5 stocks that ignore the index

The market still looks nervous. The major indexes are trading below their 50-day moving averages, and that is one of the simplest and most honest signals: aggressive buying is dangerous right now. When the market is weak, even good ideas may not work, because the overall backdrop pulls everything down.

But in such periods it is especially useful to look at relative strength. If the index is slipping, but certain stocks hold up, build bases, and do not collapse with the market, it means there is demand. This is not a reason to buy immediately, but it is a reason to watch closely. On a short week, five names stand out as more resilient than most.

Boeing

Boeing remains one of the most talked-about recovery stories. The stock is holding in a buy zone after a long base, which is important in itself: the share has not just bounced, it is trying to build a new trend.

The company is gradually emerging from its crisis period. Supply issues no longer look as acute, defense orders are growing, and the commercial aircraft backlog is starting to be seen as an asset rather than a headache again. An additional factor is U.S. Air Force contracts and potential large deals in the Middle East and Asia.

At the same time, the fundamentals are not perfect yet: earnings and relative strength ratings do not look outstanding. This is more of a recovery bet than a pure growth story.

Construction Partners

Construction Partners delivered one of the strongest reports in its segment. Revenue grew by about 44%, backlog reached record levels, and the company is actively expanding through acquisitions.

The infrastructure and construction theme is now being supported by the boom in data centers and AI-related projects. This is a rare case where a macro trend directly fuels demand.

The problem is that after the surge, the stock is too far above its moving averages. Buying “chasing strength” in a weak market is usually a bad idea. It makes more sense to wait for a pause or a new base.

TJX

Retail in general is under pressure: sales data is weak, and consumers are becoming cautious. But TJX looks more resilient than the sector. The company operates in the defensive off-price format, which often performs better when people start saving money.

A base is forming ahead of the earnings report on February 25, and the business remains stable: profits and comparable sales are growing more predictably than many competitors. This is a typical watchlist candidate as a defensive stock.

Axsome Therapeutics

Axsome is biotech, but not the kind of “dream with no revenue.” The company already has a product generating more than $500 million per year, and the potential expansion of indications could open a much larger market.

The downside is obvious: the company is still unprofitable, so volatility is high and reactions to news can be sharp. This is a growth story suitable only for those who are ready for risk and understand the sector’s specifics.

Viking Holdings

The cruise sector has unexpectedly become one of the strongest in the recovery. Viking shows solid demand: about 70% of 2026 capacity has already been sold, which indicates strong visibility into future revenue.

The stock is holding its buy zone after a breakout and looks like one of the most stable technical setups on the list. Tourism is recovering faster than expected, and the market is gradually pricing that in.

Overall strategy

Right now the market is not giving a green light for aggressive buying. In such weeks, the winner is not the one who guesses correctly, but the one who maintains discipline.

The best approach is to update your watchlist, enter in partial positions, keep cash as an option, cut losses quickly, and buy only the stocks that truly show strength against a weak index. A short week often increases volatility. And that is why discipline matters more than any forecast.