United Continental (UAL) had one mighty strong day, climbing more than 5% to the low 19s. This is however still a long down from the lofty heights of early July when the stock was flirting with a breakout over $25.
UAL, daily
Summary
Airlines remain one of the most turbulent sectors to meddle in. I've certainly not traded UAL in over a year, and even now I think its too unstable to be meddling with.
Yet in terms of entertainment, its proving to be quite good.
It is very difficult to say how long this new up cycle will last. The last one stalled after just a day, maybe this next one will get to 20/21, but it really is a tricky one to guess.
Considering the broader macro-economic picture - especially in the US economy, with the threat of recession in Q4/early 2013, the airlines seem the very last place where investors should be getting involved in right now.