"Damage Already Done" To MSFT? Sell-Off Presents New Mag 7 Opportunity

Schwab Network
Schwab NetworkFeb 19, 2026

Why It Matters

A break above $400 could signal a broader tech recovery, and the proposed diagonal spread lets investors capture upside with limited capital and defined risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft down ~30% from all‑time high, near 400 support.
  • RSI shows short‑term upward momentum; break above 400 crucial.
  • One‑year chart near April low, suggesting “Lag‑7” pattern.
  • High implied volatility supports bullish diagonal call spread strategy.
  • Diagonal spread offers 33‑delta exposure for under $1,000.

Summary

The segment focuses on Microsoft’s steep post‑summer decline—roughly 30% off its all‑time high—and the technical outlook that could turn the sell‑off into a “Mag 7” buying opportunity. Ben Watson walks through a 15‑minute chart, highlighting a tight resistance zone around $400, a supportive level near $398, and a modest bounce off a descending trend line. He notes that the RSI is edging upward, suggesting short‑term momentum that could breach the $400 ceiling if buyers gain traction.

Watson also references the “Lag‑7” pattern, pointing out that Microsoft’s one‑year price trajectory now mirrors its April low from the previous year, implying a potential double‑bottom formation. The recent earnings‑driven drop created a classic candlestick “window,” and closing that window could open a path toward $445. Meanwhile, implied volatility remains elevated, reflecting lingering uncertainty but also offering premium‑rich options.

Kevin adds a concrete trade idea: a bullish diagonal call spread using a March 13 at‑the‑money $400 call and a February 27 $415 short call. The structure captures roughly 33 delta exposure for under $1,000, a fraction of the $40,000 needed to own 100 shares outright. He emphasizes the trade’s risk‑defined nature, the importance of the expected $15 move (one‑standard‑deviation), and the ability to extend duration if the market stalls.

The analysis suggests that, despite weak fundamentals and a lagging 50‑day moving average, Microsoft’s massive cash‑flow base and upcoming data releases could spark a rebound. Traders can leverage high volatility to gain leveraged exposure without committing large capital, while investors should monitor the $400 resistance as a pivotal trigger for broader sector sentiment.

Original Description

Microsoft (MSFT) hit 9-month lows and currently trades around $400 after shares hit $555 last summer. @CharlesSchwab's Ben Watson highlights key levels in Microsoft's chart that offer opportunities for bulls following the Mag 7 stock's substantial repricing. Kevin Hincks joins later to walk investors through his example options trade for Microsoft.
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