The following is a screenshot of the Breakout Tracker at SelfInvestors.com and lists all breakouts for the last 2 weeks. (click the image for larger pop up)

At the top of the list, you see the highest ranked breakouts which include Google (GOOG), LaBarge (LB) and MICROS Systems (MCRS) all with a total score of 51 (out of possible 60).  Two strong breakouts occurred in Southwestern Energy (SWN) and LKQ Corp (LKQX) yesterday.

Google held up remarkably well despite heavy insider selling and a tough market, which ultimately resulted in a strong gap up breakout to all time highs with good volume after an outstanding earnings report.  I personally don’t like making a purchase in a stock that is so far above a major support level (especially in this market), but the technicals reveal an opportunity that is difficult to ignore.  May be worth initiating a small position if it clears the high of this consolidation around 225 with heavy volume.

LaBarge has also spent time carving out a nice looking base.  It’s a little bit on the choppy side, but hey.. no base is perfect.   Quiet volume in the bottom of the base and in the handle with a surge in buy volume in the right side and at the breakout is exactly what you want to see.  The breakout continues to hold up well.

MICROS Systems is an outstanding company fundamentally, but technically it could use some work.  Caution should be used when considering a position in a company with a base characterized by jagged edges.  Notice the high volume drop below support in the handle as well, before rebounding on a strong earnings report.  I would not be jumping into a stock like this at the breakout.  I’d want to see the technical action improve over the next couple weeks before considering a position.  That would mean seeing a quiet consolidation period around 40 followed by another high volume surge.