Gold tests $1350, Crude bullish

Gold found support at $1270/ounce before rallying to test $1350. Breakout would offer a target of $1430*, but reversal below $1270 is as likely and would signal a re-test of primary support at $1200.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1350 + ( 1350 – 1270 ) = 1430

We have switched to a new data supplier for Forex & Precious Metals after recent problems with data reliability. Data is now 10-minute delayed and time-stamped US Central Time (Chicago).

Dollar Index

The Dollar Index remains in a downward trend channel, headed for a test of primary support at 80.50. Bearish divergence on weekly Twiggs Momentum warns of selling pressure. Respect of the upper channel would warn of a down-swing to 80.50. Upward breakout is less likely, but would suggest the correction is ending. Follow-through above 82.50 would strengthen the signal.
Dollar Index

Crude Oil

Nymex WTI light crude is consolidating below resistance at $108/barrel, while Brent crude consolidates below $110. Upward breakout is likely and would signal an advance to $118* and $120 respectively.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

* Target calculation: 108 + ( 108 – 98 ) = 118

Commodities

Copper respected support at $6600/ton and is rallying to test $7500 and the descending trendline. Upward breakout would suggest that a bottom is forming, while respect would warn of another test of $6600. Momentum oscillating below zero suggests continuation of the primary down-trend. Failure of support at $6600 would confirm.
Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index
A bear rally on Shanghai Composite Index [lime green] caused a lift in commodity prices. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index recovered above long-term support at 126, suggesting a rally to 130. Breakout is unlikely, but would offer a target of 136*. The primary trend is down and reversal below 124 would suggest a long-term decline to the 2009 low at 100*.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 125 – ( 150 – 125 ) = 100; 130 + ( 130 – 124 ) = 136

Gold and commodities falling while Dollar weakens

Gold is drifting lower after breaking support at $1300/ounce. Penetration of support at $1270 would signal a re-test of primary support at $1200, but reversal above $1300 remains as likely and would indicate another test of $1350. Breakout above $1350 would target $1400.

Spot Gold

The above feed is from a new data supplier. Data is 10-minute delayed and time-stamped US Central Time (Chicago exchanges). After recent problems with data reliability we have cancelled the contract with our current supplier and will switch to the new source within a few days.

The Gold Bugs Index, representing un-hedged gold stocks, continues its sharp fall. Follow-through below 200 would indicate a test of the 2008 low at 160 — a bearish sign for the spot metal.

Spot Gold

Dollar Index

The Dollar Index is heading for a test of primary support at 80.50. Respect of the rising trendline would be a bullish sign, but bearish divergence (and reversal below zero) on weekly Twiggs Momentum warns of weakness. Breach of 80.50 would signal a primary down-trend.
Dollar Index

Crude Oil

Nymex WTI light crude twice respected resistance at $108/barrel. Reversal below last week’s low at $103 would warn of a test of $98, while respect would suggest another strong advance. Brent crude is likely to track its US counterpart closely.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

* Target calculation: 98 + ( 98 – 86 ) = 110

Commodities

Copper is testing long-term support at $6800/ton. Follow-through below $6600 would confirm another primary decline.
Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index
The Shanghai Composite Index is holding above its 2012 low  at 1950, but further weakness is likely and would drive commodity prices lower. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index breached long-term support at 125/126, offering a target of the 2009 low at 100*. Not good news for Australian resources stocks, even if the impact is cushioned by a falling Aussie Dollar.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 125 – ( 150 – 125 ) = 100

Correction: Gold

We received some bad data for gold from our Forex & Precious metals data supplier. Here is the corrected chart and our revised comments:

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1200 – ( 1350 – 1200 ) = 1050

Gold continues to test support at $1300/ounce. Breach would suggest another test of primary support at $1200, while failure of primary support would offer a target of $1050*. Dollar Index breakout above 82.50 would strengthen the bear signal. Recovery above 1350 is less likely, but would indicate continuation of the rally to $1400/ounce.

S&P 500 follows through

The S&P 500 followed through above resistance at 1700, indicating an advance to 1800*. Bearish divergence on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow  suggests selling pressure, but this is not as pronounced on the weekly chart and a peak above the May high would negate this. Reversal below support at 1675 remains unlikely, but would warn of another test of primary support at 1560.

S&P 500 Index

* Target calculation: 1680 + ( 1680 – 1560 ) = 1800

The Dollar Index is testing resistance at 82.50. Breakout would indicate the correction is over, suggesting an advance to 84.50. A 63-day Twiggs Momentum trough above zero would strengthen the signal.

Dollar Index

We received some bad data for gold from our Forex & Precious metals data supplier. Here is the corrected chart and our revised comments:

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1200 – ( 1350 – 1200 ) = 1050

Gold continues to test support at $1300/ounce. Breach would suggest another test of primary support at $1200, while failure of primary support would offer a target of $1050*. Dollar Index breakout above 82.50 would strengthen the bear signal. Recovery above 1350 is less likely, but would indicate continuation of the rally to $1400/ounce.

Gold consolidates as dollar and commodities fall

Gold is consolidating in a narrow range between $1300 and $1350/ounce. Penetration of the descending trendline indicates that a bottom is forming. Reversal below $1300 would suggest another test of primary support at $1200, but breakout above $1350 is as likely and would target $1400.

Spot Gold

A rally to $1400 would test the long-term descending trendline as shown on the monthly chart.

Spot Gold

Spot silver has made a weaker rally over the last month and breakout below the rising flag would warn of another decline, with a target of $16.50*. Declining silver would be a bearish sign for gold.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 19.5 – ( 21.5 – 18.5 ) = 16.5

Dollar Index

The Dollar Index found short-term support at 81.50. Penetration would indicate a test of primary support at 80.50. Recovery above 82.50 is unlikely, but would suggest the correction is over. Another 13-week Twiggs Momentum trough above zero would indicate the primary up-trend is intact. Breakout above 84.50 is some way off, but would signal an advance to the 2009/2010 highs around 90.00.
Dollar Index

* Target calculation: 84 + ( 84 – 79 ) = 89

Crude Oil

Nymex WTI light crude is retracing after a sharp rally and is likely to find support between $98 and $100/barrel. Expect the spread with Brent crude to narrow as the US recovery outstrips Europe.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

* Target calculation: 98 + ( 98 – 86 ) = 110

Commodities

Copper is testing long-term support at $6800/ton. Follow-through below $6700 would confirm another primary decline.
Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index
Commodity prices are primarily driven by Chinese demand. With the Shanghai Composite Index testing its 2012 low (1950), breakout would signal a decline to its 2008 low (1660) and drag commodity prices lower. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index breach of long-term support at 125/126 would confirm, targeting its 2009 low at 100*. Not good news for Australian resources stocks, even if the impact is cushioned by a falling Aussie Dollar.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 125 – ( 150 – 125 ) = 100

Gold rises as the dollar falls

Gold broke resistance at $1300/ounce, penetration of the descending trendline indicating that a bottom is forming. Reversal below $1300 would suggest another test of primary support at $1200. Respect of support at $1300 and breakout above $1350 is unlikely, but would target $1400.

Spot Gold

Dollar Index

The Dollar Index is headed for a test of the rising trendline after a false break above 84.00. Respect of the trendline would indicate the primary up-trend is intact, while reversal below 80.50 would warn of a primary down-trend. Bearish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Momentum indicates trend weakness. Recovery above 84.50, however, would signal an advance to 90.00*.
Dollar Index

* Target calculation: 84 + ( 84 – 79 ) = 89

Crude Oil

Nymex WTI light crude is in a primary up-trend, with the current retracement likely to find support around $100/barrel. Rising Nymex crude prices reflect a stronger US economy. Expect the spread with Brent crude to narrow. Target for the current Nymex advance is the 2012 high of $110/barrel*

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

* Target calculation: 98 + ( 98 – 86 ) = 110

Commodities

The Shanghai Composite Index continues to consolidate above its 2012 low (of 1950). Failure would signal a decline to its 2008 low (at 1660). China is the primary driver of commodity prices and decline of the Shanghai Index would drag prices lower. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index reversal below long-term support at 126 would confirm, targeting the 2009 low at 100*. Not good news for Australian resources stocks, even if the impact is cushioned by a falling Aussie Dollar.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 125 – ( 150 – 125 ) = 100

Crude rallies while gold and commodities stall

Gold is consolidating in a narrow range below resistance at $1300 — a bullish sign. Upward breakout would penetrate the descending trendline, suggesting a bottom is forming.  Reversal below $1270, however, would indicate another test of $1200. Failure of support at $1200 would offer a medium-term target of $1100*.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1200 – ( 1300 – 1200 ) = 1100

The monthly chart shows a primary trendline some way above current price action. Even a rally to $1400 would not disrupt the primary down-trend.
Spot Gold

Dollar Index

The Dollar Index retreated after a false break above 84.00. Respect of the rising trendline would indicate the primary up-trend is intact, while reversal below 79.00 would signal a primary down-trend. Recovery above 84.50 would signal an advance to 89.00.
Dollar Index

Crude Oil

Nymex WTI light crude is in a clear primary up-trend, with Brent crude lifting in sympathy. Rising Nymex crude prices reflect a stronger US economy. Target for the Nymex advance is the 2012 high of $110/barrel*. Expect the spread with Brent crude to narrow.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

* Target calculation: 98 + ( 98 – 86 ) = 110

Commodities

The Shanghai Composite Index rebounded weakly above long-term support at 1950, but is likely to re-test in the next few weeks. Failure would indicate a decline to test the 2008 low at 1400. China is the primary driver of commodity prices and another decline on the Shanghai Index would drag prices even lower. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index reversal below long-term support at 125 would confirm, targeting the 2009 low at 100*. Not good news for Australian resources stocks, even if the impact is cushioned by a falling Aussie Dollar.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 125 – ( 150 – 125 ) = 100

Gold lifts on Dollar’s sharp fall

Gold broke medium-term resistance at $1260 as the Dollar Index fell sharply. Expect strong resistance between $1300 and 1340, however, and respect of the descending trendline would indicate another test of $1200. Continuation of the down-trend is likely, and failure of support at $1200 would offer a medium-term target of $1100*.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1200 – ( 1300 – 1200 ) = 1100

Dollar Index

The dollar fell sharply on Wednesday as investors , hoping for greater clarity, received mixed (if not confusing) signals. Nicole Hong at WSJ writes:

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said at a conference that the central bank’s highly monetary policy [QE] is needed for the foreseeable future. He added that it is likely the Fed won’t raise interest rates “for some time,” even after the unemployment rate reaches 6.5%.

His remarks came after the release of minutes from the Fed’s June meeting earlier Wednesday. The minutes showed Fed officials divided about the timing of a reduction in bond buying, with half of Fed officials believing the central bank should end the stimulus program by the end of this year. Other Fed officials said the labor market hasn’t improved enough to begin tapering so soon.

The Dollar Index fell sharply, signaling another test of primary support at 80.50. Breach of support — or reversal of Twiggs Momentum (63-day or 13-week) below zero — would warn of a primary down-trend.  While that is unlikely, failure to break resistance at 84.50 suggests a weak up-trend.
Dollar Index

Crude Oil

Nymex WTI light crude followed through above $100/barrel, signaling a primary up-trend, while Brent crude recovered above $106/barrel. The spread has narrowed to less than $2/barrel. Rising Nymex crude prices reflect a stronger US economy. Target for the advance is the 2012 high of $110/barrel*.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

* Target calculation: 98 + ( 98 – 86 ) = 110

Commodities

Commodity prices are largely driven by China. Narrow consolidation of the Shanghai Composite index above long-term support at 1950 suggests a decline to test the 2008 low at 1700. That would drag commodities even lower. Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index similarly recovered above long-term support at 125 and is likely to test 130, but  reversal below support would target the 2009 low at 100*. Not good news for Australian resources stocks, even if the impact is cushioned by a falling Aussie Dollar.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 125 – ( 150 – 125 ) = 100

Gold and commodities bear rally likely to fail

Gold found support at $1200/ounce, but the rally was short-lived, encountering resistance at $1260. Breakout would test resistance at $1300/1320, while reversal below $1230 would again test $1200. Continuation of the down-trend is likely, and failure of support at $1200 would offer a medium-term target of $1100*.

Spot Gold

* Target calculation: 1200 – ( 1300 – 1200 ) = 1100

The Gold Bugs index (representing un-hedged gold stocks) diverged from the spot price in 2012 and retreated, relatively, a lot further since 2011. Does that mean the spot price will follow — or that gold stocks are oversold? I have no idea how far gold will eventually fall, but I do take this as a bearish sign for the metal.
Spot Silver

Crude Oil

Nymex WTI light crude broke resistance at $98/barrel and follow-through above $100 would confirm a primary up-trend. Brent continues to range between $100 and $106, with the spread narrowing to less than $4/barrel. Rising Nymex crude prices reflect a stronger US economy, and should ensure the spread closes completely in the months ahead.

Brent Crude and Nymex Crude

Commodities

Commodity prices are largely driven by Chinese demand, as reflected by the correlation between Dow Jones/UBS Commodity Index and the Shanghai Composite. The Shanghai is in a strong primary down-trend and likely to drag commodities even lower. Breakout below support at 125/126 would offer a long-term target of the 2009 low at 100*. Not good news for Australian resources stocks, even though the impact is cushioned by a falling Aussie Dollar.

Dow Jones UBS Commodities Index

* Target calculation: 125 – ( 150 – 125 ) = 100

Gold rallies

Gold rallied off support at $1200/ounce and is headed for a test of the declining trendline. Expect resistance between $1300 and the former primary support level of $1340. The primary trend is down and resistance is likely to hold. Respect of resistance would indicate another test of $1200 — and offer a target of $1100 if support fails.

Spot Gold

* Target calculations: 1350 – ( 1500 – 1350 ) = 1200;  1200 – ( 1300 – 1200 ) = 1100