The Architect of Opportunity: A Granular Look at Ross Cameron’s Scanner Configuration

The Art of the Hunt: Precision Scanning for High-Velocity Movers

For a day trader, the stock scanner is the equivalent of a hunter’s finely tuned rifle. It is the tool that allows them to cut through the noise of the market and zero in on the targets with the highest probability of success. Ross Cameron’s proficiency as a trader is inextricably linked to his mastery of the stock scanner. He has spent years refining his scanner settings to create a effective and efficient system for unearthing the small-cap momentum stocks that are the lifeblood of his strategy. This is not a matter of simply plugging in a few numbers; it is a deep and nuanced understanding of how different market variables interact to create the conditions for an explosive price move.

This article will provide a granular look at the specific scanner configurations that Cameron employs, both in the pre-market and during the regular trading session. We will deconstruct the logic behind each setting and explore how they work in concert to create a effective and effective watchlist construction process.

The Pre-Market Gapper Scan: Identifying the Morning’s Top Contenders

The pre-market gapper scan is the cornerstone of Cameron’s trading day. It is the scan that he uses to build his initial watchlist, the list of stocks that he will be focusing on at the market open. The goal of this scan is to identify stocks that are already demonstrating significant strength before the opening bell.

Core Parameters:

• Price: $2 to $10. This is the sweet spot for small-cap momentum. Stocks in this range are affordable for most retail traders and have the potential for large percentage moves.
• Float: Under 20 million shares. This is the key ingredient for volatility. A low float means a limited supply of shares, which can lead to exaggerated price movements on any surge in demand.
• Pre-Market Volume: Minimum 100,000 shares. This ensures that there is sufficient liquidity to enter and exit the trade without significant slippage. It also confirms that there is genuine interest in the stock.
• Gap Percentage: Minimum 4% up from the previous day’s close. This is the initial signal that the stock is a potential Gap-and-Go candidate. A gap of this magnitude is a clear indication of a significant supply and demand imbalance.

The Intraday Momentum Scan: Capturing Opportunities on the Fly

Once the market has opened, Cameron’s focus shifts to his intraday momentum scan. This scan is designed to identify stocks that are breaking out to new highs during the regular trading session. It is a real-time tool that allows him to adapt to the changing market conditions and to capture opportunities as they emerge.

Core Parameters:

• Price: $2 to $10. The same price range as the pre-market scan.
• Float: Under 20 million shares. The same float criteria as the pre-market scan.
• Relative Volume: Minimum 2:1. This is the most important setting on the intraday scan. It ensures that the stock is trading at a significantly higher volume than its daily average, which is a clear sign of institutional and retail interest.
• New Highs: The scan is configured to alert the trader when a stock is making a new 5-minute, 15-minute, or 60-minute high. This is the trigger for a potential momentum trade.

The Reversal Scan: Identifying Bottoms and Tops

In addition to his momentum scans, Cameron also utilizes a reversal scan to identify stocks that may be poised for a change in trend. This scan is designed to find stocks that have been in a strong uptrend or downtrend and are showing signs of exhaustion.

Core Parameters:

• Extended Price Action: The scan looks for stocks that have made a significant move in one direction without a meaningful pullback.
• Climactic Volume: A surge in volume at the top of an uptrend or the bottom of a downtrend can be a sign of a potential reversal.
• Candlestick Patterns: The scan is configured to identify reversal candlestick patterns, such as a doji, a shooting star, or a hammer.

Conclusion: The Scanner as a Reflection of Strategy

The scanner is not a magic box that spits out winning stock picks. It is a tool that must be configured to reflect a specific trading strategy. Ross Cameron’s scanner settings are a direct reflection of his focus on small-cap momentum. By understanding the logic behind his scanner configurations, the aspiring trader can gain a valuable insight into the mind of a master trader and can begin to build their own effective and effective scanning methodology.