[Libya’s interim Oil Minister Ali Tarhouni] said oil production should reach 700,000 barrels a day by the end of the year—nearly half of prewar production—confirming estimates made earlier Thursday by the International Energy Agency.
via Libya Speeds Oil Output but Sees Hurdles Ahead – WSJ.com.
Brent Crude broke through its upper trend channel despite the strengthening dollar (one would normally expect prices to fall). The down-trend is losing momentum and (Brent) crude is likely to form a base above $100/barrel.
CRB Commodities Index is testing the descending trendline at 320. Breakout would suggest that the down-trend has weakened and the index is forming a bottom; respect would indicate another test of primary support at 295. Breach of the long term rising trendline would warn of another test of 2009 lows at 200.
Brent crude is also testing its descending trendline, at $110/barrel. Respect would signal another test of primary support at $99, while breakout would suggest that the down-trend has ended. In the long-term, breach of the rising trendline would warn of a decline to around $70/barrel.
The Dollar Index retraced to test the new support level at 76.00. Respect would confirm the primary up-trend, while failure would signal trend weakness. A trough above zero on 63-day Twiggs Momentum would strengthen the bull signal.
* Target calculation: 80 + ( 80 – 76 ) = 84
Gold broke through $1700/ounce in response to dollar weakness. Expect retracement to test the new support level. Respect would signal a primary advance to 1800*. The long-term (primary) trend remains upward.
* Target calculation: 1700 + ( 1700 – 1600 ) = 1800
The Amex Gold Bugs Index is testing medium-term resistance at 560. Breakout would test the upper border of broadening wedge pattern — around 650 — and support a similar advance for the spot metal.
Brent crude is also stronger, testing its upper trend channel at $110/barrel. Respect would indicate another test of the lower channel — and the ascending long-term trendline — while breakout would signal an advance to $120*.
* Target calculation: 110 + ( 110 – 100 ) = 120
The broader CRB Commodities Index is also headed for its upper trend channel. The ascending primary trendline remains intact but 63-day Twiggs Momentum respect of the zero line (from below) warns of a strong down-trend.
Brent crude is edging lower in a wide trend channel. Respect of the long-term ascending trendline (on the weekly chart) would suggest upward breakout from the channel — and a target of $150/barrel*. Recovery of 63-day Twiggs Momentum above zero would strengthen the signal.
* Target calculation: 125 + ( 125 – 100 ) = 150
The CRB Commodities index is similarly testing its long-term rising trendline at 300. Penetration of the secondary descending trendline would indicate another primary advance on the monthly chart. The 63-day Twiggs Momentum peak below zero [R], however, warns of a primary down-trend. Failure of support at 290 would strengthen the signal.
* Target calculation: 370 +( 370 – 290 ) = 450
Brent Crude rallied off support at $99/$100 per barrel, headed for a test of the upper trend channel. 63-Day Twiggs Momentum above its descending trendline warns that the down-trend is weakening. Breakout above the upper channel would test the 2011 high of $125/barrel.
CRB Commodities Index similarly rallied off support at 300. 63-Day Twiggs Momentum is still declining and failure to reach the upper trend channel (on the price chart) would warn of an accelerating down-trend.
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Brent crude broke support at $104/barrel and is testing the lower trend channel and long-term rising trendline. Respect would signal a rally to the upper channel border, while breakout below the rising trendline would warn of a sharp fall. 63-Day Momentum below zero suggests the down-trend is strengthening.
* Target calculation: 105 – ( 115 – 105 ) = 95
Spot Gold is testing support at its initial target of $1600/ounce. The long tail is evidence of buying support, but failure would test $1500. The primary trend direction remains up and, despite gold experiencing a strong correction, is unlikely to change.
* Target calculation: 1750 – ( 1900 – 1750 ) = 1600
Brent crude is testing support at $104/barrel while Nymex WTI crude is at $80/barrel. There is no sign of the divergence between the two grades closing. Both have signaled a primary down-trend, though Brent has yet to confirm with a break of its rising trendline.
* Target calculation: 105 – ( 120 – 105 ) = 90
Brent crude respected its declining trendline and is likely to re-test support at $104. Failure would warn of a correction to the long-term, rising trendline at 95*.
* Target calculation: 105 – ( 115 – 105 ) = 95
The strengthening dollar caused crude prices to soften, with Brent crude headed for another test of support at $104/$105 per barrel. Failure of support would warn of a down-swing to $90, but breakout above the descending trendline is equally likely and would suggest a new primary advance.
* Target calculation: 105 – ( 120 – 105 ) = 90
The spread between Brent and Nymex WTI crude narrowed to $20. An increase in supply from Libya or Nigeria would help to lower Brent prices further.
