The Top Pick of the Week for the period beginning January 12, 2026 followed the standard TPOW execution rule, with the position entered on Monday at the market open. This week’s selection, OCUL, met the technical and relative strength criteria required under the strategy and aligned with the rules-based framework that governs weekly trade selection.
The broader market environment remained constructive throughout the week, with the S&P 500 continuing to trade near recent highs although finished the week at 691.66 on January 16, representing a decline of approximately 0.35% from the prior week. While overall index volatility remained relatively contained, individual stocks exhibited sharp moves driven by momentum, news, and shifts in order flow. These conditions reinforced the importance of disciplined trade management and responsiveness to price behavior.
On Thursday morning, January 15, 2026, we observed notable pre-market strength in OCUL, with bid and ask levels indicating prices approximately 16% above the prior session’s close. Although pre-market pricing does not always translate directly into regular session liquidity, this degree of price acceleration represented a meaningful change in short-term conditions.
In response, a trade alert was issued to members prior to the market open, advising that selling at the open would be appropriate if liquidity allowed. This guidance was consistent with a core TPOW principle: when price advances rapidly beyond short-term expectations, protecting gains takes precedence over attempting to capture additional upside.
The position was closed at the market open using the documented opening price. Executing at the open ensured a controlled exit and reduced exposure to the risk of an intraday reversal. While pre-market indications suggested elevated prices, securing the exit during the opening print aligned with the strategy’s emphasis on consistency and risk control.
The trade concluded with a gain of approximately six percent over a short holding period. While not every week will produce similar outcomes, this result illustrates how the TPOW approach seeks to generate steady progress through disciplined execution rather than relying on outsized individual trades.
This week’s OCUL trade reinforces the value of a structured process combined with informed flexibility. Strict adherence to entry rules provides consistency, while thoughtful trade management allows for timely adjustments as market conditions evolve. As we move into the upcoming week, the Top Pick of the Week strategy remains focused on technical strength, objective execution, and prudent risk management.
