Crude Oil Bulls Gaining Much Needed Momentum

Crude oil closed lower on Thursday as it consolidated some of the rally off last Friday's low. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI are turning bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If March renews the rally off December's low, the 75% retracement level of the 2011 decline crossing at 105.23 is the next upside target.

If March renews this month's decline, December's low crossing at 92.95 is the next downside target. First resistance is this month's high crossing at 103.90. Second resistance is the 75% retracement level of the 2011 decline crossing at 105.23. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 97.93. Second support is December's low crossing at 92.95.

The consolidation in crude oil above the $98 a barrel level continues. We are longer term positive on this market, however it must move over resistance at $104 to get upside momentum into high gear. With a Chart Analysis Score of +90, this market is in a strong trend and with all our Trade Triangles in a positive mode we expect we will see this market breakout to the upside. Long and intermediate term traders should be long this market with appropriate money management stops.

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