I trade off break-outs and, in a trendless market, it is very frustrating to be waiting all day long to find out that there is no volume to sustain a break-out. What can I do to avoid the trendless stocks? How can I tell that there is no interest in a stock before I invest my time and money on it?

Research the stock? What characteristics do actively traded stocks share? Upcoming earnings announcements? Industry announcements on products or issues? Stocks in active industries and sectors...