Aussie Dollar tests support

Staying with long-term, monthly charts we can see the Aussie Dollar consolidating in a narrow range below resistance at $1.06. Oscillation of 63-day Twiggs Momentum close to zero also indicates a ranging market. Upward breakout is more likely and would signal an advance to $1.10*, while reversal below $1.02 would re-test primary support at $0.96.

Aussie Dollar/USD

* Target calculation: 1.06 + ( 1.06 – 1.02 ) = 1.10

On the daily chart, the Aussie is testing support at $1.05. Failure would signal another correction to test $1.02, while respect would suggest breakout above $1.06 — and a long-term advance to $1.10.

Aussie Dollar/USD

Euro up-trend

The Euro is headed for a test of resistance at $1.35 on the monthly chart. Breakout would confirm the primary up-trend. Rising 63-day Twiggs Momentum (above zero) strengthens the signal. Reversal below $1.30 and the rising trendline, however, would indicate another test of primary support at $1.20.

Euro/USD

Gold and commodities find support

A look at the long-term (monthly) chart shows gold undergoing a correction before encountering support at $1650/ounce. Recovery above $1700 would re-test resistance at $1800, the higher trough suggesting resumption of the primary up-trend. Breakout above $1800 would confirm. A 63-day Twiggs Momentum trough close to the zero line would strengthen the signal, while reversal below zero would suggest that the 5-year bull-trend is over and a test of primary support at $1500 likely.

Spot Gold

Commodity Prices are a good predictor of stock market performance. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index retreated from 150 but support around 140 would indicate another attempt at a breakout — and recovery above 144 would strengthen the signal. Rising Twiggs Momentum suggests a primary up-trend but only breakout above 152 would confirm.

US Dollar Index

Dragon Baby

Amazing what you can do with special effects.

With thanks to Ryan.

Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud

The Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Source: Hubblesite.org

Hubble Space Telescope composite image of a portion of the Tarantula Nebula’s central cavity. The flood of UV light and gusts of hot particles flowing freely from the young stars of 30 Doradus have hollowed out a bubble in the gaseous nebula. Only with Hubble’s exceptional resolution could the intricacy and three-dimensionality of these features be revealed.

The Hubble data have been combined with ground-based observations that trace hydrogen gas (in red) and oxygen (in blue). Together, this region can be appreciated as a microcosm of the larger nebula: a swirling palette of gas, dust, and stars in the midst of tumultuous upheaval.

Stars in the nebula number more than half a million.

Hat tip to Barry Ritholz.

Euro advances

The Euro is advancing against the weakening dollar. Target for the advance is the long-term declining trendline on the monthly chart — around $1.40. A primary up-trend is signaled by 63-day Twiggs Momentum recovery above zero.

Euro/USD

Sterling breaks euro support

Pound Sterling broke support at €1.23 on the weekly chart against the euro. Decline of 63-day Twiggs Momentum below zero warns of a primary down-trend. Breach of the rising trendline strengthens the signal.

Pound Sterling

Aussie Dollar threatens breakout

The Aussie Dollar is testing long-term resistance at $1.06 on the weekly chart. Breakout is likely and would signal an advance to $1.10*. Oscillation of 63-day Twiggs Momentum above zero suggests a primary up-trend.

Aussie Dollar/USD

* Target calculation: 1.06 + ( 1.06 – 1.02 ) = 1.10

Gold and the dollar

Gold is undergoing a correction on the weekly chart. Declining momentum and breach of the long-term rising trendline suggest that the 5-year bull-trend is ending, but recovery above $1700 per ounce would indicate one more attempt at $1800 resistance. Respect of $1700, however, would indicate a test of primary support at the May 2012 low at $1525.

Spot Gold

The Dollar Index respected resistance at 81 and is likely to re-test primary support at 78.50. Twiggs Momentum oscillating below zero already indicates a primary down-trend — confirmed if primary support is broken. Recovery above 81.50 remains unlikely, but would indicate an advance to 84.

US Dollar Index

* Target calculation: 78.5 – ( 81.5 – 78.5 ) = 75.5

Stocks: The year ahead

A quick recap of the quarterly chart overview from December 2012:

The S&P 500 is headed for a test of its 2000/2007 high at 1550. Declining 63-day Twiggs Momentum and a lackluster economy suggest that resistance is unlikely to be broken. Breach of the rising trendline would indicate a test of support at 1100.

S&P 500 Index

Canada’s TSX Composite Index is gaining momentum. Follow-through above 13000 would indicate another test of 15000.

Apple

Germany’s DAX threatens a breakout above 8000. Follow-through above 8200 would confirm a strong primary advance.

DAX Index

The FTSE 100 broke resistance at 6000, suggesting an advance to 7000.

FTSE 100 Index

India’s Sensex is testing resistance at 21000. Rising momentum indicates breakout is likely, heralding a fresh primary advance.

BSE Sensex Index

Singapore’s Straits Times Index lags behind, but breakout above 3300 is likely and would indicate an advance to 3900.

Apple

The Shanghai Composite is headed for a re-test of long-term support at 1800/1750. Rising momentum suggests that a bottom will form at this level. Recovery above 2500 and/or the declining trendline would strengthen the signal.

Shanghai Composite Index

The ASX 200 is headed for a test of resistance at 5000, supported by rising 63-day Twiggs Momentum. Breakout would signal an advance to 6000, but weakness in China or the US may delay this for some time.

ASX 200 Index