Dire Straits

Key Points

  • Brent crude futures are trading below $100 per barrel, as President Trump says Iran wants to “work a deal.”
  • However, the physical market shows signs of distress, with Forties Blend close to $149 per barrel on Monday.
  • The “genie is out of the bottle,” and the Gulf states are unlikely to settle for a deal that leaves Iran with the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz.
  • A US blockade of Iranian ports could escalate tensions with China.
  • Lithium miners jumped on sharp increases in EV sales in Europe and other countries that saw steep increases in energy prices.

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Gold weakens

Spot Gold broke medium-term support at $1700 to signal another correction, with an initial target of $1600. Breach of this level and the rising trendline would warn that the long-term up-trend is slowing. Reversal of 63-day Twiggs Momentum below zero would also suggest a primary down-trend.

Spot Gold

Introduction of repos or short-term deposits by the Fed, to offset the effects of long-term bond purchases, would dampen inflation expectations and reduce the allure of gold for investors. It would also strengthen demand for the dollar.

Breakout of the Dollar Index above 80.00 would signal an advance to 82.00 and confirm the primary up-trend. The long-term target remains at 85.00*.

US Dollar Index

* Target calculation: 80 + ( 80 – 75 ) = 85