Fed "Hopes" Giving Bulls Some Fresh Upside Near Term Technical Momentum

The U.S. stock indexes closed higher today as the bulls are gaining some fresh upside near term technical momentum. The market place was calmer and in more of a “risk on” mentality Tuesday following the weekend Greek elections that have at least temporarily assuaged the European Union debt and financial crisis.

There were reports Tuesday that Greece will form a new coalition government as soon as Wednesday. Traders and investors are awaiting the conclusion of the U.S. Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee meeting and its statement Wednesday afternoon. The Fed is determining its next course of U.S. monetary policy. Recent downbeat U.S. data has led to growing expectations for further easing of U.S. monetary policy.

Most reckon the Fed will implement some form of fresh easing of U.S. monetary policy at this week's meeting. The key will be how aggressive the Fed will respond with fresh easing.

All quotes are August contracts being reported.....

Crude oil closed up $0.85 a barrel at $84.45 today. Prices closed nearer the session high today and saw short covering in a bear market. The lower U.S. dollar index was also bullish for crude today. The crude bears still have the solid overall near term technical advantage.

Natural gas closed down 8.4 cents at $2.584 today. Prices closed nearer the session low today and saw a corrective pullback from recent solid gains. Prices did hit a fresh four week high early on today. Bulls have gained good upside near term technical momentum recently to suggest a market low is in place. Bulls and bears are on a level near term technical playing field.

Gold futures closed down $3.10 an ounce at $1,623.90 today. Prices closed near mid range today and saw some profit taking pressure from recent gains and some position evening ahead of Wednesday's FOMC results. The key “outside markets” were bullish for gold today as the U.S. dollar index was sharply lower and crude oil prices were higher. Gold market bulls have the slight near term technical advantage.

Get our Free Trading Videos, Lessons and eBook today!