Crude Oil Market Commentary For Friday Evening

Crude oil closed lower on Friday after India's central bank decided to raise its key lending and borrowing rates in an effort to reduce inflation. Investors also fear that central banks in China could follow India's lead. Ongoing concerns about the slow pace of the economic recovery and high global oil inventories also weighed on prices. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI are diverging and are turning neutral to bearish signaling that a short term top is in or is near. Closes below Monday's low crossing at 79.41 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If May renews the rally off February's low, January's high crossing at 85.43 is the next upside target. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 83.47. Second resistance is January's high crossing at 85.43. First support is today's low crossing at 80.14. Second support is Monday's low crossing at 80.89.

Natural gas closed higher due to short covering on Friday as it consolidates some of this week's decline and is trading above broken weekly support crossing at 4.157. 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 this winter's decline, weekly support crossing at 4.035 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.626 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.439. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.626. First support is today's low crossing at 4.114. Second support is weekly support crossing at 4.035.

The U.S. Dollar closed higher on Friday and above the 20 day moving average crossing at 80.70 signaling that a short term low has been posted. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If June extends this week's rally, February's high crossing at 81.70 is the next upside target. If June renews Wednesday's decline, the 38% retracement level of the November-February rally crossing at 79.17 is the next downside target. First resistance is today's high crossing at 81.14. Second resistance is February's high crossing at 81.70. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 79.73. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the November-February rally crossing at 79.17.


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Crude Oil in New York Declines the Most in Six Weeks as Dollar Gains Versus Euro

Crude oil fell the most in six weeks as the dollar strengthened against the euro, curbing the appeal of commodities as an alternative investment. Oil dropped as much as 2.7 percent as speculation that Greece may fail to secure financial assistance from the European Union weakened the euro, which is heading for its biggest weekly decline against the dollar since January. Total U.S. fuel demand dropped the most since November in the week ended March 12, the Energy Department reported this week.

“The market looks like it’s tracking the dollar play,” said Gene McGillian, an analyst and broker at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. “It’s also retreating from the $83 level because fuel demand dropped below the five year average.” Crude oil for April delivery fell $2.10, or 2.5 percent, to $80.19 a barrel at 11:11 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Earlier, it touched $80.07, the biggest drop since Feb. 5. Futures are down 1.3 percent this week.

The dollar traded at $1.3511 against the euro, compared with $1.3608 yesterday. It’s poised to gain 1.9 percent this week, the biggest increase since the week ended Jan. 29. The Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 commodities declined 1 percent to 272.75, the steepest drop since March 4. Seventeen of the commodities traded lower. Total fuel demand dropped by 4.2 percent to 18.8 million barrels a day last week, 7.8 percent below the five year average for the second week in March. It was the biggest one-week decline since the week ended Nov. 6.....Your keyword.

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Crude Oil Daily Technical Outlook For Friday

With 4 hours MACD staying below signal line, intraday bias in crude oil remains neutral. Consolidations from 83.16 is possibly still in progress and another fall might be seen to 38.2% retracement of 69.50 to 83.16 at 77.94. But downside will likely be contained there and bring another rise. On the upside, decisive break will confirm rally resumption for 83.95 high next.

In the bigger picture, crude oil is still trading well inside medium term rising channel and the rise from 33.2 might still be in progress. Nevertheless, as such rise from 33.2 is treated as a correction to whole decline from 147.27 only, even in case of another high above 83.95, we'd continue to expect strong resistance near to 50% retracement of 147.27 to 33.2 at 90.24 to bring reversal. On the downside, though, break of 69.50 support will now indicate that crude oil has topped out in medium term already and turn outlook bearish.....Nymex Crude Oil Continuous Contract 4 Hours Chart.

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Where is Crude Oil Headed on Friday?

CNBC's Bertha Coombs discusses the day's activity in the commodities markets, and where oil is likely headed tomorrow.




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Crude Oil Market Commentary For Thursday Evening

Crude oil closed lower due to profit taking on Thursday as it consolidates some of Wednesday's rally. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady opening on Monday. Stochastics and the RSI are turning bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If May renews the rally off February's low, January's high crossing at 85.43 is the next upside target. Closes below Monday's low crossing at 79.41 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 83.47. Second resistance is January's high crossing at 85.43. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 81.03. Second support is Monday's low crossing at 80.89.

Natural gas closed sharply lower on Thursday and below weekly support crossing at 4.157 as it extends this winter's decline. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If May extends this winter's decline, weekly support crossing at 4.035 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.671 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.483. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.671. First support is today's low crossing at 4.119. Second support is weekly support crossing at 4.035.

The U.S. Dollar closed higher on Thursday as it consolidates some of this week's decline while renewing the late winter trading range. The dollar rose sharply due to dealer talk that the Federal Reserve would raise the discount interest rate. Today's chatter among traders reflected fears that the Feb may raise interest rates sooner than later. Additional support came from renewed concerns over Greece's debt concerns. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If June extends this week's decline, the 38% retracement level of the November-February rally crossing at 79.17 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 80.70 would temper the near term bearish outlook. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 80.70. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 81.20. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 79.73. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the November-February rally crossing at 79.17.


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Crude Oil Declines as Dollar Strengthens, Inventory Stockpiles Increase

Oil fell for the first time in three days as a stronger dollar trimmed demand for commodities as an alternative investment and a report showed U.S. crude stockpiles increased. Oil fell as much as 1.5 percent as the dollar gained against the euro amid concern Greece will fail to secure financial assistance from the European Union. Crude oil inventories grew last week to the highest level since August, according to a U.S. government report yesterday.

“The strong dollar has been the major factor here,” said Peter Beutel, president of trading adviser Cameron Hanover Inc. in New Canaan, Connecticut. “The dollar strength has got the risk takers or the risk buyers on the sidelines, but they’re only going to wait so long before getting back into the water.” Crude oil for April delivery fell 49 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $82.44 a barrel at 1:35 p.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It settled at $82.93 yesterday, the highest close since Jan. 6. Oil has risen 71 percent in the past year.

The dollar gained 0.8 percent against the euro to $1.3629 from $1.3738 yesterday. Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou set a one week deadline for the EU to craft a financial aid mechanism. Greece needs to raise about 10 billion euros ($14 billion) to refinance bonds due on April 20 and May 19. The Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 commodities declined 0.4 percent to 275.30, the first drop in three days. Ten of the commodities traded lower.....Read the entire article.

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28 Day Sector Rotation, Commodity & Index Update

From guest analyst Chris Vermeulen.....

Earlier this week I noticed a pattern in the market throughout an entire trading session that has inspired me to write a short piece on sector rotation.

On Tuesday March 16th, my quote screen was flashing green as sectors reached new intraday highs or 52 week highs. The interesting part was that every sector that was flashing green happened to be in sectors that strengthen at the end of a bull market cycle or strong rally. This would include basic materials, staples, services, utilities and financial.

Today I investigated the different sectors and came across some interesting numbers between the January market peak and this week’s price action as I show in the charts below.

JANUARY – ETF Sector Rotation Trading – 28 Day Cycle
I may not explain this well but try to follow me here
Just before the market rolled over and lost over 9% last January, all the proper bull market sectors were very strong during the previous 28 days. This is normal and a strong sign that market participants were bullish on the overall market.

But the market was overbought; trading volume was light indicating that not many people are willing to buy at these lofty prices. And the VIX (volatility index) had reached an extreme low (a level that has triggered large sell offs in the past). All this means one thing to me. And that is, trade with caution and tighten your protective stops.

General rule, if everyone is buying all the hot stocks at these over bought levels then you can’t help but think its time for the market to roll over and shake them all out.



MARCH – ETF Sector Rotation Trading –28 Day Cycle
The chart of March shows where the sectors have finished over the past 28 days. Notice how similar the sectors have appreciated in price…

I have overlaid John Murphy’s sector rotation image to show which sectors are strongest in a bull market.

Now the interesting part is that it appears to be the setup as in January. My quote system is flashing new highs for the bear market cycle sectors which are the one which have not performed well (Stapes, Services & Utilities) and I have to think the market is about to take a breather or do a swan dive.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying we are on the verge of a bear market. I actually think the market is strong and will trade sideways in a large range for most of this year or just continue to trend up.
What I am saying is that these sectors go in and out of favor during smaller market cycles and that can be very useful information.



Sector Rotation Explained
You can learn more about sector rotation from this detailed course How to Profit From Sector Rotation Using ETFs. This course explains how different sectors are stronger during different points within the economic cycle. The chart above shows the relationships and which of the various sectors should strengthen from the economy. The financial Market Cycle leads the Economic Cycle because traders try to anticipate the economy.

Market Update & Trading Conclusion:
Stock Indexes: The market in my opinion is way over bought on the daily chart and needs a breather. Volume is light, VIX is at the same level we saw in January just before the top and the bullish sectors are firing on all pistons. You won’t catch me buying up here. Any type of pullback will most likely be sharp and there is no need to put money to work right now.

Precious Metals: Gold and silver had a nice pop this week off of a support level. I did not have a low risk setup as momentum was not on my side at the time of the pop. Also the large gap up on GLD makes me nervous as gaps tend to get filled. I am just waiting for something to unfold which looks to be a few days away still.

Oil: It has popped higher also and is trading at resistance. As I mentioned in Sundays report, if the USD dollar completes this breakdown then we will see commodities and stocks surge to higher prices and most likely post a nice multi month rally.

Natural Gas: We are seeing natural gas prices dip below support, shaking out traders who had their protective stops set just beneath the previous low. Natural gas is a silent killer as it will shake even the best traders out of the market. I feel natural gas is over sold and ready for a bounce but until I get a low risk setup I remain on the side lines.


Just click here if you would like to receive Chris Vermeulen's Free Technical Trading Reports in your email inbox.


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Crude Oil Daily Technical Outlook For Thursday

Crude oil is still staying below 83.16 resistance for the moment and hence, intraday bias remains neutral. Consolidations from 83.16 could still continue with another fall. But downside is expected to be contained by 38.2% retracement of 69.50 to 83.16 at 77.94 and bring another rise. On the upside, however, decisive break will confirm rally resumption for 83.95 high next.

In the bigger picture, crude oil is still trading well inside medium term rising channel and the rise from 33.2 might still be in progress. Nevertheless, as such rise from 33.2 is treated as a correction to whole decline from 147.27 only, even in case of another high above 83.95, we'd continue to expect strong resistance near to 50% retracement of 147.27 to 33.2 at 90.24 to bring reversal. On the downside, though, break of 69.50 support will now indicate that crude oil has topped out in medium term already and turn outlook bearish.....Nymex Crude Oil Continuous Contract 4 Hours Chart.

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Where is Crude Oil Headed on Thursday?

CNBC's Sharon Epperson discusses the day's activity in the commodities markets, and looks ahead to where oil is likely headed tomorrow.




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Crude Oil Market Commentary For Wednesday Evening

Crude oil closed higher on Wednesday as it rebounded off Monday's low. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If May renews the rally off February's low, January's high crossing at 85.43 is the next upside target. Closes below Monday's low crossing at 79.41 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 83.47. Second resistance is January's high crossing at 85.43. First support is Monday's low crossing at 80.89. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 77.44.

Natural gas closed lower on Wednesday as it extends this winter's 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 this winter's decline, weekly support crossing at 4.157 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.724 are needed to confirm that a low has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.531. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.724. First support is today's low crossing at 4.352. Second support is weekly support crossing at 4.157.

The U.S. Dollar closed lower on Wednesday and below the lower boundary of the trading range of the past six weeks, which crosses at 79.92. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady opening on Thursday. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If June extends this week's decline, the 38% retracement level of the November-February rally crossing at 79.17 is the next downside target. If June renews this winter's rally, weekly resistance crossing at 81.97 is the next upside target. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 80.50. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 80.72. First support is today's low crossing at 79.73. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the November-February rally crossing at 79.17.

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