Crude Oil Opens Lower as Debby Loses Focus

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CME: August crude oil prices grinded higher during the Sunday evening trade but reversed course throughout the initial morning hours. It seemed that ongoing concerns over weakening global growth and European debt issues weighed on oil demand prospects. Fears over weakening demand took some of the focus away from Tropical Storm Debby in the Gulf of Mexico, which shuttered nearly 25% of oil and gas operations in the region. The Commitments of Traders Futures and Options report as of June 19th showed non commercial traders were net long 192,059 contracts, a decrease of 8,943. Non commercial and nonreportable traders combined held a net long position of 198,111 contracts, for a decrease of 15,830 in their net long positioning.

COT: August crude oil was lower overnight as it extends this year's decline. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain bearish signaling that additional weakness is possible near term. If August extends this year's decline, the 75% retracement level of the 2009-2011 rally crossing at 73.28 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 83.89 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 83.89. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 87.32. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 77.56. Second support is the 75% retracement level of the 2009-2011 rally crossing at 73.28.

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