Who Will Win The Battle, The U.S. Dollar or Crude Oil?

It's true, oil demand has improved slightly. But crude oil has still over shot it's real value going into this Santa Claus rally and something has to give. History tells us that the dollar and the currency exchanges will win out. We are still bearish the U.S. Dollar for the long term as Washington shows no sign of easing the printing presses. But the near term weakness in the Euro gives dollar bulls the upper hand against commodities, especially oil.

So despite the TV talking heads wild dreams of $100 oil in the near future we just don't see that until summer of 2011....if even then! But we don't trade this market as if we were pshyic, we trade the numbers given us each and every day. And here are those numbers for Wednesday morning......

Crude oil was higher overnight while extending this month's trading range. Stochastics and the RSI are turning bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If February renews the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.87 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 88.17 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 91.17. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.87. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 88.17. Second support is last Wednesday's low crossing at 87.43. Crude oil pivot point for Wednesday morning is 89.66.

Natural gas was lower overnight as it extends Tuesday's decline. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold and are turning bullish hinting that a low might be in or is near. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.290 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If January extends this month's decline, November's low crossing at 3.853 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.290. Second resistance is this month's high crossing at 4.637. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 3.951. Second support is November's low crossing at 3.853. Natural gas pivot point for Wednesday morning is 4.120.

Gold was slightly higher due to short covering overnight as it consolidates some of last week's decline. 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 1388.20 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If March renews this month's decline, the reaction low crossing at 1352.00 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1388.20. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1408.90. First support is last Thursday's low crossing at 1361.60. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Wednesday morning is 1387.70.


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What Patterns are Telling Us That Gold is Going Up?

David Banister has been keeping us on top of gold lately with his expert use of Fibonacci and Elliot Wave patterns he has been shareing with us. This gold bull market has been moving in very reliable Elliott Wave and Fibonacci patterns for many years now, but once in awhile the waters get a little murky for sure. Recently we have seen a fair amount of volatility near year end as position squaring and year end machinations take hold. With that said, it does appear that Gold should be poised to power higher near term, and I’m looking for a completion to a 5 wave rally that began from about $1,040 per ounce in February of this year.

Over the past several weeks, I see a clear Fibonacci trading day relationship on Gold’s swings from pivot highs to pivot lows. 8 days of correction, 13 days of rally, 8 days of correction is the recent pattern over the past 5 weeks or so. Below is a chart outlining these crowd behavioral based patterns that I rely on for both my trading service and market forecasting services. You can see the clear relationships, confirmed by the stochastics indicators at the tops and bottoms as well:

Based on the recent patterns, I believe we completed a minor wave 3 from the February bottom at $1424 a little over 5 weeks ago, and had a shallow period of 8 days to complete a wave 4 to $1,330. Now, we are in the final 5th wave up pattern to complete an entire 5 wave move from February of 2010. In the near term then, I’m expecting a pretty strong rally from this recent $1365 area to at least $1,480 per ounce, and eventually a good shot at completing the structure at $1525 ranges. Short term, we should begin a wave 3 up here, followed by a 4th wave correction, and then a final and terminal 5th wave. Below is a multi- month weekly chart view of where I see us heading and where we’ve been.

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Crude Oil Moving Higher Going Into The Year End, What's New!

As usual oil prices are ending the year with a bullish tone. Not pushing through to new highs, but hovering around the high end of the range established in 2010. But as our calls for Tuesday's trading will show, signals are neutral to bearish telling us traders are trying to put a top in here as we go into the end of the year. Looks like natural gas is going to take in the limelight as we head into 2011 with reminders of the good old take over days in the oil and gas industry. Carl Icahn is seeing to that [check out Dian L. Chu's latest article] and something tells me T. Boone is right around the corner. Ah yes, the good old days. Sometimes you can only dream of being physic and getting ahead of the take over trades. For now here is your trading numbers for Tuesday morning......

Crude oil was mostly steady overnight while extending this month's trading range. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 87.73 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If February renews the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.87 is the next upside target. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 91.17. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.87. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 87.73. Second support is last Wednesday's low crossing at 87.43. Crude oil pivot point for Tuesday morning is 88.89.

Natural gas was lower overnight as it consolidates some of Monday's rally. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold and are turning bullish hinting that a low might be in or is near. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.317 are needed to confirm that a short term low has been posted. If January extends this month's decline, November's low crossing at 3.853 is the next downside target. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.317. Second resistance is this month's high crossing at 4.637. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 3.951. Second support is November's low crossing at 3.853. Natural gas pivot point for Tuesday morning is 4.167.

Gold was slightly higher due to short covering overnight as it consolidates some of last week's decline. Stochastics and the RSI remain neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If March extends this month's decline, the reaction low crossing at 1352.00 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1387.60 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1387.60. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1408.90. First support is last Thursday's low crossing at 1361.60. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Tuesday morning is 1383.90.


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What is the Holiday Grind, and How Can You Trade It?

We go through this every year and it's amazing how many traders forget how to approach this market every year. It’s that time of year when volume dries up and prices rise into the new year. A lot of individuals are scrambling to prepare for the holidays, even though we had a year to prepare. The big money has already done most of their year end shuffling and will be taking it easy until January.

The market is overbought and sentiment readings are at extreme levels which in the past have been the start of large sell offs and even bear markets. While I am keeping a close eye for a top, there is not much we can do but stay long stocks and commodities until the market tips its hand and distribution selling is in control. The U.S. federal government is the only wild card going into year end that should be on traders’ radars. They have been doing a great job boosting prices in the equities and commodities market, but can they continue to hold things up when the big money and the proverbial herd start unloading positions in 2011?

SP500 Holiday Grind – Daily Chart
This chart shows the slow and steady grind higher that we have seen in the S&P 500. I expect this to continue into 2011 The market in my opinion is on the verge of some serious selling so long positions should be small going forward.

US Dollar On Pause For A Couple of Weeks
This 4 hour candle stick chart of the dollar shows price testing resistance (a previous high). I am expecting to see the U.S. Dollar trade sideways or possibly move closer to the previous high as we enter the new year. A sideways dollar will allow the equity and commodity markets to rise.

Conclusion:
In short, I think we could see an intraday pullback early this week and then a grind higher. The pullback would shake out some weak positions before the holiday march higher takes place. I typically don’t trade much going into the holiday season and new year. I may put on a small long position if I like what I see forming on the charts, but that would likely be about it. Light volume can be very dangerous to trade because sharp price spikes up or down can occur in a blink of an eye catching traders off guard.

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With Quadruple Witching Behind us, How do we Trade on Monday?

The end of trading last week was interesting for traders. Fridays quadruple witching, [when contracts for stock index futures, stock index options, stock options and single stock futures all expire] is known to create some "dynamic moves" in the market. Most asset classes moved higher in Fridays session, including bonds, commodities, stocks and the U.S. Dollar. This is usually a bullish signal. This usually equates to a U.S. Dollar strength/weak assets trade. When this happened earlier in the fall of 2010 it was a prelude to a rally in most commodity names.

So is all of this just another sign that this economic recovery is more sustainable? This is new territory for this new world economy. Can we have a healthy U.S. economy when it relies on the Chinese economy that has been under performing for months as they try to reel in inflation? Any real growth in China and all of the BRIC nations is only going to bring the U.S. higher gas prices. And the chance of real recovery in the U.S. is ZERO in the face of $4.00 per gallon gasoline.

That's why so many fund managers are moving to a trade only plan and not investing for the long term. Take advantage of these bull runs and take your profits using todays trading numbers.....

Crude oil was higher overnight while extending this month's trading range. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 86.82 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January renews the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target. First resistance is the reaction high crossing at 90.76. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29. First support is last Wednesday's low crossing at 86.83. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 86.82. Crude oil pivot point for Monday morning is 88.50.

Natural gas was lower overnight as it extends this month's decline. Stochastics and the RSI are oversold but remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If January extends this month's decline, November's low crossing at 3.853 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.318 would confirm that a short term low has been posted. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.318. Second resistance is this month's high crossing at 4.637. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 3.951. Second support is November's low crossing at 3.853. Natural gas pivot point for Monday morning is 4.042.

Gold was higher due to short covering overnight as it consolidates some of last week's decline but remains below the 10 day moving average crossing at 1389.20. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If March extends this month's decline, the reaction low crossing at 1352.00 is the next downside target. Closes above the 10 day moving average crossing at 1389.20 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 1389.20. Second resistance is the reaction high crossing at 1432.50. First support is last Thursday's low crossing at 1361.60. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Monday morning is 1374.80.

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Do we Have a Growing Battle Between the Gold Deflationist and Inflationist?

Life has a funny way of reminding a person that he is not really in control of what is going on around him. While he may be proficient in a few specific areas, his overall knowledge is limited. Last night my hot water heater decided to go on vacation and I thought I’d try to be a real man and fix it. I have a general knowledge of how a hot water heater works, but it dawned on me that knowing how it works and fixing it are two totally separate things.

I immediately realized that I was in over my head and made arrangements to have a repair man come and fix my hot water heater. He arrived first thing this morning and I asked if I could watch not only out of curiosity, but to understand how my hot water heater worked and to learn about the man that was fixing it. He was gracious and took the time to explain my issue thoroughly and as I am writing this he is replacing my heating elements.

The interesting thing about this whole chain of events is that he brought up investments with me. Not because he wanted to talk to me or thought I knew anything, but simply because he knew I worked in that field. When you live in a relatively small town and people knew what you do for a living, they are generally quick to ask questions. He told me what he was doing with his retirement accounts and his plans for retirement in great detail.

I immediately respected him for his general knowledge and it was apparent he had done his own homework. He had made wise decisions, saved money, and invested wisely. Clearly the man working on my hot water heater was planning for a quality retirement lifestyle and it sounded as though his planning was going to pay off. He brought up that he had purchased the copper ETF $JJC when he noticed that copper pipe was becoming more difficult to acquire and he was paying more for it.

Then the conversation changed dramatically as he explained to me that he had recently bought gold coins and the gold ETF GLD. Immediately my ears perked up as I follow gold and oil quite closely as regular readers are aware. He wanted to know if I thought he should buy more on dips and if he had purchased gold at a good price. He told me he thought he had bought around the $1,200 an ounce price level. I replied that I was not qualified to offer investment advice, but that I expected gold was likely going to go through a mild pullback in coming days and weeks......Read the entire article from J.W. Jones.


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European Summits and IEA Reports Not Enough to Fool Commodity Traders

Commodity traders, especially crude oil traders, good be the smartest and least naive people on the planet. It sure didn't take long for them to realize that the IEA could possibly be turning itself into the new OPEC. Remember the old days when OPEC could issue a statement and send markets reeling. Those days appear to be here for the IEA as traders recognized the over "exaggeration" of international demand issued by the IEA this week.

Enbridge pipeline shut down, end of year tax strategies, European Summits, just to name a few, were not enough to take traders eyes off the world oil glut and the real trouble looming in the Euro. Giving the U.S. dollar new strength chasing investors out of the weak dollar/commodities trade.

Commodity traders also showed a lack of confidence in the news coming out of the Brussels Summit. Most traders think their statements just don't offer enough details to give investors any real promise of a concrete plan to shore up the Euro as the down grades just keep coming.

End of week trading is here and it always give an insight into what traders can stomach holding over the weekend. And I am thinking that is not a lot. Here is your trading numbers for Friday......

Crude oil was lower overnight and trading below the 10 day moving average crossing at 88.32. 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 86.47 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January renews the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 90.76. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 86.83. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 86.47. Crude oil pivot point for Friday morning is 87.99.

Natural gas was lower overnight as it extends the decline off last week's high. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If January extends the decline off last week's high, November's low crossing at 3.853 is the next downside target. Closes above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.329 would confirm that a short term low has been posted. First resistance is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.329. Second resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 4.637. First support is the overnight low crossing at 3.987. Second support is November's low crossing at 3.853. Natural gas pivot point for Friday morning is 4.100.

Gold was lower overnight as it extends Thursday's decline below the reaction low crossing at 1372.10 confirming that a short term top has been posted. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If March extends this month's decline, the reaction low crossing at 1352.00 is the next downside target. Closes above the 10 day moving average crossing at 1391.60 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is the 10 day moving average crossing at 1391.60. Second resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 1432.50. First support is Thursday's low crossing at 1361.60. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Friday morning is 1373.30.

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What Everyone Should Know About Shale Gas

It's no secret that natural gas will play a big role in the U.S. energy needs in years to come. And we need to understand where these sources will come from to make money investing and trading the new sources of natural gas. One of those is shale gas. Shale gas refers to natural gas that is trapped within shale formations. Shales are fine grained sedimentary rocks that can be rich sources of petroleum and natural gas. Over the past decade, the combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing has allowed access to large volumes of shale gas that were previously uneconomical to produce. The production of natural gas from shale formations has rejuvenated the natural gas industry in the United States.

Does the U.S. Have Abundant Shale Gas Resources?
Of the natural gas consumed in the United States in 2009, 87% was produced domestically; thus, the supply of natural gas is not as dependent on foreign producers as is the supply of crude oil, and the delivery system is less subject to interruption. The availability of large quantities of shale gas will further allow the United States to consume a predominantly domestic supply of gas.

According to the EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2011, the United States possesses 2,552 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of potential natural gas resources. Natural gas from shale resources, considered uneconomical just a few years ago, accounts for 827 Tcf of this resource estimate, more than double the estimate published last year. At the 2009 rate of U.S. consumption (about 22.8 Tcf per year), 2,552 Tcf of natural gas is enough to supply approximately 110 years of use. Shale gas resource and production estimates increased significantly between the 2010 and 2011 Outlook reports and are likely to increase further in the future.

Where is Shale Gas Found?
Shale gas is found in shale "plays," which are shale formations containing significant accumulations of natural gas and which share similar geologic and geographic properties. A decade of production has come from the Barnett Shale play in Texas. Experience and information gained from developing the Barnett Shale have improved the efficiency of shale gas development around the country. Another important play is the Marcellus Shale in the eastern United States. Surveyors and geologists identify suitable well locations in areas with potential for economical gas production by using both surface level observation techniques and computer generated maps of the subsurface.

Check out this EIA article for facts on Shale Gas Formations in the U.S.

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Crude Oil's Strong Resistance and the Return of the Clinton Administration

Wednesday's huge drop in crude oil inventory, the largest in 8 years, appeared to be all the oil bulls needed to finally push through the stubborn $90-$91 resistance level. But slumping gasoline sales in the U.S. and a less then desirable Spain Bond sale has most commodity traders shorting crude near the 90.76 level has they head out the door for the holiday vacation.

Even the return of the Clinton administration, well it sure looks like it doesn't it, was not enough to return confidence to the "if you can drop it on your foot and it hurts trade". Of course this is bringing out the "dollar as bottomed" crowd on every financial news channel. And while the dollar was lower in overnight trading stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term in the dollar.

So sit back and watch our President meet with the finest business leaders in the world and use these trading numbers for Thursdays trading......

Crude oil was lower overnight and trading below the 10 day moving average crossing at 88.54 signaling that a short term top might be in or is near. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 86.25 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January renews the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 90.76. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29. First support is Wednesday's low crossing at 86.83. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 86.25. Crude oil pivot point for Thursday morning is 88.18

Natural gas was lower overnight as it extends the decline off last week's high. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If January extends the decline off last week's high, the reaction low crossing at 4.126 is the next downside target. If January renews the rally off November's low, the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 4.637. Second resistance is the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654. First support is the overnight low crossing at 4.162. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 4.126. Natural gas pivot point for Thursday morning is 4.231.

Gold was lower overnight as it consolidates some of this week's rally. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below the reaction low crossing at 1372.10 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If March renews this year's rally into uncharted territory, upside targets will be hard to project. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 1432.50. First support is the reaction low crossing at 1372.10. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Thursday morning is 1387.50.


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Trading The Inverse Relationship Between The SP 500 and the U.S. Dollar

Between the FOMC meeting, low volume holiday trading and Chinese government banking action this week, no surprise that the street is starting show a lack of confidence in the equities market. This Wednesday we started to see fear (green indicator) reach a level which tells us to start looking for the market to bottoming. I do follow a few other charts and indicators which warn me of a possible trend reversal (high probability setup) before it takes place but the US Dollar and selling volume are key.

As we all know, when the market is trying to top and roll over it tends to be more of a process than a couple day event. It’s this lengthy topping process which has a lot of choppy price action sucking traders into a position much to early or shakes you out of the position before the market does what you anticipated. Knowing that tops tend to drag out for an extended period of time is critical for an options trader simple because of Theta (time decay)

On the flip side, bottoming is more of an event because it tends to happen after a strong wave of panic selling. Fear is the most powerful force in the market (other than the Fed/Manipulators.. but that’s another topic). That being said, when you know what to look for in bottoms you can generally see the market starting to bottom and prepare for it.

The charts below of the US Dollar Index and the SPY clearly show the inverse relationship they have. Right now it seems everything is directly connected with the dollar… it has been like that for most if the year… I will note that its not normally this clear. Anyways, the dollar is currently trading at resistance which means there is a good chance it will turn back down. So if the dollar drops, then it should boost the SPY (equities market) and put in a bottom for stocks.

Looking at the lower chart of the SPY etf you can see that recent prices have dropped down to a support zone. The important thing to note here is how selling volume is ramping up. This to me means more traders are getting worried and are cutting their losses or locking in gains before it gets worse. We typically see panic selling enter the market near the end of pullbacks. Just like in a bull market where the retail trader (John Doe) is the last to buy into a stock before it falls, it’s the same but flipped in a down trend. The retail trader is the last to panic and sell out of their position before the market bounces/rallies.

Currently the equities market looks to be showing signs that a bottom is nearing. Over the next session or two the rest of this equation should come to light as a tradable bottom or to start playing the down side of the market, only time will tell.....

Posted courtesy of Chris Vermeulan at The Gold and Oil Guy.Com

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Higher Interest Rates, Lower Volume.....Is This Run in Commodities Over?

With interest rates making a move upward this week, investors are questioning if the higher rates will make home loans and business loans more expensive to get. Stifling efforts by Congress and the Federal Reserve to strengthen the economy. Welcome to the new U.S. economy, this should be a sign of real economic expansion but it only brings new doubt that the governments stimulus package has any positive effect at all.

For now traders seem to be cautious about riding the bullish momentum in most commodities since they have real support from supply and demand principles. Crude oil is another story. With the failure to push through the $90 dollar per barrel level crude oil bulls were brought back to earth with the truth that we continue to have a glut of oil on the market. And yes, the good old days of having a couple of OPEC members mention the possibility of $100 oil moving the market are gone. Our "friends" in Saudi Arabia have proven to be the only real significant players in setting the price of oil. And it's obvious they prefer the $80+ range, just below what some believe is profitable for Iran. Coincidence?

For crude oil bulls to have any hope of getting their momentum back they need to defend the 20 day moving average at 85.83 and that appears unlikely as they watch their fellow traders head out to Florida and warmer weather for the holidays. Taking precious market volume with them. Here's your complete trading numbers for Wednesday morning......

Crude oil was lower overnight and trading below the 10 day moving average crossing at 88.40 signaling that a short term top might be in or is near. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.83 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January renews the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 90.76. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 87.10. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.83. Crude oil pivot point for Wednesday is 88.32

Natural gas was lower overnight as it extends Tuesday's breakout below the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.346 confirming that a short term top has been posted. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. If January extends the decline off last week's high, the reaction low crossing at 4.126 is the next downside target. If January renews the rally off November's low, the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 4.637. Second resistance is the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654. First support is the overnight low crossing at 4.230. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 4.126. Natural gas pivot point for Wednesday is 4.315

Gold was lower overnight as it consolidates some of this week's rally but remains above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1382.20. Stochastics and the RSI are turning neutral to bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term. If March renews this year's rally into uncharted territory, upside targets will be hard to project. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1382.20 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 1432.50. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1382.20. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Wednesday morning is 1401.90.


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Lack of Volume, Lack of Traders....It's Silly Season Again!

From guest blogger Adam Hewison.....

About a year ago I wrote a blog on the “silly season,” as I call it. The silly season starts on December 15 and extends through the first week of January. The silly season has nothing to do with telling jokes and laughing at funny things, but everything to do with trading. Trading is a serious business. If you want to be successful you have to practice, just like an athlete would. I don’t think there is an athlete out there who just woke up and said I’m going to be a world class athlete and achieved that goal without practicing. After December 15 most successful traders who made their money during the year are headed to either Florida, Palm Springs, or just taking a break to spend time with family. What makes the silly season, silly?

It has everything to do with the lack of volume in trading. When you have very little volume it is easy for markets to be, forgive me because I am about to say the M word, manipulated, by just a few traders. You do not want to be ending your year at the mercy of markets that are erratic at best. You may as well just head out to Las Vegas and take a shot at the roulette wheel.

So how can you avoid this trading trap? Here’s what I do every year:
After the 15th I close out all of my positions win, lose, or draw, and say thank you very much for another good year. Once I have cleared my trading book I’m free to enjoy the silly season without falling prey to the big M. I let the markets be the markets, because I know they will be there next year and I want to be prepared physically and mentally to take advantage of them.

That being said, here are my five key recommendations for you during silly season.....

1. Enjoy time with your family and friends.

2. Be appreciative what you have, not what you don’t have. There are a lot more folks that have a whole lot less than you than folks who have more.

3. Give something back. It doesn’t matter what it is, or how small, give something back; it will make you feel good.

4. Enjoy the season. Forget about the markets they will be there next year.

5. Take some quiet time for yourself to regenerate your spirit.

For me, number 5 means sitting in a quiet room by myself and thinking about all of the different things that have happened in the past year. Doing this keeps me grounded and prepares me for the year ahead. This quiet time helps me put everything into perspective and gets me in the right frame of mind for trading in the New Year. This quiet time restores your inner strength, which is something you need in trading.

So there you have it. That is how I avoid silly season and prepare myself for the new trading year.


Just click here for a free sample of the "Trading Triangles" that Adam relies on. Also take a minute to consider his "10 Free Trading Lessons". Get next years trading started on the right foot.

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Commodities Gain Strength.....Increase in Demand or Chinese Currency Manipulation?

Commodities have gained strength as interest in the U.S. dollar decreased and the safe haven trade in gold appears to be returning ahead Tuesdays FOMC meeting. Crude oil bulls are gaining strength from what appears to be a clear decrease in Mid West Stockpile inventory [see chart]. This should put pressure on OPEC to increase output if members want to maintain the recent stability they have enjoyed in crude oil prices.

But it became apparent this week that OPEC and even the U.S. consumer is no longer in the driver seat when it comes to oil and commodity prices. 2010 will be remembered by traders as the year the Chinese government policies and the Chinese consumer dominated the news cycle that guides energy and commodity prices.

But is the Chinese governments failure to aggressively respond to their inflation worries a signal to go long all commodities? Or will the potential for food prices spiking wildly out of control create a bull run on grain based foods or are we seeing the mother of all bubbles about to burst? All eyes are on every move the Chinese government is making while they appear to be in complete denial over the need to allow a steady and normal increase in the value of the Yuan.

Here's your trading numbers for Tuesday morning......

Crude oil was higher overnight as it extends the trading range of the past seven trading days. Stochastics and the RSI are neutral to bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.62 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January renews the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 90.76. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 87.10. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.62. Crude oil pivot point for Tuesday morning is 88.51

Natural gas was lower overnight as it consolidates above the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.342. Stochastics and the RSI have turned bearish signaling that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.342 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January renews the rally off November's low, the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 4.637. Second resistance is the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.342. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 4.126. Natural gas pivot point for Tuesday morning is 4.430.

Gold was higher due to short covering overnight as it consolidates above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1379.70. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1379.70 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If March renews this year's rally into uncharted territory, upside targets will be hard to project. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 1432.50. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1379.70. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Tuesday morning is 1393.00.


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World Commodity Markets Find Strength in Delayed Chinese Inflation Response

Looks as though the bears are being held off as early Monday Asia trading indicates commodity traders view the Chinese tightening threats as just that for now. Despite the most recent data on inflation showing it has raised at its fastest pace in two years. Is this our future in crude oil trading as the world hinges on every word coming out of the leaders in Beijing?

Traders confidence in crude oil and gold continued to improve last week as net long positions increased. While net short positions increased in natural gas signaling the possibility that the natural gas bulls are losing their commitment. Looking at our Smart Scan Chart Analysis the natural gas etf UNG is now rated a +55 on a scale from -100 (strong downtrend) to +100 (strong uptrend), indicating a short term top appears to be in.

Biggest news this week should be the FOMC meeting on Tuesday. But of course this promises to be a non event as the street looks for the committee to leave policy unchanged. Here is your trading numbers for Monday morning......

Crude oil was higher overnight as it consolidates some of last week's decline. However, stochastics and the RSI have turned bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.46 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January extends the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 90.76. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29. First support is last Friday's low crossing at 87.10. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.46. Crude oil pivot point for Monday morning is 87.96

Natural gas was higher overnight as it consolidates some of the decline off last Thursday's high. However, stochastics and the RSI are diverging and have turned bearish signaling that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.326 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January extends the rally off November's low, the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654 is the next upside target. First resistance is last Thursday's high crossing at 4.637. Second resistance is the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654. First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.395. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.326. Natural gas pivot point for Monday morning is 4.413

Gold was higher due to short covering overnight as it consolidates above the 20 day moving average crossing at 1377.70. Stochastics and the RSI remain bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1377.70 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If March renews this year's rally into uncharted territory, upside targets will be hard to project. First resistance is last Tuesday's high crossing at 1432.50. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1377.70. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Monday morning is 1383.50.


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Is The Gold Run Over.....Here's How we are Going to Play Gold This Week?

The markets and gold in particular have kept traders on their toes this week. Gold is looking to find support levels while the SP500 continues to push its way higher. Let’s take a look at the charts and our current analysis to get better feel for what is happening with gold and the SP500.

Gold 4 Hour Chart
As you can see from the chart below gold has formed a possible double top. The fact that it made a higher high is actually a bearish sign for the intermediate term 1-3 weeks. When we see a higher high getting sold into with big volume it typically means the big money is unloading large positions into the surge of breakout traders and short covering that occurs when a new high is reached. Following the big money is very important to keep an eye on as it can warn us of possible trend changes before it occurs.

The current selling volume is not exactly a healthy sign if you are looking for higher prices in the near term. If this pattern breaks down I would expect $1340 to be reached very quickly.

Keep in mind gold it in a strong up trend still. Shorting is not the best play in my opinion. I prefer to see pullback which washes the market of weak positions then jump on the long side for another bounce/rally.

SP500 Market Internal Strength – 10min, 3 days chart
I watch these charts to get a feel for the overall market strength on a short term basis. The top chart shows the SPY etf breaking above a resistance trend line on Friday afternoon. This occurred on light volume meaning it is mostly likely a false breakout and Monday we could see a gap lower at the open or a pop & drop. The two other indicators are reaching an extreme level which normally tells us a pullback is due in the next 24-48 hours of trading. The question is, will us just be a bull market pause or will we get a decent pullback.

The red indicator in the top chart and the red indicator levels on the charts below that help us time the market as to when profits should be taken or to tighten our stops if we have any long positions.

The broad market is still in a very strong uptrend so moving stops up and buying on oversold dips is the way to play it.

Weekend Market Analysis Conclusion:
In short, both gold and the stock market are in a bull market (uptrend). Trying to pick a top to short the market is not a good idea. Instead I am looking for an extreme oversold condition to help reduce downside risk before taking a long position.

The overall strength of the market (SP500 and Gold) I think are starting to weaken but in no way am I going to short them. We continue to buy dips until proven wrong because indicators can stay in the extreme overbought levels for a long period of time. Generally the biggest moves happen in the last 10-20% of the trend.

Posted courtesy of Chris Vermeulen at The Gold and Oil Guy.Com

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This Week in Crude Oil and Natural Gas Trading

Crude oil traders end the week on a low note as China continues to attempt to reel in inflation through tightening of bank reserve requirements. These moves are seen to have less of an impact on the equity markets than raising interest rates but still have the same effect with the commodity markets which are dominated by commercial traders.

It appears the streets bias remains neutral on crude oil going into next weeks trading week with more consolidations likely. If the bulls expect to gain any momentum back Monday they will need to defend the first support level at the 10 day moving average crossing of 87.62. And more critical would be second support at the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.28.

These lower prices on the week run in the face of the federal government’s EIA reporting that crude inventories fell by 3,819 thousand barrels for the week ending December 3, 2010, well above analyst expectations. The decrease in oil stocks, the first time in three weeks, can be attributed to ramped up refinery operations.

However, at 355.9 million barrels, crude supplies are 5.9% above the year earlier level and remain above the upper limit of the average for this time of the year. The crude supply cover was down slightly from 25.4 days in the previous week to 24.7 days. In the year ago period, the supply cover was 24.2 days.

Natural gas traders also close out the week lower as we see warmer than predicted weather predictions especially in the mid west and the northeast. Stochastics and the RSI are diverging and turning neutral to bearish for natural gas. Hinting that the rally off November's low might be coming to an end. If January extends the rally off October's low, the 38% retracement level of the June-October decline crossing at 4.654 is the next upside target. Multiple closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.301 are needed to confirm that a short term top has been posted. First resistance is Thursday's high crossing at 4.479. Second resistance is the 38% retracement level of the June-October decline crossing at 4.654. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.301. Second support is last Tuesday's low crossing at 4.126.

Nat gas producers seem to see a bright future ahead though as the natural gas rotary rig count, as reported December 3 by Baker Hughes Incorporated, was 961. An increase of 8 rigs from the previous week.


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If This is a Correction in Gold What Are Our Options?

Gold bugs and especially gold bulls can get a bit sensitive when talking about pull backs in our favorite precious metal. And if you predict a pullback you better be prepared. It seems any time that I discuss a possible pullback in gold I place a giant target on my back for people to make nasty public comments or send me hateful emails which in some cases I find particularly amusing. To each his own, but something tells me this article will be as well received as an oral reading of the history of the Illuminati at a Christian Christmas celebration.

Before you all rush to berate me for saying gold may go through a mild correction, read this paragraph before you take my work and my name through the proverbial mud......AGAIN. Before discussing why gold may go through a short term correction, I would point out that in the long term I believe gold is in a secular uptrend that could last much longer than many market pundits or traders might prognosticate.

I do not hold myself out to be an economist, but it appears to me that there are several catalysts looking towards the future that likely will give gold a boost. Unfortunately, the reasons gold could continue rallying are not economically pleasant and certainly not exciting to discuss as by now they have been beaten into our psyches. Instead of pounding the table about all of the various reasons investors should own gold, I am going to focus on a potential opportunity to buy gold at lower prices.

Based on a variety of technical indicators and analysis paired with some fundamental opinions, a trader could make the case that gold is in need of a downward price correction. Gold has been purchased with strong volume for more than a year as a result of several reasons. When looking at a weekly chart of the gold ETF GLD it becomes apparent that the shiny metal is overbought and in need of a pullback, or at a minimum some healthy consolidation.

As can be seen above, gold remains in a strong uptrend and price is well above the 50 period moving average. In fact, the 50 period moving average on the weekly GLD chart has not been tested since April of 2009. The long term trend remains bullish, but as stated above stated above not needed here a pullback is possible.

If we take a look at the GLD daily chart we notice the same long term uptrend that that is needless here we witnessed when looking at the weekly chart. In contrast the daily chart does show potentially bearish formations beginning to work. While the bearish formations patterns, too close previous use of formations may fail or may turn out to be totally false why totally, just use false, it is strong enough on its own based on future price action, at this point a double top formation is possible as is a head and shoulders pattern. This is not to say that GLD cannot grind higher because the weekly chart looks quite strong, but the daily chart is at least posting a warning that lower prices or at least a period of consolidation may be coming to fruition in the not so distant future.

While I am expecting a meaningful pullback or correction at some point, I do not believe that gold is going to crash lower. In fact, I am viewing the possible correction in gold as an excellent potential long entry. Clearly traders could look to purchase GLD around the 50 period moving average on the daily chart ($133.06) and then add to the position if the neckline is tested. I do not believe that price will get to the neckline, but if it does I expect that level to hold and a new rally to take shape. Until gold gets below the 50 period moving average on the weekly chart, it remains in a technically constructive uptrend.

There are a variety of ways to purchase GLD if an equity trader wanted to leg into the trade at a variety of price targets. One strategy would be to simply accumulate partial positions at predetermined price targets. When considering entering a longer term position, investors and traders should formulate a plan and then trade that plan. Through the use of a trading plan, the trader can remove emotion from the subsequent purchase(s) while managing risk.

For those who would like to use options to acquire GLD common stock, the easiest strategy would be to sell cash secured naked puts. Secured naked puts do not require significant option trading experience and most option brokers will allow relatively inexperienced option traders to use this strategy. Each option contract represents 100 shares of GLD, so the trader sets aside a portion of his trading capital to purchase 100 shares of the underlying.

As a basic example, if a trader sold a cash secured January 133 put the trader would be required to have the appropriate cash in the account to purchase 100 shares of GLD at $133/share. So in order to have the put totally secured, the trader in this example would need $13,300 to fulfill the required capital obligation. For a more speculative trader that was looking to collect option premium based solely on time decay (Theta) and had no intention of owning common stock, margin encumbrance would be required. Most option brokers will demand that option traders be able to post 15-20% of the total obligation (Reg T) and will allow more experienced option traders to use margin in order to cover the remaining portion. Traders using portfolio margin can use this strategy to add income to their portfolio without tying up a significant portion of their trading capital.

Based on the weekly chart listed above, the target support areas are around $133/share and $130/share respectively. We will assume the trader wanted to purchase 100 shares at each price point. The trader in this example could sell 1 GLD January 133 Put and 1 GLD January 130 Put. Based on current prices, the trader would receive a credit of $235 for the GLD January 133 Put and a credit of $139 for the GLD January 130 put. Total credit on this trade would be around $374 not including commissions. If GLD does not sell off and continues to rally, the trader has the potential to collect a large portion of option premium from the two cash secured puts that he sold. In this case, the maximum gain would be the total credit received of $374 at expiration if the trader did not get assigned GLD common stock.

It is critically important to understand that there is significant risk in this trade as the theoretical loss would be over $26,000 assuming that GLD were to go to 0 and the trader did not close out the position. Clearly gold is not likely to be worthless, and the odds of losing $26,000 are slim to none however it is theoretically possible. If the trader in the example gets assigned the stock he still gets to keep the option premium for which he sold the puts for which was $374. Since he was purchasing 200 shares of GLD, his total cost would be reduced by $1.87 a share (374 / 200 = 1.87). The average price he would pay for 200 shares of stock would be $131.50/share (133+130 / 2 = 131.50), thus his actual price per share would be $129.63 (131.50 – 1.87 = 129.63).

The profit engine for the naked puts is time decay (Theta). Volatility and price risk exist and would become reality if a massive overnight sell off in gold took place. However, if the trade operated as is custom in traditional market conditions the option trader in this case either will earn a portion or potentially all of the premium he received for selling the puts or he will be assigned 200 shares of GLD with a total basis of $129.63. If the trader wishes to own 200 shares of GLD and has the capital to purchase the common stock, this is an excellent way to develop a trading plan that takes advantage of support levels and remains profitable if GLD continues higher.

From J.W. Jones at Options Trading Signals.Com

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Does This Commodity Rally Rely on QE3.....QE4?

At this point traders and investors alike realize that any near term rally in commodities and equities relies fully on the U.S. governments continued printing of money. QE 2, QE 3.....QE 4? But any real long term support of the world economy will be coming from Chinas recent and future increasing import and export numbers. The strong readings should trigger the Chinese government to continue stepping up tightening measures and a rate hike is imminent. This is just one reason our fund has patiently held a position in the Chinese Yuan using ETF....CYB. We have never favored putting our faith in communist governments with our investment strategies but we believe this is one bubble the Chinese cannot control forever. And the Chinese currency will eventually have to be allowed to inflate.

Here's your trading numbers for Friday morning......

Crude oil was higher overnight as it consolidates some of this week's decline. However, stochastics and the RSI are overbought and are turning bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.33 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January extends the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target. First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 90.76. Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29. First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 87.72. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.33. Crude oil pivot point for Friday morning is 88.50.

Natural gas was slightly lower overnight as it consolidates some of the rally off November's low. Stochastics and the RSI are diverging and are turning neutral to bearish signaling that a short term top might be in or is near. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.301 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January extends the rally off November's low, the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654 is the next upside target. First resistance is Thursday's high crossing at 4.637. Second resistance is the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654. First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.369. Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.301. Natural gas pivot point for Friday morning is 4.494.

Gold was lower overnight and remains poised to extend the decline off this week's high. Stochastics and the RSI are bearish signaling that sideways to lower prices are possible near term. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1376.70 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If March renews this year's rally into uncharted territory, upside targets will be hard to project. First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 1432.50. First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1376.70. Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00. Gold pivot point for Friday morning is 1389.80.


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Is it Time to Follow The Herd into Trading Gold and the SP500?

Are you the type of trader who follows the herd? Do you use herd mentality against the market? Or are you a "contrarian investor"? Over the past 2 weeks we have seen the market sentiment change three times from extreme bullish to bearish and back to bullish as of today. Normally we don’t see the herd (average Joe) switch trading directions this quickly. Over the past 10 years I found that the average time for the herd to reach an extreme bullish or bearish bias takes between 4-6 weeks in length. It is this herd mentality which makes for some excellent trend trading opportunities. But with the quantitative easing, thinner traded market, and lack of trading participants (smaller herd) I find everyone is ready to change directions at the drop of a hat.

The old school traders/investors who don’t use real time data or charts, and who dabbled in stock picks, and options trades here and there have mostly exited the trading arena from frustration or losing to much money. This group accounted for a decent chuck of liquidity in the market and was also the slowest of the herd to change directions.

The new school, today’s smaller herd is much more aggressive and quicker to act on market gyrations. I think this is because the only people left in the market are those who make a living pulling money from the market and those who feel they are really close to mastering the stock market. It is these individuals who are using trading platforms with real time data, charts and scanners to help get a pulse on the market so they can change directions when the big boys do. I feel this is the reason why the market is able to turn on a dime one week to another over the past 8 months....The easy prey (novice and delayed data traders) are few and far between and the fight to take money for other educated traders seems to be getting a little more interesting to say the least.

Anyways, enough about the herd already.....

It’s been an interesting week thus far with stocks and commodities. The week started with a large gap up only for strong selling volume to step in and reverse direction the following day. It is this negative price action that starts to put fear into the market triggering a downward thrust in the market. During an up trend which we are in now, I look for these bearish chart patterns to form as they tend to trigger more selling the following days which cleanses the market of weak positions. Once a certain level of traders have been shaken out of their positions and are entering positions in order to take advantage of a falling market, that’s when we get the next rally, catching the majority of traders off guard as they panic to buy back their short positions. It’s this short covering which sparks a strong multi day rally and kicks off the new leg up in the market.

Currently we getting some mixed signals. The market sentiment is the most bullish it has been since 2007, just a little higher than the Jan & March highs this year. This makes me step back and think twice about taking any sizable long positions. Any day now the market could roll over. Another bearish signal is the fact that we just had a very strong reversal day for stocks and metals to the down side. That typically leads to more selling.

But if we look at the positive side of things, the trend is still up, this is typically a strong time for stocks as we go into Christmas/Holiday season, also the market breadth is really strong with the number of stocks hitting new highs has really taking off.

SP500 – Daily Chart
Below you can see the reversal candles along with short term and intermediate support levels. Although the market sentiment is screaming a correction is near, we must realize that sentiment can remain at this level for an extended period of time while the market continues to trend. This is one of the reasons why we say “The Trend Is Our Friend”.

I am hoping for a pullback and would like to see market sentiment shift enough on an intraday basis to give us a low risk entry point.

Gold – Daily Chart
A reversal candle is seen as a sell signal or a profit taking pattern. Short term aggressive trades use these to lock in quick price movements. With so many traders watching gold, it caused a flood of sell orders to push gold down today.

Mid-Week Conclusion:
In short, each time we see some decent selling in the market its get bought back up. Today was another perfect example as we had an early morning sell off, then a light volume rally for the second half of the session and a end of day short squeeze during the last 30 minutes. Gold has pulled back to the first short term support level. Because of the large following in gold I would like to see if there will be another day of follow through selling before possibly looking to take a trade.

If you would like to get my daily pre-market trading videos, intraday updates, chart analysis and trades just subscribe to my trading service here at The Gold and Oil Guy.com

Chris Vermeulen



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Is This all the Crude Oil Bulls Have Got?

Crude oil traders continue their push in this higher trading range but can't seem to push through critical resistance at the 90+ level. Crude oil bulls are supported by newfound optimism on the street that the economic environment in the U.S. will continue to improve. But worries loom about the Ireland and the Euro as Fitch downgrades Ireland's credit rating despite the recent bail out deal. Precious metals have rebounded slightly but sediment has grown extremely bearish on the street across the whole metals sector. Here your trading numbers for Thursday morning.

Crude oil was higher overnight as it consolidates some of this week's decline. Stochastics and the RSI are overbought and are turning bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near.

Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.32 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If January extends the rally off November's low, May's high crossing at 93.29 is the next upside target.

First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 90.76
Second resistance is May's high crossing at 93.29

Crude oil pivot point for Thursday morning is 88.20

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 87.25
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 85.32

Natural gas was higher overnight as it extends the rally off November's low. Stochastics and the RSI are diverging but are bullish signaling that sideways to higher prices are possible near term.

If January extends the rally off November's low, the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654 is the next upside target. Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.294 would confirm that a short term top has been posted.

First resistance is the overnight high crossing at 4.637
Second resistance is the 38% retracement level of the June-November decline crossing at 4.654

Natural gas pivot point for Thursday morning is 4.523

First support is the 10 day moving average crossing at 4.384
Second support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 4.294

Gold was slightly higher overnight as it consolidates some of the decline off this week's high. However, stochastics and the RSI have turned bearish hinting that a short term top might be in or is near.

Closes below the 20 day moving average crossing at 1377.10 would confirm that a short term top has been posted. If March extends this year's rally into uncharted territory, upside targets will now be hard to project.

First resistance is Tuesday's high crossing at 1432.50
Second resistance is 1455.30

Gold pivot point for Thursday morning is 1392.40

First support is the 20 day moving average crossing at 1377.10
Second support is the reaction low crossing at 1352.00


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