Strong stocks tend to have positive news that further benefits their share price. MSFT is a prime example; bull flagging near highs, upper right hand corner of its daily chart & above its 200 day moving average. All bullish signs. When it comes out with monstrous numbers and gaps up 6% higher from its earnings beat exceeding our target by half a point, no one should be surprised. As short term traders we would rather pay up for great stock prior to the breakout. When you get great stock, you can be in moves like today.