Monday, October 25–Jim Wyckoff’s Morning Markets Report
Global stock markets were mixed in overnight trading. The U.S. stock indexes are pointed to slightly higher openings when the New York day session begins. It’s another big week for U.S. corporate earnings, which have generally been very positive and are helping push the indexes solidly higher from their early October lows. For the moment the upbeat earnings reports are overshadowing worries about “stagflation,” which means rising prices and stagnant global economic growth. The mainstream media has recently highlighted the shipping bottlenecks, especially on the U.S. west coast.
News reports over the weekend said the Biden Administration may be getting closer to having the Senate votes for a pared down government spending plan.
The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index firmer. Crude oil prices are higher and trading around $84.50 a barrel after hitting a seven-year high overnight. Don’t be surprised if continually rising energy prices heading into the Northern Hemisphere winter start to sap trader and investor sentiment. Meantime, the 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 1.656%.
U.S. economic data due for release Monday includes the Chicago Fed national activity index and the Texas manufacturing outlook survey.
–Jim
U.S. STOCK INDEXES
December S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are slightly higher and not far below Friday’s record high. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage as prices are trending up. The shorter-term moving averages (4-, 9- and 18-day) are bullish early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bullish early today. Today, shorter-term technical resistance comes in at the contract high of 4,551.50 and then at 4,575.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Downside support for active traders is seen at 4,500.00 and then at this week’s low of 4,471.75. Sell stops likely reside below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 6.0
December Nasdaq index futures: Prices are slightly up in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9-and 18-day) are bullish early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day average is above the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bullish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at last week’s high of 15,483.75 and then at 15,600.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at 15,273.75 and then at last week’s low of 15,038.75. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5.
U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES
December U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are slightly weaker in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are bearish early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at the overnight high of 158 21/32 and then at 159 even. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support lies at the October low of 157 3/32 and then at 156 16/32. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5
December U.S. T-Notes: Prices are weaker in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are bearish early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term resistance is seen at the overnight high of 130.16.5 and then at 130.24.0. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term technical support lies at last week’s low of 129.31.0 and then at 129.24.0. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5
EURO CURRENCY
The December Euro currency futures are slightly down in early U.S. trading. Bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. The shorter-term moving averages for the Euro are bullish early today, as the 4-day is above the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the Euro are neutral to bearish early today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at last week’s high of 1.1681 and then at 1.1700. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support is seen at 1.1620 and then at last week’s low of 1.1584. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 5.5
NYMEX CRUDE OIL
Nymex crude oil prices are higher and hit a seven-year high in early U.S. trading. Bulls have the solid near-term technical advantage. The shorter-term moving averages are bullish early today as the 4-day is above the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI and slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance in at the overnight high of $84.76 and then at $85.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at the overnight low of $83.74 and then at $83.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.5
GRAINS
U.S. grain futures were higher overnight. Corn and soybean bulls have gained some momentum, while wheat bulls have the firm overall near-term technical advantage. On tap today is the weekly USDA export inspections report.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I am not a futures broker and do not manage any trading accounts other than my own personal account. It is my goal to point out to you potential trading opportunities. However, it is up to you to: (1) decide when and if you want to initiate any traders and (2) determine the size of any trades you may initiate. Any trades I discuss are hypothetical in nature.
Here is what the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has said about futures trading (and I agree 100%): 1. Trading commodity futures and options is not for everyone. IT IS A VOLATILE, COMPLEX AND RISKY BUSINESS. Before you invest any money in futures or options contracts, you should consider your financial experience, goals and financial resources, and know how much you can afford to lose above and beyond your initial payment to a broker. You should understand commodity futures and options contracts and your obligations in entering into those contracts. You should understand your exposure to risk and other aspects of trading by thoroughly reviewing the risk disclosure documents your broker is required to give you.
Jim Wyckoff