Thursday, May 14, 2009

Crude Oil Rises as U.S. Equities Advance, Dollar Declines


"Crude Oil Rises as U.S. Equities Advance, Dollar Declines"
Crude oil rose after U.S. equities increased and the dollar dropped against the euro, bolstering the appeal of energy futures as an alternative investment. Oil rose after the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ended a three-day losing streak. The dollar dropped as rising stock prices reduced the need for a refuge. Energy prices fell earlier when the International Energy Agency said world oil consumption will drop this year by the most since 1981.....Complete Story

"ConocoPhillips CEO Sees Positives with Crude at $70/Barrel"
ConocoPhillips CEO James Mulva said Wednesday that rising oil prices are an encouraging sign the economy is improving and could help spur new investment by the oil and gas industry after a global recession put a chill on activity in recent months. But prices may need to go higher still before ConocoPhillips boosts its spending again in the Oil Patch. Longer term, an oil price in the neighborhood of $70 is "a good enough price for us to be making investments to replace our resources and grow production.....Complete Story

"IEA Cuts Oil Demand Outlook as Recession Lingers"
The International Energy Agency cut its oil-demand forecast for a ninth consecutive month, predicting consumption this year will fall the most since 1981 as the recession lingers. The Paris-based adviser to 28 nations cut its global oil demand estimate “slightly” to 83 1/2 million barrels a day this year, down 3 percent from 2008, it said today in its monthly report. That is 230,000 barrels a day lower than it forecast last month. The revision comes a day after OPEC reduced its 2009 forecast, predicting oil.....Complete Story


Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles



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Crude Oil Lower On Demand Concerns and Jobless Claims


June crude oil was lower due to profit taking overnight as it consolidates some of the rally off April's low. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought and are turning bearish signaling that a short term top might be in or is near.

Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 53.35 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted.

Crude oil is struggling against a slightly higher dollar and worse then expected jobless claims and unemployment data.

If June renews this spring's rally, the reaction high crossing at 65.00 is the next upside target.

Thursday's pivot point, our line in the sand is 58.34

First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 60.08
Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 65.00

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 56.54
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 53.35

10:30 AM ET. May 8

EIA Natl Gas Inventories, in billion cubic feet

Total Working Gas in Storage (previous 1918)

Total Working Gas in Storage (Net Change) (previous +95)

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The June Dollar was higher overnight due to short covering as it consolidates around the 75% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 827.50. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term.

If June extends the decline off April's high, the 87% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 81.49 is the next downside target. Closes above the 10 day moving average crossing at 83.44 would temper the near term bearish outlook in the market.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 83.44.
Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 84.62.

First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 81.98.
Second support is the 87% retracement level crossing at 81.49.

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The June S&P 500 index was lower overnight and tested support marked by the 20 day moving average crossing at 878.09. The pre market trading session is trying to digest worse then expected jobless and unemployment numbers so it is no surprise that Stochastics and the RSI have turned bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term.

We are looking at a trading range of 880 - 887 and traders are looking closely at the 50% retracement level of 875.75 to go long.

Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 878.09 would confirm that a short term top has been posted while opening the door for a larger degree decline this spring. Closes above the 10 day moving average crossing at 901.50 would temper the near term bearish outlook in the market.

Thursday's pivot point, our line in the sand is 892.25

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 904.50
Second resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 924

First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 873.75
Second support is the 25% retracement, this spring's rally crossing at 861.50

First weekly support is 891.50

The June S&P 500 Index was down 2.00 points. at 883.30 as of 6:06 AM CST. Overnight action sets the stage for a lower opening by the June S&P 500 index when the day session begins later this morning.


Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles



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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Crude Oil Closes Lower On Demand Concerns


June crude oil 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 are overbought but remain neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term.

If June extends the rally, the reaction high crossing at 61.33 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 53.12 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted.

First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 60.08
Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 61.33

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 55.98
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 53.12

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The June Dollar closed higher due to short covering on Wednesday as it consolidates some of this month's decline but remains below the 75% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 82.50. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher 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 June extends the decline, the 87% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 81.49 is the next downside target. Multiple closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 87.76 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 83.65
Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 84.76

First support is today's low crossing at 81.98
Second support is the 87% retracement level crossing at 81.49

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The June S&P 500 index closed lower on Wednesday and below the 10 day moving average crossing at 900.05 signaling that a short term top has been posted. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Thursday.

Stochastics and the RSI are turning bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 876.88 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted.

If June renews the rally off March's low, January's high crossing at 937.00 is the next upside target.

First resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 929.00
Second resistance is January's high crossing at 937.00

First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 876.88
Second support is the reaction low crossing at 838.80



Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles



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Crude Oil Falls, OPEC Raises Output


"Crude Oil Falls More Than $1 as Equities Decline, Demand Drops"
Crude oil fell after U.S. equities dropped on a report showing that retail sales unexpectedly declined in April and fuel demand plunged to a 10 year low. Oil dropped as much as 2 1/2 percent as stocks slipped after the Commerce Department said that purchases at U.S. stores decreased 0.4 percent last month. An Energy Department report showed that that fuel use fell to the lowest level since May 1999. Prices rose earlier when the report showed.....Complete Story

"Energy Companies Pounce on Price, Equities Rally by Raising Capital"
Independent crude oil and natural gas producers are taking advantage of the commodity price and broader stock market rally by raising capital. The flurry of deals, however, masks the varying degrees of financial health among companies in the sector. Better capitalized companies, which tend to be larger, are using the opportunity to build up cash reserves to invest in growth. Many smaller firms, meanwhile, had overextended themselves when oil and gas prices were at all time record highs and are.....Complete Story

"OPEC Raised Oil Output for the First Time Since July"
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries boosted oil production last month for the first time since July, exceeding its quota by 967,000 barrels a day and backtracking its implementation of supply cuts intended to stem falling prices. The 11 OPEC members bound by targets implemented 77 percent of planned output cuts of 4 1/2 million barrels a day, down from a revised 82 percent for March, the Vienna based organization said.....Complete Story



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Crude Oil Rally Struggling Against Future Demand Concerns


June crude oil was higher overnight as it extended the rally off April's low and are still holding up despite future demand threats from worse than expected retail numbers this morning. 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, the reaction high crossing at 65.00 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 53.18 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted.

Wednesday's pivot point, our line in the sand is 58.91

First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 60.08
Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 65.00

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 56.10
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 53.18

Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles

The June Dollar was steady to lower overnight as it consolidates below the 75% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 827.50. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term.

If June extends the decline off April's high, the 87% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 81.49 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 84.75 would temper the near term bearish outlook in the market.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 83.62
Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 84.75

First support is the overnight low crossing at 81.98
Second support is the 87% retracement level crossing at 81.49

Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles

The June S&P 500 index was lower overnight and is testing initial support marked by the 10 day moving average crossing at 901.93. Stochastics and the RSI are turning bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 877.90 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted.

If June renews the rally off March's low, January's high crossing at 937.00 is the next upside target.

Our pivot point for Wednesday is 905

First resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 916.75
Second resistance is January's high crossing at 927.50

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 895.75
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 884.50

The June S&P 500 Index was down 4.50 points. at 902.30 as of 6:00 AM CST. Overnight action sets the stage for a lower opening by the June S&P 500 index when the day session begins later this morning.

10:30 AM ET. May 15

US Energy Dept Oil Inventories

Crude Oil Stocks (previous 375.3M)

Crude Oil Stocks (Net Change)(expected +1.3M; previous +600K)

Gasoline Stocks (previous 212.4M)

Gasoline Stocks (Net Change)(expected 0; previous -200K)

Distillate Stocks (previous 146.5M)

Distillate Stocks (Net Change)(expected +1.3M; previous +2.4M)

Refinery Usage (expected 85.4%; previous 85.3%)


Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles



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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Crude Oil Hits Fresh 5 1/2 Month High


June crude oil closed up $0.23 at $58.73 a barrel today. Prices closed near mid range today and did hit a fresh 5 1/2 month high. Bulls do still have the near
term technical advantage. A steep three week old uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart.

June heating oil closed up 66 points at $1.5075 today. Prices closed near mid range again today. Prices hit a fresh four month high today. Bulls and bears are on a level near term technical playing field.

June unleaded gasoline closed down 130 points at $1.6672 today. Prices closed nearer the session low today. Bulls still have some upside technical momentum. However, the market is still short term overbought, technically.

June natural gas closed up 18.8 cents at $4.49 today. Prices closed near the session high today and hit a fresh six week high. Bulls have gained upside near term technical momentum recently to finally suggest that a major market low is in place.

The June U.S. dollar index closed down 37 points at 82.42 today. Prices closed nearer the session low and hit a fresh 4 1/2 month low today. Prices are in a nine week old downtrend on the daily bar chart. Bears have the near term technical advantage.


Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles


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Oil Retreats On Drop In Stock market, Interior Dept. Seeks Drilling Clarification


"Oil Retreats on Stock Market Drop, U.S. Inventory Forecast"
Crude oil retreated after U.S. equities dropped and on expectations that a government report will show U.S. inventories increased for a 10th week. Oil followed stocks lower, reversing gains made last week after the U.S. economy lost fewer jobs than expected. Stockpiles climbed 1 million barrels last week, according to the median of 14 responses in a Bloomberg News survey. Supplies rose to the highest level since September 1990 in the week ended May 1 as fuel demand plunged, the Energy Department said.

“Equities are having another bad day, which is taking some of the wind out of the sails of the oil market,” said Addison Armstrong, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. “The oil market is going to be taking its direction from equities.....Complete Story

"US Interior Dept Seeks Clarification of Offshore Leasing Ruling"
The Interior Department is expected to ask a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., to clarify what it meant when it determined the agency failed to adequately consider the effect of an offshore oil and gas leasing program in Alaska.

The court in April ruled that the department's Minerals Management Service failed to consider the effect on the environment and marine life before it began under the Bush administration in 2005 to expand an offshore oil and gas leasing program in the Beaufort, Bering and Chukchi seas. The appeals court ordered the Interior Department, now run by President Barack Obama's appointee Ken Salazar, to analyze the areas to determine.....Complete Story

"Oil Companies May Wait for Hedges to End to Go Bargain Shopping"
Quantum Energy Partners, the Houston private-equity firm that put together a $3.5 billion bankroll to go bargain hunting for acquisitions after oil and natural-gas prices plunged, is waiting for a better time to pounce. Buyers will accelerate acquisitions late this year and in early 2010 as the hedging contracts that shielded potential takeover targets from tumbling prices expire, said Wil VanLoh, Quantum’s chief executive officer.

“By the first quarter of next year, we’ll be pretty darn active,” VanLoh said in an interview at his downtown office. “Many companies are very well hedged for 2009, so the squeeze hasn’t happened yet. The point of capitulation probably will arrive in the fourth quarter or the first.....Complete Story


Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles


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How To Use Intra-Day Charts To Time Low Risk Entry Points

Intra-day charts can find low risk entry points in any market.

In this short video, we will show you how to use intra-day charts to time low risk entry points in any market that has an established trend. In this example, we are looking at a 30-minute chart of July crude oil (CL.N09). With all of our indicators in a positive trend for crude oil, we are looking for low risk entry levels where we can add to, or institute new positions.

This video will demonstrate how to move into a market even if you have missed the initial buy/sell signal.

You can view this new video with our compliments. There are no registration requirements. Please enjoy and give us your feedback by leaving a comment!


Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles


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Crude Oil Rally Looks To Continue As U.S. Dollar Weakens


June crude oil was higher overnight as it extends last week's rally above March's high crossing at 56.10. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought but remain neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term.

If June extends last week's rally, the reaction high crossing at 65.00 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 52.82 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted.

The current rally in crude oil has been fueled by the falling U.S. Dollar and as it rebounds for a couple of days most professional traders will be buying the dips in crude oil.

Tuesday's pivot point, our line in the sand is 57.84

First resistance is the overnight high crossing at 59.68.
Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 65.00.

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 55.29.
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 52.82.

The weekly pivot point is 56.65

Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles

The June Dollar was lower overnight as it extends last Friday's decline below the 75% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 827.50. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term.

If June extends the decline off April's high, the 87% retracement level of the December-March rally crossing at 81.49 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 84.90 would temper the near term bearish outlook in the market.

First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 83.86.
Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 84.90.

First support is the overnight low crossing at 82.38.
Second support is the 87% retracement level crossing at 81.49.

Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles

The June S&P 500 index was steady to slightly higher overnight due to short covering as it consolidates some of Monday's decline. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought and are turning bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near.

While most professional traders look for a break through 898 to spell trouble for the bulls, closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 875.36 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted.

If June extends the rally off March's low, January's high crossing at 937.00 is the next upside target.

Tuesday's daily pivot point, our line in the sand is 913.25

First resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 919.50
Second resistance is January's high crossing at 930

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 902.75
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 895.75

Watch the converging of the weekly pivot at 910.75, the daily pivot of 913.25 and monthly resistance of 912.50.

The June S&P 500 Index was up 1.00 points. at 910.00 as of 5:56 AM CST. Overnight action sets the stage for a steady to higher opening by the June S&P 500 index but that could be at risk as trade deficit numbers have come in worse than expected.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Crude Oil Closes Lower, Bulls Still Have Technical Advantage


June crude oil closed down $0.28 at $58.35 a barrel today. Prices closed near the session high today after prices Friday hit another fresh four month high. Bulls do still have the near term technical advantage.

June heating oil closed down 189 points at $1.4995 today. Prices closed near mid range today. Bears still have the slight overall technical advantage.

June unleaded gasoline closed down 270 points at $1.6785 today. Prices closed near mid range today. Bulls still have upside technical momentum. However, the market is still short term overbought, technically.

June natural gas closed down 2 1/2 cents at $4.286 today. Prices closed near mid range today. While the bears still have the overall near term technical advantage, the bulls have gained fresh near term technical momentum recently to finally suggest that a major market low is in place.

The June U.S. dollar index closed up 16 points at 82.80 today. Prices closed nearer the session high after hitting a fresh 4 1/2 month low early on today. Short covering in a bear market was featured. Bears still have the near term technical advantage.

The U.S. stock indexes closed mostly lower today on some more profit taking pressure from recent solid gains and on lingering worries about the U.S. economy and when any recovery can be sustained. The bulls need to step up and show fresh power soon to keep their upside momentum going after prices have rallied strongly off the March lows.


Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles


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