Crude oil falls as most analyst anticipate global slowdown

September crude oil closed lower on Monday as it consolidated some of last week's rally. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening when Tuesday's night session begins. Stochastics and the RSI are bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above July's high crossing at 108.93 would renew this summer's rally while opening the door for a possible test of weekly resistance crossing at 110.55 later this summer. Closes below last Tuesday's low crossing at 102.67 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is July's high crossing at 108.93. Second resistance is weekly resistance crossing at 110.55. First support is last Tuesday's low crossing at 102.67. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the April-July rally crossing at 100.27.

The September S&P 500 closed slightly lower on Friday as it consolidated some of Thursday's rally. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Monday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are diverging and are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If September extends the rally off June's low, upside targets will now be hard to project with the index trading into uncharted territory. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1677.36 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is today's high crossing at 1703.40. Second resistance is unknown with September trading into uncharted territory. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1677.36. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1670.50.

September Henry natural gas closed lower on Monday as it extends the decline off May's high. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening on Tuesday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If September extends this year's decline, weekly support crossing at 3.178 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 3.596 would confirm that a short-term low has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 3.508. Second resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 3.596. First support is today's low crossing at 3.309. Second support is weekly support crossing at 3.178.

October gold closed lower on Monday. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening when Tuesday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below last Friday's low crossing at 1282.50 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If October renews the rally off June's low, the reaction high crossing at 1395.20 is the next upside target. First resistance is October's high crossing at 1348.00. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1395.20. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 1282.50. Second support is July's low crossing at 1208.50.

And favorite trade for 2013....September coffee closed higher due to short covering on Monday as it consolidated some of the decline off July's high. The mid range close set the stage for a steady to higher opening on Tuesday. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 122.36 would confirm that a short term low has been posted.

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Jeff Clark: Poor Economy = Low Gold Price?

By Jeff Clark, Senior Precious Metals Analyst

Despite some positive data, the global economy is showing signs of slowing, a remarkable development in itself when you consider all the money printing and deficit spending that's transpired over the past few years. According to the IMF's overview, global growth was less than expected in the first quarter of 2013, at just over 3%, which is roughly the same as 2012. The lower-than-expected figures were driven by significantly weaker domestic demand and slower growth in emerging-market economies, a deeper recession in the euro area, and a slower US expansion than anticipated. The report concludes that the prospects for the world economy remain subdued.

Many investors consider a weak economy to be a bearish environment for commodities, including gold. Doug Casey says we have entered into what will become known as the Greater Depression. That's as bearish as it gets, so should we expect gold to decline if the bears are right?
One of the most rocky economic periods in modern times was the late 1970s. For those who don't remember, the period was characterized by:

• Unexpected jumps in oil prices, leading to soaring gasoline prices and rationing
• A falling dollar
• High and accelerating inflation
• Record interest rates
• Bank failures
• Wars, including the Iranian Revolution (1978), the Iran-Iraq war (1979), the Russian invasion of Afghanistan (1979), and the Iranian hostage crisis (November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981).

Outside of the Great Depression, it's hard to identify more trying economic circumstances.
Here's a closer look at the three-year period from 1977 through 1979. In the following chart, we looked at the economic indicators that affected citizens and investors the most, showing which were getting better and which, worse. These factors would all have affected market sentiment and the appetite to invest in gold at the time...

You can see that by the time 1979 hit, inflation was rising, gas prices were soaring, incomes were dropping, and mortgage rates were climbing. The S&P was rising, but not so much in real terms. GDP growth was high, but it was clearly not a rosy time for consumers or workers. Key points:

• Nominal GDP in 1979 increased 10% year over year, but it was 4.5 percentage points less than in 1978, when the economy expanded a whopping 14.5%. Real GDP changes didn't reach those highs but kept to the trend: in 1978 the growth was 5.6%, while during 1979 the economy expanded only 3.1%, notably slowing down.
   
• Inflation was dramatically accelerating. The '70s was a hard time for the dollar, much of it connected to the energy crisis. Annual inflation grew from 5.7% in 1976 to 7.6% in 1978, and accelerated to 11.2% in 1979. Prices were up significantly, especially those that had energy costs associated with them, squeezing the average American budget tighter and tighter.
   
• Gasoline prices rose almost 37% in 1979. This obviously impacted spendable income. It would be the equivalent of national gasoline prices hitting $4.54/gallon by December after starting the year at $3.32.
   
• Real disposable personal income slowed in 1979, growing only 1.2%, compared to a 3.5% growth rate just a year earlier.
   
• Mortgage rates were already high—and then shot higher. The interest rate to mortgage a home went from 8.8% in 1978 to 11.2% in 1979. Home values were rising dramatically due to inflation, though rate increases cooled the pace, as values slowed to a 14.7% rate in 1979 vs. 15.3% in 1978.
   
• Real manufacturing and trade sales (listed as Real Trade Sales in the chart) weakened from 7% in 1977 to 2.4% in 1979. This is a broad indicator that includes manufacturing, merchant wholesalers, and retail sales. The likely culprit for the drop was falling personal incomes as prices were rising.
   
• The S&P 500 went from negative territory in 1977 to logging a 12.3% gain in 1979. As inflation rose, so did nominal stock prices, but the real gain was a mere 1.1%.
   
• Unemployment was decreasing during this period, from 7.1% in 1977 to 5.8% in 1979. This may seem at odds with a slowing economy, but labor looked cheap since prices were growing faster than wages. Also, unemployment is a lagging indicator—and it sharply worsened later, when another recession hit in 1980.

So how did gold perform during this challenging economic environment?

The gold price rose 23% in 1977 and 37% in 1978, both of which are considered economic expansion years. But as things worsened in 1979, the price accelerated and went into a mania, ending the year with an incredible 127% return.
While there are many variables at play and no two economic time periods will be the same, this history lesson signals that a sluggish economy is not necessarily an obstacle for gold doing well. Indeed, some of these factors directly contributed to the rush to gold, which is not just a commodity, but the single best tool for storing and transferring wealth (money) ever devised.
In short, there is no contradiction between Doug Casey's gloomy global economic outlook and his bullishness on gold. In our view, the former is the reason for the latter, and a very good reason to buy. If the history of the current bull cycle for precious metals even slightly rhymes with what happened in the 1970s, the market mania that lies ahead should bring us the biggest and fastest gains on our investments to date.

Tomorrow's BIG GOLD outlines why we think buying this month will reward investors not just in the long-term but quite possibly in the short-term as well. The bullion discounts we offered last month have been extended for 30 days solely for BIG GOLD readers—this is the time to pounce, so take advantage of weak prices while they're still available.

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Crude oil post a downside reversal on Friday.....Is this all the bulls have for summer 2013

September crude oil posted a downside reversal on Friday after failing to take out July's high crossing at 108.93. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening when Monday's night session begins. Stochastics and the RSI have turned bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. Closes above July's high crossing at 108.93 would renew this summer's rally while opening the door for a possible test of weekly resistance crossing at 110.55 later this summer. Closes below Tuesday's low crossing at 102.67 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is July's high crossing at 108.93. Second resistance is weekly resistance crossing at 110.55. First support is Tuesday's low crossing at 102.67. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the April-July rally crossing at 100.27.

The September S&P 500 closed slightly lower on Friday as it consolidated some of Thursday's rally. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Monday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are diverging and are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If September extends the rally off June's low, upside targets will now be hard to project with the index trading into uncharted territory. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1677.36 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is today's high crossing at 1703.40. Second resistance is unknown with September trading into uncharted territory. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1677.36. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1670.50.

October gold closed lower on Friday. A short covering rally tempered early session losses and the high-range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Monday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1297.40 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If October renews the rally off June's low, the reaction high crossing at 1395.20 is the next upside target. First resistance is October's high crossing at 1348.00. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1395.20. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1297.40. Second support is July's low crossing at 1208.50.

September Henry natural gas closed lower on Friday as it extends the decline off May's high. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower 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 September extends the aforementioned decline, the June 2012 low crossing at 3.294 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 3.616 would confirm that a short term low has been posted. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 3.616. Second resistance is July's high crossing at 3.833. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 3.341. Second support is the June 2012 low crossing at 3.294.

And of course....our new favorite trade. September coffee closed higher due to short covering on Friday as it consolidated some of the decline off July's high. The high range close set 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. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 122.55 would confirm that a short term low has been posted.

Are you ready to start trading crude oil? Advanced Crude Oil Study – 15 Minute Range

The Market Trend Forecast....Our Latest Market and Gold Views

The staff at TMTF have continued to correctly project the wave patterns for months now for their subscribers in the SP 500 Index. Their latest views were to look for a minor wave 3 top at 1698 with a pullback minor wave 4. They hit that on the nose with a 23.6% fibonacci retracement of minor wave 3 as the index hit 1676.

Since that point, TMTF outlined a Wave 5 pattern that should take the SP 500 to 1736-1771. Several weeks ago they patterned out 1768-1771 as a perfect target for a Major wave 3 high. This will be followed by a 125-200 point SP 500 correction if we are correct.

Below is the latest chart update outlining what we project ahead. A run to 1736-1771, followed by a 120-200 point correction for Major Wave 4 in the SP 500. Subscribers get multiple updates each week.

Click here to join us today for a 33% discount at Market Trend Forecast




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Chevron Reports Second Quarter Earnings.....Misses by $0.21, Beats on Revenue

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) today reported earnings of $5.4 billion ($2.77 per share – diluted) for the second quarter 2013, compared with $7.2 billion ($3.66 per share – diluted) in the 2012 second quarter. Sales and other operating revenues in the second quarter 2013 were $55 billion, compared to $60 billion in the year ago period.

"Our second quarter earnings were down from the very strong level of a year ago,” said Chairman and CEO John Watson. “The decrease was largely due to softer market conditions for crude oil and refined products. Earnings were also reduced as a result of repair and maintenance activities in our U.S. refineries.”

“We continue to advance our major capital projects. An important milestone was achieved in the second quarter with the loading of the first cargo of liquefied natural gas at the Angola LNG project, one of the largest energy projects on the African continent.” Watson continued,“ This marks an important step in the development of our LNG business. Additional LNG growth is expected in the coming years from our Gorgon and Wheatstone projects in Australia.

Read the entire Chevron earnings report


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It's show me time for the crude oil bulls.....108.93 becomes the "line in the sand"

Thursdays close in crude oil above the 10 day moving average is giving crude oil bulls fresh momentum. What will they do with it? You know how we love Fridays, it tells us so much about the "will" of commercial traders.

September crude oil closed higher on Thursday following Wednesday's Petroleum Inventory that showed declining Midwest diesel supplies. Today's close above the 10 day moving average crossing at 105.80 confirmed that a short term low has been posted. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Friday's night session begins. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If September extends this week's rally, July's high crossing at 108.93 is the next upside target. Closes below Tuesday's low crossing at 102.67 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is today's high crossing at 108.06. Second resistance is July's high crossing at 108.93. First support is Tuesday's low crossing at 102.67. Second support is the 38% retracement level of the April-July rally crossing at 100.27.

The September S&P 500 closed higher on Thursday and posted a new high for the year. The high range close sets the stage for a steady to higher opening when Friday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are diverging and remain neutral to bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1673.69 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If September extends the rally off June's low, upside targets will now be hard to project with the index trading into uncharted territory. First resistance is today's high crossing at 1702.00. Second resistance is unknown with September trading into uncharted territory. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1673.69. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1670.50.

October gold closed lower on Thursday while extending the trading range of the past eight days. The low range close sets the stage for a steady to lower opening when Friday's night session begins trading. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1292.70 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If October renews the rally off June's low, the reaction high crossing at 1395.20 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Wednesday's high crossing at 1348.00. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1395.20. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1292.70. Second support is July's low crossing at 1208.50.

September Henry natural gas closed lower on Thursday as it extends the decline off May's high. The mid range close sets the stage for a steady 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 September extends the aforementioned decline, the June 2012 low crossing at 3.294 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 3.630 would confirm that a short term low has been posted. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 3.630. Second resistance is July's high crossing at 3.833. First support is today's low crossing at 3.341. Second support is the June 2012 low crossing at 3.294.

And how much lower can coffee go? September coffee closed lower on Thursday and below June's low thereby renewing this year's decline. The low range close set the stage for a steady to lower opening on Friday. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 122.70 would confirm that a short term low has been posted.

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How To Find The Right Timing Techniques To Trade Crude Oil

Hello traders everywhere, Adam Hewison here coming to you from the digital studios of MarketClub.

Today I want to share with you how you can trade in the crude oil markets using MarketClub's Trade Triangle technology for timing.

It's a short lesson that visually illustrates how and when you should use this successful timing technique..... 

 
Watch "How To Find The Right Timing Techniques To Trade Crude Oil"


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Decoding the mystery behind Shell's shale write down

The Market Currents staff at Seeking Alpha is shedding some light on the huge write down by Shell this week. Is the U.S. oil boom over hyped?

Shell's (RDS.A) $2.1B write down on its North American shale oil exploration acknowledges some of its spending there will not prove economically viable, and that hitting its cash flow targets could get tougher. Adding to the mystery is Shell's refusal to identify which shale formation has taken the write down or to explain the charge.

Shale skeptics might take the write down as first evidence the U.S. oil boom is overhyped, but WSJ's James Herron thinks it more likely that Shell has "just failed to get lucky" - Eagle Ford, where Shell has significant operations, is well known for its “sweet spots,” which yield greater volumes of the prized liquids compared with gas.

Start trading crude oil today, here's where you start.

Shell profit plunges after $2.2B charge on North American shale assets

Royal Dutch Shell’s [RDS.A] second quarter 2013 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 1), were $2.4 billion compared with $6.0 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Second quarter 2013 earnings included an identified net charge of $2.2 billion after tax, mainly reflecting impairments (see page 6).

Second quarter 2013 CCS earnings excluding identified items (see page 6), were $4.6 billion and included a combined negative impact of $0.7 billion after tax related to the impact of the weakening Australian dollar on a deferred tax liability and the impact of the deteriorating operating environment in Nigeria. Compared to the second quarter 2012, CCS earnings excluding identified items were also impacted by higher operating expenses and depreciation as well as increased exploration well write-offs. Second quarter 2012 CCS earnings excluding identified items were $5.7 billion.

Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items decreased by 21% versus the same quarter a year ago.

Cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2013 was $12.4 billion, compared with $13.3 billion in the same quarter last year. Excluding working capital movements, cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2013 was $8.4 billion, compared with $9.5 billion in the second quarter 2012.

Capital investment for the second quarter 2013 was $11.3 billion. Net capital investment (see Note 1) for the quarter was $10.9 billion.

Total dividends distributed in the quarter were $2.8 billion, of which some $0.8 billion were settled under the Scrip Dividend Programme. During the second quarter some 56.2 million shares were bought back for cancellation for a consideration of $1.9 billion.

Gearing at the end of the second quarter 2013 was 10.3% (see Note 2).

A second quarter 2013 dividend has been announced of $0.45 per ordinary share and $0.90 per American Depositary Share (“ADS”), an increase of 5% compared with the second quarter 2012.

Read the entire Royal Dutch Shell earnings report


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EIA: Natural Gas Reserves Rose by Almost 10 Percent

U.S. proved crude oil reserve additions in 2011 set a record volumetric increase for the second year in a row, according to U.S. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Proved Reserves, 2011, released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Natural gas proved reserves rose also, but by less than 2010's record increase. Nevertheless, natural gas reserve additions in 2011 rank as the second largest annual increase since 1977.

"Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in shale and other tight rock formations continued to increase oil and natural gas reserves," said EIA Administrator Adam Sieminski. "Higher oil prices helped drive record increases in crude oil reserves, while natural gas reserves grew strongly despite slightly lower natural gas prices in 2011."

Proved oil reserves, including both crude oil and lease condensate, increased by 15 percent in 2011 to 29.0 billion barrels, marking the third consecutive annual increase and the highest volume of proved reserves since 1985. Proved reserves in tight oil plays accounted for 3.6 billion barrels (13 percent) of total proved reserves of crude oil and lease condensate in 2011.

Texas recorded the largest volumetric increase in proved oil reserves among individual states, largely because of continuing development in the Permian and Western Gulf basins, while North Dakota had the second largest increase, driven by development activity in the Bakken formation in the Williston Basin.

Natural gas proved reserves, estimated as wet gas that includes natural gas liquids, increased by almost 10 percent in 2010 to 348.8 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), the 13th consecutive annual increase.

Pennsylvania's proved natural gas reserves, which more than doubled in 2010, rose an additional 90 percent in 2011, contributing 41 percent of the overall U.S. increase. Combined, Texas and Pennsylvania added 73 percent of the net increase in U.S. proved wet natural gas reserves in 2011. Proved reserves in shale gas plays accounted for 131.6 trillion cubic feet (38 percent) of total proved reserves of wet natural gas in 2011.

Proved reserves are those volumes of oil and natural gas that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. EIA's estimates of proved reserves are based on an annual survey of about 1,100 domestic oil and gas well operators.

U.S. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Proved Reserves, 2011 is available at: http://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/crudeoilreserves.

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