buy

Schlumberger is scoring 4 in technicals—cautious but not bearish—suggesting a wait-and-see approach. Fundamentals are strong with an 8.01 score, driven by solid PB and NPM metrics. Fund flows are mixed, with a 7.76 score showing some positive inflows from small investors but a negative trend overall. Analysts are cautiously optimistic, with a 4.00 score and two active 'Buy' ratings.

. The recent news around energy policy shifts, including geothermal energy acceleration and uranium mining revival, could benefit SLB. The Trump administration’s push for energy independence is another tailwind. But with mixed fund flows and weak technical signals, this is a classic “buy on the dip” scenario. Short-term traders may find a window of opportunity, but be ready to adjust quickly if macroeconomic headwinds emerge.

4. Dorian LPG (LPG), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Buy

Dorian LPG is one of the more volatile names on the list. Technically, it scores a 3—weak and bearish with three active signals pointing lower. Fundamentals are moderate at 5.3, and fund flows are mixed with a 7.82 score, showing some large inflows but a negative trend overall. Analysts are split, with a 5.00 score and one active 'Strong Buy' rating. The key catalyst here is geopolitical: Nigeria’s new oil and gas executive order and OPEC+’s upcoming output discussions could create short-term ripples in the sector. LPG is a high-risk, high-reward name for the short term. Traders should consider it only if they’re comfortable with the volatility and are using tight stop-losses. This is not a long-term play.

5. Materion (MTRN), Short-Term Trading Opportunity: Strong Buy

Materion is showing solid short-term potential. Technically, it’s neutral with a 5.00 score and a balanced mix of bullish and bearish indicators. Fundamentally, it’s in good shape with an 8.3 score, driven by strong net profit margins and inventory turnover. Fund flows are positive, with a 7.95 score, and analyst sentiment is optimistic at 4.02. The recent 10.06% price rise and one active 'Strong Buy' rating are strong signals. The real catalyst? President Trump’s tariff announcement on steel and aluminum, which could boost domestic demand for MTRN’s products. This is a clean setup for short-term traders: strong fundamentals, positive fund flows, and a clear external trigger. But keep an eye on the mixed technical indicators and overall negative fund flow trend—this isn’t a long-term holding.

The market is currently navigating a crossroads between policy shifts and sector-specific momentum. Energy and metals are leading the charge, while healthcare and materials are showing mixed signals. For today’s traders, the key is to balance short-term potential with macro risks. As the bell approaches, watch how Ramaco Resources A and Materion set the tone for today’s session.