Stock Market Mentor

Smooth Sailing on International Seaways $INSW – July 23, 2026

Scott McGregor
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Key Technical Takeaways

  • Intact Moving Average Support: Despite dipping below its 50-day moving average for most of 2026, $INSW remains in a strong uptrend above its 8-day and 21-day exponential period moving averages (EMAs).

  • Fundamental Tailwinds: Middle East conflicts and global shipping challenges continue to drive profitability for the stock in a rough economic environment.

  • Consistent Earnings Performance: The company has delivered positive earnings reports over the last four quarters, with a runway before its next report in mid-August.

  • Clear Execution Parameters: The trade thesis relies on a verified move through and close above 9210, with risk anchored to the 21-day EMA.

Finding Smooth Sailing in International Seaways (INSW)

When broad market volatility creates a difficult trading environment, finding stocks that decouple from general weakness is essential for active investors. International Seaways ($INSW) is currently exhibiting that exact relative strength, providing smooth sailing while the rest of the market whips around.

Technical Strength Meets Fundamental Tailwinds

While $INSW spent the better part of 2026 under its 50-day moving average, the stock has held remarkably firm above its short-term trendlines. By holding above its 8-day and 21-day exponential period moving averages (EMAs), $INSW confirms that its primary upward momentum remains intact.

This strength is supported by real-world catalyst drivers: ongoing tensions in the Middle East and persistent global shipping issues have kept maritime freight operators profitable despite a challenging economic backdrop. This fundamental stability is reflected in $INSW’s track record of four consecutive quarters of positive earnings.

Setting Up the Trade

With the company’s next earnings report not scheduled until mid-August, there is a clear window for a potential momentum trade.

  • The Trigger: Look for a decisive move through and a daily close above 9210.

  • The Invalidation Level: On an initial trade, anchor a protective stop-loss down around the 21-day exponential period moving average.

Waiting for price confirmation above resistance ensures you are trading alongside verified institutional momentum while utilizing moving average support to keep your risk clearly defined.