Don't try to predetermine your profits. Never buy a stock because it has a big decline from its previous high, nor sell a stock because it is high priced. Become a buyer as soon as a stock makes new highs after a normal reaction. The human side of every person is the greatest enemy to successful trading. Ban wishful thinking in the markets.
Big movements take time to develop.
Don't be too curious about the reasons behind the moves. Look for reasonable profits. If you can't make money trading the leading issues, you aren't going to make it trading the overall markets. Leaders of today may not be the leaders of tomorrow. Trade the active stocks and futures.