Crude Oil Closes Sharply Lower to Start 2014

Crude oil bulls got slaughtered right out of the gate to get 2014 started as crude oil closes sharply lower on Thursday and below the 20 day moving average crossing at 98.23 confirming that a short term top has been posted. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening when Friday's night session begins. Stochastics and the RSI have turned bearish signaling that additional weakness is likely. If February extends this week's decline, November's low crossing at 92.10 is the next downside target. Closes above the 10 day moving average crossing at 98.77 are needed to temper the near term bearish outlook. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 98.77. Second resistance is last Friday's high crossing at 100.75. First support is today's low crossing at 95.34. Second support is November's low crossing at 92.10.

Natural gas closed higher due to short covering on Thursday as it consolidated some of Tuesday's sharp decline. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If February extends Tuesday's decline, the 38% retracement level of the November-December rally crossing at 4.158 is the next downside target. Closes above the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.403 would temper the near term bearish outlook. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.403. Second resistance is December's high crossing at 4.532. First support is today's low crossing at 4.213. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the November-December rally crossing at 4.158.

Gold closed higher on Thursday due to a short covering rally. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Friday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1224.00 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted. If February extends the decline off August's high, weekly support crossing at 1179.40 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1224.00. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1267.50. First support is Tuesday's low crossing at 1181.40. Second support is weekly support crossing at 1179.40.

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