Below we highlight four distinct stock groups that could offer trading opportunities as global stock markets continue to trade around record highs. The groups vary from stocks trading at or near their all-time highs which could continue their impressive runs, to stocks down in the dumps that could be overdue a recovery.

Which UK stocks could build on record highs?

The top of the pack, the pick of the bunch; these UK 100 stocks have rocketed to trade all-time highs alongside US  and European counterparts, and look set to climb even further. While some of these stocks may not be household names, they have quietly been building on solid fundamental and technical positions to reach these highs. They might not be exciting household names, but they’ve thrilled their shareholders.

Companies such as Mondi, DCC, RELX and Croda are stocks rarely included in business news headlines, yet all have traded all-time highs in May 2017. Better known names on the list include Unilever following its takeover speculation inspired rally, whilst the London Stock Exchange Group may be exhibiting a bullish trading pattern.

Which UK stocks could be due a recovery?

This section highlights some stocks that have been on the backfoot as of late for a multitude of different reasons, however they may soon find themselves recovering from recent woes. These shares may be weaker as a result of an errant set of results or perhaps surprise one-off profits warnings as a result of company discrepancies.

There are two obvious candidates for this section, both being UK Index stalwarts that have suffered due to poor results and surprise profits warnings. Both BT and ITV have struggled of late following weaker than expected results, however the former’s move has been particularly noteworthy after trading a four year low in May.

What stocks have run their course and could be due a sell-off?

This group of stocks are also trading close to their record highs, however analysis of relevant market contributors – such as commodities or foreign exchange markets – alongside technical indicators suggest that their trends may be coming to an end. Having enjoyed a period of relevant strength, shares may now have reached a top.

Carnival (CCL) is a great example. The stock is within touching distance of its all-time highs, however it has recently retreated as its Relative Strength Indicator (RSI) recovers from overbought. The last time Carnival’s RSI went from overbought to oversold in late 2015 to early 2016, its share price dropped 25%. Could this be déjà vu?

Which stocks have consistently traded ranges?

These stocks may not be the most eye-catching, however these stocks have been trading in noticeable ranges over the recent period of market growth. While they may not be trading close to noticeable highs or lows, they have consistently seen trend changes at particular levels, often multiple times over the space of several weeks.

In recent weeks, Mining stocks such as Antofagasta have been limited to tight trading channels, however looking over the longer term, GlaxoSmithKline has repeatedly hit the limits of its narrowing pattern only to return again.

For a hand-picked selection of our top stocks from the lists above, complete with technical analysis and broker targets from the biggest names in the City, have a look over the page. Which stocks do you like the look of?