For the past two and a half years, eBay (EBAY) has traded within a sideways range, between $48 and $59. Price corrections take place either through time or price (decline). Of the two, a correction over time carries the most power. This is what makes eBay’s most recent breakout so important. It’s all about that base. See the first EBAY weekly chart below. The 2.5 year base can be clearly seen. Last week, eBay broke out to new highs while also breaking out of a ratio we like to use to compare the underlying security against a benchmark – in this case, the S&P 500. Who doesn’t like to outperform the S&P 500? When the ratio falls, the S&P 500 is outperforming EBAY. When it rises, EBAY is outperforming the S&P 500. We like that EBAY is both breaking out of consolidation and breaking out in comparison to the S&P 500.

See the second chart below. If eBay can hold onto this breakout, the upward reward is about 17%. In addition, the well defined base also does a great job defining our risk. Our stop loss is at $59, which lines up with previous important closes and the top of the base. A possible upward resistance point can also be seen. The green tramlines have done a good job outlining the upward price movement since 2009. Right now, price is at the mid-tramline. We could see some resistance here. But if it breaks above that, the price could move quickly towards our identified upward target. Our risk is defined. Our reward is defined. The risk/reward ratio (2%/17%) is skewed in our favor. If we get stopped out, we don’t mind. That’s proper risk management. We’ll own it above $59. Below that, we’re not interested.

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Disclosure: the author is long EBAY, and will change positions on this trade based on the criteria provided in the article. The author may initiate a short position if the 59.00 stop loss is triggered.

Disclaimer: nothing in this article should be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell a security. Simply put, you are an adult. You invest based on your own decisions. 🙂