Mark Minervini Cheat Entry Setup on Citigroup (C): A Textbook Swing Trade Opportunity
In this article, we’ll break down a fresh swing trade setup that perfectly fits the Minervini “cheat entry” setup, a strategy designed to capture explosive price movesjust before a confirmed breakout.
This setup combines strong technical patterns with accelerating EPS and sales growth, offering an ideal risk/reward opportunity for growth-oriented swing traders.
1. The Technical Picture
Looking at the daily chart, Citigroup (C) is trading near its 52-week high after a steady uptrend since May. The following technical elements are lining up:
SMA Alignment: The SMA50 > SMA150 > SMA200 sequence confirms a healthy long-term uptrend.
SMA200 Trending Upward: The rising 200-day moving average signals institutional strength and long-term momentum.
Tight Price Consolidation: Price is moving sideways just below the previous high, a key component of the Mark Minervini cheat entry pattern.
Relative Strength (RS): The RS line is strong and trending higher, another sign of leadership.
2. The Fundamental Backdrop: EPS and Sales Acceleration
One of Mark Minervini’s core rules is that price strength must be supported by earnings and sales growth acceleration.
Here’s what the data shows for Citigroup:
Both EPS and sales growth are accelerating since Q2/25, confirming strong fundamental momentum. This is exactly what Minervini looks for before a stock begins a powerful uptrend.
3. Trade Setup: The Cheat Entry
A cheat entry allows traders to enter early - just before a confirmed breakout - while managing risk tightly.
Here’s how this setup looks in practice:
Entry Price: 102.03
Stop Price: 98.22 (1.3 ATR below entry)
Position Size: 62 shares (based on $50,000 capital and 0.5% risk)
Reward/Risk Ratio: Attractive, given the proximity to the breakout zone
This entry gives the trader a low-risk position with high upside potential if the breakout above $105.50 materializes.
4. Why This Setup Matters
The Mark Minervini cheat entry is about precision timing. Instead of waiting for a breakout confirmation (which often triggers after a big move), you anticipate the breakout by identifying early signs of accumulation, strength, and trend alignment.
This approach gives traders a better risk/reward ratio, helping them catch the move earlier with tighter stops and higher profit potential.
5. More on Minervini…
Mark Minervini Strategy | Think and Trade Like a Champion Part 1 | Technical and Fundamental Filters
Mark Minervini Strategy | Think and Trade Like a Champion Part 2 | Trading Strategy
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It reflects a personal interpretation of a Mark Minervini-style cheat entry setup and is not financial advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security, including Citigroup (C).
Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Trade Safe!
Kristoff - ChartMill