Bullish Signals Creeping in to the Crude Oil Market

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Crude oil closed lower on Friday but remains above the 87% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 81.36. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Sunday's evening session begins. Stochastics and the RSI are turning bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 89.54 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted. If July renews this spring's decline, last October's low crossing at 77.05 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 86.17. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 89.54. First support is Monday's low crossing at 81.21. Second support is last October's low crossing at 77.05.

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Natural gas closed higher on Friday as it consolidated some of the decline off May's high. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold and are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.547 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If July renews the aforementioned decline, the reaction low crossing at 2.166 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.547. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 2.838. First support is today's low crossing at 2.231. Second support is April's low crossing at 2.096.


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Gold closed higher due to short covering on Friday as it consolidates some of Thursday's decline. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Sunday's evening session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought and are turning neutral to bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. If August renews the decline off February's high, the 75% retracement level of the 2010-2011 rally crossing at 1461.30 is the next downside target. If August extends the rally off May's low, April's high crossing at 1674.30 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Friday's high crossing at 1632.00. Second resistance is April's high crossing at 1674.30. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1580.90. Second support is May's low crossing at 1529.30.

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Crude Oil Charts Collapse Including Trades Below the $90 Level

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Crude oil closed lower on Wednesday and below the 62% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 90.26. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady opening when Thursday's night session begins. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If July extends this month's decline, the 75% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 85.69 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 97.93 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 93.63. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 97.93. First support is today's low crossing at 89.28. Second support is the 75% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 85.69.

Natural gas closed higher on Wednesday and the high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought but remain neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If June extends the rally off last week's low, February's high crossing at 3.040 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.448 would signal that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is last Friday's high crossing at 2.759. Second resistance is February's high crossing at 3.040. First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 2.593. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.448.

Gold closed lower due to profit taking on Wednesday. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Thursday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bullish signaling a low might be in or is near. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1607.60 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If June renews the decline off February's high, the 38% retracement level of the 2008-2011 rally crossing at 1487.50 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1607.60. Second resistance is this month's high crossing at 1672.30. First support is last Wednesday's low crossing at 1526.70. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the 2008-2011 rally crossing at 1487.50.

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Crude Oil Falls Below 50% Retracement Level, Gold Bounces on Short Covering

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Crude oil closed lower on Thursday extending this week's breakout below the 50% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 93.99. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Friday.

Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If June extends this month's decline, the 62% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 89.90 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 100.02 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 95.75. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 100.02. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 91.81. Second support is the 62% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 89.90.

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Natural gas closed lower due to light profit taking on Thursday. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought but remain neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term.

If June extends the rally off last week's low, the 25% retracement level of the 2011-2012 decline crossing at 2.757 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.327 would signal that a short term top has been posted.

First resistance is today's high crossing at 2.676. Second resistance is the 25% retracement level of the 2011-2012 decline crossing at 2.757. First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 2.464. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.327.

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Gold closed higher due to short covering on Thursday as it consolidates some of this month's decline. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Friday.

Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If June extends the decline off February's high, the 38% retracement level of the 2008-2011 rally crossing at 1487.50 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1619.60 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 1589.00. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1619.60. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 1526.70. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the 2008-2011 rally crossing at 1487.50.

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Short Covering Rally in Crude Oil Tempers Early Session Losses

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Crude oil [June contract] closed lower on Friday and below the 38% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 98.15. A short covering rally tempered early session losses and the high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Tuesday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If June extends this month's decline, the 50% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 94.04 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 103.27 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 103.27. Second resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 106.43. First support is today's low crossing at 95.34. Second support is the 50% retracement level of the 2011-2012 rally crossing at 94.04.

Natural gas closed higher on Monday as it extended last week's trading range. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Tuesday. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought but remain neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If June extends the rally off last week's low, the reaction high crossing at 2.607 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.157 would signal that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 2.385. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 2.607. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.157. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1.982.

Gold closed lower on Monday and the mid-range close sets the stage for a steady opening on Tuesday. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If June renews the decline off February's high, the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00 is the next downside target. Closes above the reaction high crossing at 1699.60 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1681.30. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1699.60. First support is April's low crossing at 1613.00. Second support is the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00.

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Crude Oil Plummets on Disappointing Jobs Report

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Crude oil was lower as it extended Thursday's decline and renewed the decline off March's high. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that additional weakness is possible near term. In Friday mornings session the June contract lost more the $3.50 by 10 a.m. EST.

If June extends the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 98.14 is the next downside target. Closes above the 10 day moving average crossing at 104.03 would signal that a short term low has been posted.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 104.03. Second resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 106.43. First support is the overnight low crossing at 101.10. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 98.14.

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Prices Fall on Anemic Growth and Inventory Gains

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Chip Hodge of Manulife Asset Management said it best “Prices should be lower because there’s no shortage of oil and we’re looking at rather anemic economic growth, we’re getting robust builds in supply.” That combined with worsen job numbers put commodity bulls at a disadvantage in Wednesdays session.

Crude oil closed lower due to profit taking on Wednesday as it consolidates some of Tuesday's rally. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought but remain neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If June extends Tuesday's rally, the reaction high crossing at 109.13 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 103.76 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If June renews the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 98.14 is the next downside target. First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 106.43. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 109.13. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 103.76. Second support is April's low crossing at 101.22.

Natural gas closed lower due to profit taking on Wednesday as it consolidated some of the rally off April's low. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If June extends the rally off last week's low, the reaction high crossing at 2.607 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.144 would signal that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 2.385. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 2.607. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.144. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1.982.

Gold closed lower on Wednesday and the mid range close sets the stage for a steady opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI remain neutral to bullish signaling sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above the reaction high crossing at 1699.60 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If June renews the decline off February's high, the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00 is the next downside target. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1681.30. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1699.60. First support is April's low crossing at 1613.00. Second support is the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00.

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Crude Oil Trends Appears to Change....Ball is in the Bulls Court

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Crude oil closed higher on Tuesday and above the reaction high crossing at 105.50 confirming that a short term trend change has taken place. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If June extends today's rally, the reaction high crossing at 109.13 is the next upside target. If June renews the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 98.14 is the next downside target. First resistance is today's high crossing at 106.43. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 109.13. First support is April's low crossing at 101.22. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 98.14.

Natural gas closed higher on Tuesday as it extended the rally off April's low. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If June extends the rally off last week's low, the reaction high crossing at 2.607 is the next upside target. Closes below the 10 day moving average crossing at 2.134 would signal that a short term top has been posted. If June renews the multi year decline, monthly support crossing at 1.620 is the next downside target. First resistance is today's high crossing at 2.385. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 2.607. First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 2.134. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1.982.

Gold closed slightly higher on Tuesday and the mid-range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bullish signaling sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above the reaction high crossing at 1699.60 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If June renews the decline off February's high, the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00 is the next downside target. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1681.30. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1699.60. First support is April's low crossing at 1613.00. Second support is the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00.

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Crude Oil Bounces Back After Two Days of Loses

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Crude oil [May contract] closed higher on Monday ending a two day decline off Wednesday's high but remains locked in March's down trending channel. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Tuesday.

Stochastics and the RSI remain neutral to bullish signaling that a low might be in or is near. Closes above last Tuesday's high crossing at 105.07 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If May renews the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target.

First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing near 105.07. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 105.49. First support is this month's low crossing at 100.68. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84.

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Commodities Market Summary for Sunday April 22nd

Crude oil closed higher on Friday but remains locked in March's down trending channel. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI remain neutral to bullish signaling that a low might be in or is near. Closes above Tuesday's high crossing at 105.07 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If May renews the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target. 

Here's our pivot, resistance and support numbers to get the week started tonight!

Daily Pivot Points				Normal Range					Last Bar
Commodity	Chart	S3	S2	S1	PP	R1	R2	R3	H	L	C
Crude Oil		100.48	101.31	102.01	102.84	103.54	104.37	105.07	103.66	102.13	102.72
Natural Gas		1.813	1.858	1.882	1.927	1.951	1.996	2.020	1.971	1.902	1.907
Heating Oil		3.0771	3.0944	3.1098	3.1271	3.1425	3.1598	3.1752	3.1445	3.1118	3.1251
Gasoline RBOB		3.0244	3.0797	3.1169	3.1722	3.2094	3.2647	3.3019	3.2275	3.1350	3.1541
Gold		1606.4	1618.8	1630.1	1642.5	1653.8	1666.2	1677.5	1654.9	1631.2	1641.4
Silver		30.649	30.970	31.374	31.695	32.099	32.420	32.824	32.015	31.290	31.779
Copper		3.5408	3.5692	3.5983	3.6267	3.6558	3.6842	3.7133	3.6550	3.5975	3.6275
Platinum		1544.8	1559.4	1568.7	1583.3	1592.6	1607.2	1616.5	1597.9	1574.0	1578.0
			Extreme Range

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Crude Oil Remains Locked in March's Down Trending Channel

Crude oil [May contract] closed lower on Thursday, as it remains locked in March's down trending channel. The mid-range close sets the stage for a steady opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bullish signaling that a low might be in or is near. 


Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 103.83 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If May renews the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target. 


First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing near 103.83. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 105.49. First support is last Tuesday's low crossing at 100.68. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84.

Crude Oil Closes Lower on Unexpected Inventory Build

Crude oil [May contract] closed lower on Wednesday following today's stocks report that showed crude oil supplies increased more than expected. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Thursday.

Stochastics and the RSI remain bullish signaling that a low might be in or is near. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 104.07 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If May renews the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target.

First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing near 104.07. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 105.49. First support is last Tuesday's low crossing at 100.68. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84.

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Natural gas [May contract] closed lower on Wednesday as it extended the multi year decline. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term.

If May extends the multi year decline, monthly support crossing at 1.620 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.147 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 2.023. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.147. First support is today's low crossing at 1.940. Second support is monthly support crossing at 1.620.

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Gold closed lower [June contract] on Wednesday extending the decline off last week's high. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling sideways to lower prices are possible near term.

If June extends the decline off February's high, the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00 is the next downside target. Closes above the reaction high crossing at 1685.40 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted.

First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1685.40. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1699.60. First support is this month's low crossing at 1613.00. Second support is the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00.

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President Obama Looks into Oil Manipulation … Pure Political Theater

This is just pure political pandering to the masses. The world oil market does not just revolve around the US anymore. India and China are increasing players and are buying more oil in the world markets. It is the demand from the world for energy that is pushing prices higher, not the speculators.

And speaking of higher, crude oil [May contract] closed higher on Tuesday as it extended the rally off last week's low. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI are bullish signaling that a low might be in or is near.

Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 104.25 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If May renews the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target.

First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing near 104.25. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 105.49. First support is last Tuesday's low crossing at 100.68. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84.

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Crude Oil Ends The Week on a Sour Note

Crude oil [May contract] closed lower on Friday ending a two day bounce off Tuesday's low. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bullish signaling that a low might be in or is near. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 104.69 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If May extends the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing near 104.69. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 105.49. First support is Tuesday's low crossing at 100.68. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84.

Natural gas [May contract] closed slightly higher due to light short covering on Friday. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If May extends the multi year decline, monthly support crossing at 1.960 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.218 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 2.078. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.218. First support is today's low crossing at 1.959. Second support is monthly support crossing at 1.620.

Gold [June contract] closed lower on Friday and the low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bullish signaling sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above last Monday's high crossing at 1685.40 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If June extends the decline off February's high, the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00 is the next downside target. First resistance is last Monday's high crossing at 1685.40. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1699.60. First support is last Wednesday's low crossing at 1613.00. Second support is the 75% retracement level of the December-February rally crossing at 1595.00.

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Crude Oil Gets a Lift From Job Report

Crude oil [May contract] closed higher due to short covering on Thursday as it consolidates some of Wednesday's decline. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral hinting that a low might be in or is near.

Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 105.73 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If May extends the decline off March's high, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing near 104.63. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 105.73. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 101.88. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84.

We are looking at a possible positive divergence for crude oil using the Williams% R indicator. Yesterday’s move in the May crude oil gave us a perfect 61.8% Fibonacci retracement for this contract. We expect this market to regroup and consolidate around current levels. Longer term we remain positive given the fact that our monthly Trade Triangle is in a green positive mode.

We are looking for crude oil to make its highs probably somewhere in the April/May period. With a trading score of -60 this commodity is currently in trading range. Long term traders should remain long this market with appropriate money management stops.

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Looks Like Crude Oil Has Posted a Top in the Market

Crude oil closed sharply lower [May contract] on Thursday and below trading range support crossing at 104.90 following yesterday's bearish stocks report. Today's downside breakout of the aforementioned trading range and the October-February uptrend line confirm that a top has been posted. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Friday.

Stochastics and the RSI are turning bearish again signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If May extends today's decline, the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84 is the next downside target. Closes above the reaction high crossing at 108.70 would confirm that a short term low has been posted.

First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 108.70. Second resistance is March's high crossing at 110.95. First support is today's low crossing at 102.13. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the October-March rally crossing at 97.84.


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Is Crude Oil Ready to Break Out into the Next Trading Range?

Crude oil [May contract] closed higher on Monday while extending the trading range of the past five weeks. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Tuesday. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term.

If May renews this winter's rally, the 2011 high crossing at 113.75 is the next upside target. Closes below the reaction low crossing at 104.29 would confirm a downside breakout of a five week old trading range.

First resistance is this month's high crossing at 110.95. Second resistance is the 2011 high crossing at 113.75. First support is the reaction low crossing at 104.29. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 98.38.


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Crude Oil Falls as China’s Factory Activity Shrinks

Crude oil fell to a one week low [We are now following the May crude oil contract] on Thursday after manufacturing in the euro area and China contracted this month, signaling that fuel consumption may decline. Initial indications out of China indicated that industrial activity decreased.

Crude's decline accelerated as equities retreated and the dollar climbed against the euro. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Friday.

Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below last Thursday's crossing at 104.29 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If May renews this winter's rally, the 2011 high crossing at 113.75 is the next upside target.

First resistance is this month's high crossing at 110.95. Second resistance is the 2011 high crossing at 113.75. First support is last Thursday's low crossing at 104.29. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 98.38.

We continue to like the long term chart formation, which we believe will eventually push this market higher until early April. We are looking for crude oil to make its highs probably somewhere in the April, May period. With a Score of -70, this commodity is in an emerging trend.

 With our monthly Trade Triangle still in a positive mode, we expect to see further gains in crude oil. Long term traders should be long this market with appropriate money management stops.

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Crude Oil Closes Lower Despite a Surprising Decline in Supplies

Since reaching a high of just over $110 a barrel, this market has fallen back and moved sideways. We view the current action as positive longer term to drive crude oil prices up to the $120-$125 levels. A close this week over the $108.20 level should be viewed as extremely positive for this commodity.

We continue to like the chart formation which we believe will eventually push this market higher until early April. We are looking for crude oil to make its highs probably somewhere in the April May period. With a Score of -55, this commodity is in a trading range. With our monthly Trade Triangle in a positive mode, we expect to see further gains in crude oil. Long term traders should be long this market with appropriate money management stops.

April crude oil closed lower on Wednesday due to profit taking despite a surprising decline in domestic supplies. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI have turned bullish despite today's setback signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term.

If April renews this winter's rally, the 2011 high crossing at 114.09 is the next upside target. Closes below last Thursday's crossing at 103.78 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is this month's high crossing at 110.55. Second resistance is the 2011 high crossing at 114.09. First support is last Thursday's low crossing at 103.78. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 97.73.

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Did Crude Oil Make a Cyclic Low on Thursday?

We believe the low that was seen on Thursday, which has good support at the $104 level, is a cyclic low similar to what occurred in early February and the middle of December. If that is indeed the case, we would expect this market to start moving higher next week. We continue to like the chart formation, which we believe will eventually push this market higher until early April.

We are looking for crude oil to make its highs probably somewhere in the April, May period. With a Score of -60, we believe this market is regrouping to move higher later in the month. With our monthly Trade Triangle in a positive mode, we expect to see further gains in crude oil. Long term traders should be long this market with appropriate money management stops.

Crude oil [April contract] closed higher on Friday as it extends the trading range of the past two weeks. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI remain neutral to bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near.

Closes below last Wednesday's crossing at 104.35 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If April renews this winter's rally, the 2011 high crossing at 114.09 is the next upside target.

First resistance is this month's high crossing at 110.55. Second resistance is the 2011 high crossing at 114.09. First support is Thursday's low crossing at 103.78. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 97.73.

Check out our latest Video, Market Analysis and Forecast for the Dollar, Crude Oil, Gold, Silver, and the SP500

Rumor of Strategic Oil Reserves Being Released Push Market Lower

As we have stated before the 104 area is an area of support for the April contract. Today’s non announcement rumor of strategic oil reserves being released by Britain and the US push this market down to the 104 support level. We still believe that this market is going to move higher.

We continue to like the chart formation which we believe will eventually push this market higher until early April. We are looking for crude oil to make its highs probably somewhere in the April May period.

With a trading score of -70 we believe this market is regrouping to move higher later in the month. With our monthly trade triangles in a positive mode, we expect to see further gains in crude oil. Long term traders should be long this market with appropriate money management stops.

Crude oil [April contract] closed lower on Thursday as it extends the trading range of the past two weeks. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near.

Closes below last Wednesday's crossing at 104.35 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If April renews this winter's rally, the 2011 high crossing at 114.09 is the next upside target.

First resistance is this month's high crossing at 110.55. Second resistance is the 2011 high crossing at 114.09. First support is today's low crossing at 103.78. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 97.73.

Check out our latest Video, Market Analysis and Forecast for the Dollar, Crude Oil, Gold, Silver, and the SP500