Forgotten Profits Trade Setup Archive

Below you'll find Ian's setups stacked up and ordered chronologically. As this service once resided at another home, the alerts only go back to mid July. For a full track record, see the portfolio.

Active trading strategies for earnings week

Earnings Spotlight: What Traders Should Watch April 22–25, 2025

The upcoming trading week is packed with earnings announcements from major market movers—Tesla, Intuitive Surgical, Equifax, Chipotle, and Alphabet—alongside critical macroeconomic data that could influence price action across sectors. Whether you’re a momentum trader, options strategist, or intraday scalper, this earnings cycle presents opportunities and risks that demand close attention. Let’s look at active trading strategies for earnings week.

Here’s your focused rundown of what to expect—and how to prepare.

earnings week trading strategies

Active trading strategies for earnings week


Tesla (TSLA): Volatility Ahead

Earnings Release: Tuesday, April 22, After Market Close
Estimates: Revenue $20.53B–$21.81B | EPS $0.36–$0.51
Earnings Call: 5:30 PM ET

Tesla enters this earnings week under a cloud of concern. Q1 deliveries dropped 13% year-over-year, a worrying sign for a company fighting intense competition in the EV space. Margins and pricing pressure are front and center, and further erosion could shake investor confidence. Analysts have lowered price targets, and options pricing reflects expectations for a sharp move post-earnings.

But there’s a bright spot: Tesla’s energy division is growing fast, with solar and storage now contributing 10% of revenue and boasting 67% year-over-year growth. This segment could surprise to the upside.

Active traders should watch the earnings call closely for updates on profitability, margin guidance, and commentary on brand perception amid Elon Musk’s headline-making controversies.


Intuitive Surgical (ISRG): Growth with Caution

Earnings Release: Tuesday, April 22, After Market Close
Estimates: Revenue $2.18B–$2.22B | EPS $1.36–$1.76
Earnings Call: 1:30 PM PT

ISRG has historically delivered strong earnings reactions, and the da Vinci surgical system continues to gain traction globally. Analysts are anticipating solid numbers, but concerns remain about 2025 growth guidance. The market is forward-looking, and anything suggesting a slowdown in surgical procedure growth could pressure shares.

The company remains a dominant force in the expanding robotic surgery market. During the call, traders should focus on commentary on the adoption of the da Vinci 5 system and updated guidance.


Equifax (EFX): Stable but Under Pressure

Earnings Release: Tuesday, April 22, Before Market Open
Estimates: Revenue $1.41B–$1.43B | EPS $1.41–$1.43
Earnings Call: 8:30 AM ET

Expect tight price action here—analysts have near-identical forecasts for revenue and EPS. However, a weak macro backdrop could weigh on Equifax’s Workforce Solutions segment. Downward revisions in EPS suggest growing caution.

Mortgage market softness and hiring trends are key watch points. However, global credit demand and growth in unsecured credit could provide some cushion. During the earnings call, look for insight into margin resilience and product innovation.


Chipotle (CMG): Consistency Amid Rising Costs

Earnings Release: Wednesday, April 23, After Market Close
Estimates: Revenue $2.94B–$2.96B | EPS $0.28–$0.34 (check for stock-split adjustments)
Earnings Call: 4:30 PM ET

Chipotle has a strong record of earnings beats, and Wall Street remains bullish on the brand. However, recent EPS downgrades show cracks in sentiment, possibly tied to inflationary pressures and consumer pullback. Same-store sales and new restaurant openings will be critical metrics.

Watch for updated commentary on pricing strategy, labor costs, and digital channel performance, especially as off-premise dining continues to grow.


Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG): AI Drives the Narrative

Earnings Release: Thursday, April 24, After Market Close
Estimates: Revenue $75.53B–$89.2B | EPS $2.00–$2.06
Earnings Call: 4:30 PM ET

Alphabet remains a market heavyweight, and this earnings report will be closely scrutinized for AI progress and cloud momentum. Stable expectations for Q1 suggest investor confidence, but minor EPS downgrades hint at underlying concerns.

Key areas to watch are growth in Google Cloud, YouTube monetization, and updates on capital expenditures for AI infrastructure. The stock has pulled back in 2025, potentially setting the stage for a rebound—or another leg down, depending on how results align with guidance.


Macro Watch: Data That Could Move the Market

In addition to earnings, traders should stay alert to these macroeconomic reports:

  • Mon, Apr 21: U.S. Leading Index (Mar)

  • Tue, Apr 22: Eurozone Consumer Confidence, U.S. Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index

  • Wed, Apr 23: U.S. Building Permits, New Home Sales, S&P Global Flash PMIs

  • Thu, Apr 24: Durable Goods Orders, Initial Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales

  • Fri, Apr 25: Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final

Each data point offers insight into the economy’s health and potential catalysts for market rotation or sector reallocation.


Sector Trends to Watch

  • EVs: Slower sales, tighter margins, and trade concerns are reshaping the landscape.

  • Medical Devices: Strong demand fueled by innovation and aging populations.

  • Credit Reporting: Shifting credit trends and mortgage volatility remain in focus.

  • Restaurants: Inflation and digital adoption are redefining customer engagement.

  • Tech & AI: Generative AI, cloud investment, and short-form content continue to drive innovation and valuation.


Key Earnings Calls: Don’t Miss These

  • Tesla: Tue, Apr 22 @ 5:30 PM ET

  • Intuitive Surgical: Tue, Apr 22 @ 1:30 PM PT

  • Equifax: Tue, Apr 22 @ 8:30 AM ET

  • Chipotle: Wed, Apr 23 @ 4:30 PM ET

  • Alphabet: Thu, Apr 24 @ 4:30 PM ET


Final Thoughts: Prepare to Act

With a stacked calendar of earnings and economic data, the week ahead could be a defining one for short-term traders. Price action will be driven not just by results but also by guidance, tone, and sector sentiment.

Be ready to act fast, protect your capital, and capitalize on high-probability setups as they emerge.

Want more precision trading insights? Join us inside the TraderInsight War Room for real-time updates and strategy support throughout earnings season.

Find the Nasdaq earnings calendar here.

Understanding Zero-Day Options Amid 2025 Market Volatility

Introduction: The Rise of Zero-Day Options Volatility

In 2025, Wall Street is experiencing unprecedented turbulence, with zero-day options volatility playing a significant role. These ultra-short-term options, expiring within the same trading day, have surged in popularity, contributing to rapid market swings, especially amid the ongoing tariff disputes.


What Are Zero-Day Options?

Zero-day options volatility

Zero-day options volatility

Zero-day or 0DTE options are contracts that expire on the same day they’re traded. They offer traders the opportunity to capitalize on intraday market movements but come with heightened risk due to their fleeting nature. As noted by Investopedia, these options require precise timing and a clear market direction to be profitable.Investopedia


The Impact of Zero-Day Options on Market Volatility

The proliferation of zero-day options has been linked to increased market volatility. A study highlighted by the Bank of England’s Bank Underground blog found that 0DTE trading significantly amplifies intraday market swings. This is particularly evident during periods of economic uncertainty, such as the current tariff-induced market conditions.SpiderRock


Tariff Chaos and Its Influence on 0DTE Trading

The recent imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration has led to erratic market behavior. On April 2, 2025, the announcement of sweeping tariffs caused a sharp market downturn, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing over 4,000 points in two days. In this volatile environment, traders have increasingly turned to zero-day options to hedge or speculate on rapid market movements.Wikipedia


Case Study: Suspicious Timing in 0DTE Trades

An example of the potential risks associated with zero-day options trading occurred when traders purchased 0DTE call options on the S&P 500 ETF just minutes before the announcement of a 90-day tariff pause. The timing raised concerns about possible insider trading, as these options yielded substantial profits following the market’s positive reaction to the news.The Guardian


Strategies for Navigating Zero-Day Options Volatility

Given the risks, traders should approach 0DTE options with caution. Effective strategies include:Wahoopredict

  • Risk Management: Only allocate a small portion of your portfolio to 0DTE trades. Investopedia

  • Technical Analysis: Use charts and indicators to identify potential entry and exit points.

  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of economic news and policy announcements that could impact market movements.

For more in-depth strategies, consider exploring resources.


Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

Zero-day options offer opportunities for quick profits but come with significant risks, especially in a volatile market influenced by unpredictable policy decisions. Traders should employ robust risk management strategies and stay informed to navigate the challenges posed by zero-day options volatility.


Note: For further reading on zero-day options and their impact on market volatility, refer to the following resources: