Refinery Utilization Rates React to Economics in 2011

The divergence of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil prices in 2011 affected refinery utilization in the United States, particularly in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2) regions. Historically, refineries in these districts operated at 80-90% of their capacity. Changes in refining economics last year contributed to real contrasts in refinery utilization in some of the PADDs (see Overview chart).

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Refinery Utilization and Capacity.

 Some key findings by PADD include:

• PADD 1. East Coast refining typically relies on imports of crude oil based on the Brent crude price, which, on average, increased to a $16-per-barrel premium over WTI spot prices in 2011. As a result, two East Coast refineries idled capacity due to poor economics, while another is considering selling or shutting down. PADD 1 utilization averaged only 68% of operable capacity in 2011, which includes the idle capacity of closed refineries. This utilization rate reflects both the drop in East Coast refining capacity and lower crude oil inputs.
• PADD 2. Midwest refineries benefitted from supplies of less expensive crude oil coming from Canada and increased production in the Bakken formation. Thus, PADD 2 refineries averaged about 91% utilization in 2011, even with increased refining capacity. As a result, PADD 2 average crude oil inputs of nearly 3.4 million barrels per day were at the highest level since 2000.
• PADD 3. Gulf Coast (PADD 3) continued capacity expansions as refineries upgraded infrastructure to maximize yields. Growing oil production in Texas and the Midwest contributed to increased inputs. The Gulf Coast refineries were able to use different types of crude oil to maximize production. Refineries in this region used cheaper sources of crude compared to the rest of the country.
• PADDs 4 and 5. Refinery closures, outages, and a lack of access to less expensive crude oil reduced inputs in 2011 to refineries in PADDs 4 and 5 and helped drive down utilization rates.

 

Crude Oil Closes Above $108....Is This a Positive Sign?

Crude oil [April contract] closed higher on Monday while extending the trading range of the past two weeks. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Tuesday. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bullish 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.

The close in crude oil today over the $108.20 level should be viewed as extremely positive for this commodity. We believe the low that was seen last Thursday is a cyclic low similar to what occurred in early February and the middle of December. If this is indeed the case, we expect this market to start moving higher this 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 +75, we believe this market is regrouping to move higher later in the month. With two of our 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.

Today’s Stock Market Club Trading Triangles

A Bullishness Vibe in the Air as Traders Move From Bonds into Stocks

This week may provide some trading opportunities for us if all goes well now that most traders and investors are all giddy about stocks again. Last week we saw money move out of bonds and into stocks and the bullishness vibe in the air reminds of many market peaks just before a 5%+ correction in stocks.

Depending how the SP500 unfolds we may be going long or short equities, long precious metals, long bonds, and our VXX trade may spike in our favor.

Bonds: After last week’s strong move down in bonds as the HERD moved out of bonds and into stocks it may be providing us an opportunity to catch a dip or bounce in the price of bonds. If the stock market sees strong selling this week money will run back into bonds.

Looking at precious metals it looks as though gold, gold miners and silver may still head lower this week. The charts are still bearish and pointing to another multi percent drop in value. Gold will look bullish around $1600, Gold miners (GDX) around $48, and Silver around $30 but we need to see one more wave of strong distribution selling for that to take place.

Crude oil has recovered nicely from its 5 wave correction which shook us out of the trade for a profit. I still like the chart for higher prices but with it trading at resistance and a high possibility of sellers stepping back in at this level I am not getting involved here.

The SP500 made a new high last night but has run into sellers early this morning taking prices straight back down. The chart in pre-market looks as though we will see lower stock prices later today and with any luck the fear index (VIX) will continue to rise in our favor.

Make sure to watch our most recent Video Analysis

Chris Vermeulen

Crude Oil Weekly Technical Outlook For Sunday March 18th

From the staff at Oil N Gold.......

Crude oil dripped to 103.78 last week as consolidation from 110.55 extended but quickly recovered. Such consolidation might have completed already. Initial bias is mildly on the upside this week for retest of 110.55. Break will confirm resumption of recent rally and should target 114.83 key resistance next. On the downside, though, below 103.78 will extend the correction to 61.8% retracement of 95.44 to 110.55 at 101.21.

In the bigger picture, the medium term up trend from 33.2 shouldn't be completed yet. Rise from 74.95 is indeed tentatively treated as resumption of such rally. Sustained break of 114.83 will target 61.8% projection of 33.2 to 114.83 from 74.95 at 125.40. On the downside, though, break of 95.44 support will indicate that correction pattern from 114.83 is going to extend further with another falling leg to 74.95 and below before completion.

In the long term picture, crude oil is in a long term consolidation pattern from 147.27, with first wave completed at 33.2. The corrective structure of the rise from 33.2 indicates that it's second wave of the consolidation pattern. While it could make another high above 114.83, we'd anticipate strong resistance ahead of 147.24 to bring reversal for the third leg of the consolidation pattern.

Nymex Crude Oil Continuous Contract 4 Hour, Daily, Weekly and Monthly Charts

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

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

U.S. Natural Gas Net Imports at Lowest Levels Since 1992

The preliminary estimate of U.S. natural gas average daily net imports—imports minus exports—was just over 5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd) in 2011, which was the lowest level since 1992 (see chart above). Net import declines are due to both lower imports and higher exports; U.S. net imports of natural gas peaked in August 2007 at 10 Bcfd, and have fallen markedly since.



Imports
The United States imports natural gas via pipelines from Canada and Mexico, and from tanker deliveries to liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. Some key points include:

• The vast majority of U.S. natural gas imports arrive via pipeline from Canada (see chart below). Significant increases in U.S. natural gas production have led to decreased U.S. demand for Canadian natural gas. Imports from Canada for 2011 were significantly below the previous five-year range, and have been lower for much of 2012 so far (some of this decline, however, can be attributed to warmer-than-usual weather across much of the United States).
• LNG is the other main source of imported natural gas, however average daily deliveries from U.S. LNG terminals from January 1, 2012 through March 15, 2012 averaged 0.6 Bcf/d, down about 44% from a comparable period in 2011. Higher natural gas prices in competing markets abroad are attracting "spot" LNG cargoes that can be delivered under flexible pricing terms. LNG imports through U.S. terminals peaked in 2007 at over 2.1 Bcfd.
• U.S. natural gas imports from Mexico are negligible, totaling just 2.7 Bcf, or about 7.3 million cubic feet per day in 2011. Imports from Mexico enter primarily through southern Texas and southeastern California.

Exports
U.S. exports of natural gas are up over the past decade. Some key factors underpinning the growth in exports are:

• Domestic natural gas production is growing, primarily from shale gas formations. Some of this production is being shipped on pipelines into Canada and Mexico (see chart below).
• Much of the growth in natural gas exports to Canada is due to increased deliveries on U.S. pipelines to natural gas storage facilities in Ontario.
• Exports to Mexico reached a high in 2011, averaging almost 1.4 Bcfd for the year, exceeding the previous high of 1.1 Bcfd in 2004.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Natural Gas Monthly, Table 4 - U.S. Natural Gas Imports and Exports.

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

Five States Accounted for About 56% of Total U.S. Crude Oil Production in 2011

Combined oil production (crude oil and lease condensate) from the top five U.S. oil-producing states increased during 2011 (see chart above). The biggest gains were in North Dakota and Texas, due in large part to increased horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing activity. Texas, Alaska, California, North Dakota, and Oklahoma accounted for about 56% of U.S. oil production last year, according to EIA's February Petroleum Supply Monthly report.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly.
Note: Production data includes crude oil and lease condensate.

 Highlights from the top oil producing states in 2011 included:

• Texas. The Eagle Ford shale formation in south Texas contributed to gains in the state's oil production, which averaged 1,425 thousand barrels per day (bbl/d), the highest level since 1997.
• Alaska. Oil production fell for the ninth year in row, averaging 563 thousand bbl/d.
• California. Oil production averaged 535 thousand bbl/d, the lowest level in at least three decades.
• North Dakota. Preliminary data indicate increasing oil production from the Bakken formation pushed North Dakota ahead of California in December as the third biggest oil-producing state. North Dakota's oil production averaged 535 thousand bbl/d in December 2011 and 419 thousand bbl/d for the year.
• Oklahoma. Oil production averaged 204 thousand bbl/d during 2011, topping 200 thousand bbl/d for the first time since 1998.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly.

Note: Production data includes crude oil and lease condensate. 

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

Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Gold market Commentary For Tuesday March 13th

Crude oil [April contract] posted an inside day with a higher close on Tuesday 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 Wednesday. 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 last Wednesday's low crossing at 104.35. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 97.73.

Natural gas [April contract] posted a key reversal up due to short covering on Tuesday as it consolidated some of the decline off February's high. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold and are turning neutral to bullish hinting that a short term low might be in or is near. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.537 would confirm that a short term low has been posted. If April extends the multi year decline, monthly support crossing at 1.960 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 2.376. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 2.537. First support is today's low crossing at 2.204. Second support is monthly support crossing at 1.960.

Gold [April contract] closed sharply lower due to strength in the financial markets on Tuesday. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Wednesday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold and are turning neutral to bullish hinting that a low is in or near. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1726.90 would temper the near term bearish outlook. If April renews the decline off February's high, the reaction low crossing at 1652.20 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1726.90. Second resistance is February's high crossing at 1792.70. First support is last Tuesday's low crossing at 1663.40. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1652.20.

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

The Dead Cat (SP500) Did Bounce Just As We Expected!

Stocks are pushing deep into a resistance level with very light volume… not a bullish sign. This is why we took profits yesterday with our SSO trade once we reached our dead cat bounce target of 2.5%. With it being Friday volume should only get lighter as the say progresses. I am starting to look at buying SDS as risk is low in my opinion but I’m going to let the morning play out first and re analyze in the afternoon.

Pre-Dead Cat Bounce Warning:

The rising market has sent the volatility index tumbling lower and this just goes to show why you must manage position and use protective stops. I know many of you were angry that I said to take partial profits and that we got stopped out yesterday on the VXX trade for a net gain of 2.9% in three days. Maybe one day emotional traders will see that you must trade with the market and adjust your trade outlook while in the trade. The market does not stop and wait for you to see the light, rather it will just steam roll you and never look back.

So with that being said I am starting to really like the VXX again for another buy signal. With any luck it could keep dropping for most of the session and we could go long this afternoon.

Crude oil is moving nicely in our favor today up another 2% on our 2x leveraged ETF’s. I am keeping my stop at breakeven for now as but that may change by the end of the day if we break the $109 level which is unlikely. Where to put your stops for any trade is always a tough call. It varies on the time frame, overall market condition and the size of your position so don’t think it’s just as simple s using the previous pivot high or low. That being said, those are good places for them if you have the timing correct or if the market co-operates with you…

*One key thing to point out today, the dollar bounced off support which is what I warned about last night and again this morning in pre-market. The strong bounce in the dollar has not caused any selling in oil or stocks this morning. I think that is based on the strong jobs report this morning. More jobs means businesses should be getting stronger and the more gas/oil will be consumed. But if the dollar keeps on moving higher and breaks above this key resistance level in the next few trading sessions then it will likely cause selling in stocks. Oil may hold up because demand will still be there.

Let’s see how this week unfolds!

Chris Vermeulen – Get our free Trade Ideas at Technical Traders.Com