Three Must-Watch Stocks for the Month of July

About a month ago, using data supplied by Schaeffer's Quantitative Analyst Chris Prybal, I examined four stocks to watch in June. As we approach July, I decided to repeat this exercise to determine a few names with the potential to make big upside moves next month. This time around, we'll take a look at Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS), and VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VDSI).

Below, you'll find a list of 40 stocks with positive returns at least 80% of the time in the last 10 years, during the month of July. This data comes courtesy of Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White. Under the list, you'll also find some commentary on the three aforementioned names -- AMZN, GS, and VDSI -- and why they could be poised for another outsized move in July.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)

AMZN has been a beast in 2015, powering 40% higher to $433.57. In fact, the stock hit a record peak of $452.65 in late April following a well-received earnings report. Today, the shares are getting a lift from news of the company's expansion of its Mexican storefront and its small business loan program. If past is prologue, additional gains could be on the way. In eight of the past 10 Julys, the shares have advanced -- with an average one-month return of 5.1%.

This technical tenacity hasn't convinced everyone. At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), AMZN has racked up a 50-day put/call volume ratio of 0.87 -- in the 70th annual percentile. Should the weaker bearish hands begin to hit the exits, it could add fuel to the stock's fire.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS)

GS is consolidating atop its 40-day moving average, after jumping to a post-recession high of $218.77 last week. At $209.76, the stock has advanced 26% year-over-year. Clear skies could be ahead, too. The shares have rallied nine times over the previous 10 Julys, and sport an average single-month gain of 4.3%.

Analysts have been slow to recognize this upward trend. Twelve of 14 brokerage firms still rate GS a "hold" or "strong sell." Plus, the stock's average 12-month price target of $212.35 stands at a slim 1.2% premium to its current perch. A round of upgrades and/or price-target boosts could add fuel to the equity's fire.

In separate news, GS settled charges today with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for sending incorrect options trades, agreeing to pay a $7 million fine. Looking ahead, the investment bank will hold its investor relations forum this Friday.

VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VDSI)

​VDSI has been a technical titan. Today, the stock has added 3.3% at $30.47, bringing its year-over-year lead to more than 150%. July looks bright, too, with the shares positive 80% of the time in the past decade, and averaging a one-month gain of 8.3%.

All things considered, VDSI is likely putting the pressure on short sellers. A brow-raising 45.8% of the stock's float is sold short, equating to nearly seven sessions' worth of pent-up buying demand, at average daily volumes. To put matters plainly, the shares are set to run on short-covering activity.