By name: low-float-catalyst-scanner description: Pattern recognition framework for identifying low-float momentum opportunities using the ROLR case study (436% gain, January 2026) as reference. Use when asked to find stocks like ROLR, scan for low-float runners, identify gap-up momentum plays, find catalyst-driven small-caps, or evaluate pre-market gappers. Triggers on requests like "find low float stocks", "scan for momentum runners", "find stocks like ROLR", "pre-market gap scanners", "small cap momentum plays", "catalyst gap trading", or "help me find the next ROLR".
Low-Float Catalyst Scanner
Identify explosive low-float momentum opportunities using the ROLR pattern (436% gain, January 2026).
The ROLR Formula
Low Float + Binding Catalyst + Hot Sector + Pre-Market Gap → Same-Day Explosive Move
Required conditions (ALL must be present):
- Float <20M shares (ideal <5M)
- Market cap $25M-$500M
- Binding catalyst (not "in discussions")
- Pre-market gap >20%
- Volume >10x average in pre-market
Key Difference from Short Squeeze
| Factor | Short Squeeze (BNAI) | Low-Float Momentum (ROLR) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Forced covering | Volume overwhelming float |
| Timeframe | Days | Hours (same day) |
| Focus | Short interest >20% | Float <20M shares |
| Exit | Scale over 2-3 days | Exit day 1 or day 2 max |
Workflow
1. Screen Candidates
Float: < 20M shares (ideal < 5M)
Market Cap: $25M to $500M
Price: $2 to $20
Average Volume: > 100K
Pre-Market Gap: >= 20%
Pre-Market Volume: >= 3x 30-day average
Data Sources: FinViz, Trade-Ideas, Benzinga Pro, MarketChameleon
2. Validate Catalyst
Tier 1 (Trade Aggressively):
- Binding LOI/partnership with named major entity
- FDA approval/clearance
- Major contract with dollar amounts
- Acquisition announcement
Tier 2 (Trade Cautiously):
- Non-binding LOI with credible partner
- Product launch in hot sector
- Analyst initiation with coverage
Tier 3 (Avoid):
- "In discussions" or "exploring"
- No SEC filing backup
- Pump without news
- Volume spike without catalyst
Validation:
- PR released pre-market (optimal) or after-hours prior
- Partner/contract verifiable
- Hot sector alignment (crypto, AI, biotech, gaming)
- Insider ownership >30% (locked shares = lower effective float)
3. Identify Entry Window
| Phase | Timing | Price Action | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Market | 4:00-9:30 AM ET | Gap forms | Scout, no entry yet |
| Opening Drive | 9:30-10:00 AM | Explosive move | ENTER on breakout |
| Mid-Morning | 10:00-11:30 AM | Peak or continuation | SCALE profits |
| Afternoon | 12:00-4:00 PM | Fade begins | EXIT remaining |
4. Execute Entry
Pre-Market Entry (Aggressive):
- Enter after 8:00 AM ET if volume confirms
- Target near VWAP ($13.20 in ROLR case)
- Higher risk, higher reward
Opening Breakout (Balanced):
- Wait for break above pre-market high
- Enter on first 5-min green candle above VWAP + 9-EMA
- Add on micro-pullbacks (<30% retracement)
Position Sizing:
- Maximum 2-3% of portfolio (25-50% normal size due to volatility)
- Max 1-2% account risk per trade
5. Execute Exit
| Target | Action |
|---|---|
| +50% | Sell 1/3 (lock capital) |
| +100% | Sell 1/3 (pure profit) |
| +200% | Sell remaining |
| Resistance | Exit at psychological levels ($20, $25, $30) |
Stop Loss: $0.20 below entry OR low of previous red candle
Exit Immediately:
- Massive red volume bar (distribution)
- Break below VWAP + 9-EMA
- Trading halt >30 minutes
- End of day 1 (gaps often fill next morning)
CRITICAL: Exit before close on day 1. ROLR dropped 28.93% on day 3.
Red Flags (Do Not Enter)
- Float >50M shares (won't move explosively)
- No clear news catalyst (manipulation risk)
- Stock already +300%+ over multiple days (exhausted)
- Heavy insider selling (Form 4 filings)
- Pending dilution (S-3 shelf, ATM offering announced)
- Pre-market volume declining after initial spike
Core Principles
- SPEED is everything - These moves happen in hours, not days
- EXIT on day 1 - Most low-float runners fade 30-50% next day
- SIZE DOWN - Use 25-50% normal position due to extreme volatility
- NEWS is required - Volume without catalyst = manipulation
Technical Indicators
Must Monitor:
- VWAP (stay above = bullish)
- 9-EMA (trend confirmation)
- Relative Volume (>10x = real move)
- RSI (>70 = overbought, prepare exit)
Patterns:
- Bull flags (shallow <30% pullback)
- Flat-top breakouts (resistance break)
- ABCD continuation (higher highs/lows)
Claude's Role When Using This Skill
Do:
- Screen for low-float stocks with pre-market gaps
- Validate catalyst quality and partner legitimacy
- Calculate float and effective float (minus insider holdings)
- Alert when volume/price action suggests exit
- Remind of same-day exit rule
Cannot:
- Guarantee any stock will run
- Time exact tops or bottoms
- Predict which halt will resume up vs down
- Override your execution discipline
References
Load as needed:
- rolr-case-study.md - Complete ROLR analysis, intraday metrics, post-surge behavior
- entry-exit-tactics.md - Detailed entry strategies, exit protocols, risk management
- screening-tools.md - Scanner configurations, sector focus, replication framework
Low-float momentum trading is extremely volatile. Position size appropriately. Never risk more than 1-2% of account per trade.