Grain market bulls have made a strong recovery from recent selling pressure, amid a fresh weather market scare, to suggest the markets put in near-term bottoms last week. The extended weather forecasts for through at least mid-June are calling for warmer and drier weather conditions in much of the U.S. midsection. Look for more volatility in the grain markets for at least the next few weeks. The July 4 holiday period many years proves to be a pivotal time in gain futures trading. For an fun look at weather markets, I suggest you read a feature story I wrote on the matter a few years ago. Just email me at jim@jimwyckoff.com and I’ll email it back to you. Stay tuned! Jim
Daily Morning Report
Big U.S. data day Thursday
Thursday, June 3–Jim Wyckoff’s Morning Markets Report
Global stock markets were mixed to weaker overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward lower openings when the New York day session begins. The U.S. indexes are trading not far below their recent record highs. It’s a very busy day for U.S. economic reports Thursday. Concerns about rising inflation are still lingering after the Federal Reserve’s beige book Wednesday afternoon said supply chain bottlenecks are causing some product shortages and leading to higher prices, and such could continue the rest of this year.
In overnight news, the Euro zone’s May services purchasing managers index (PMI) came in at 55.2 versus 50.5 in April. A reading above 50.0 suggests growth in the sector.
Traders are gearing up for what is arguably the most important U.S. economic report of the month, Friday morning’s Employment Situation Report for May from the Labor Department. The key non-farm payrolls number is forecast to come in up around 675,000 after paltry rise of 266,000 in April. The unemployment rate for May is seen at 5.9% versus 6.1% in April.
The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index higher on a corrective bounce from recent selling pressure. Nymex crude oil prices are a bit weaker after hitting a 2.5-year high overnight, and are trading around $68.65 a barrel. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is presently fetching around 1.604%.
–Jim
U.S. STOCK INDEXES
September S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are lower in early U.S. trading and not far from the recent record high. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. 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 bearish early today. Today, shorter-term technical resistance comes in at the overnight high of 4,203.00 and then at the contract high of 4,228.25. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Downside support for active traders is seen at 4,150.00 and then at 4,125.00. Sell stops likely reside below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 4.0
September Nasdaq index futures: Prices are lower 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 and 18-day. The 9-day average is above the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at the overnight high of 13,695.00 and then at this week’s high of 13,761.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at 13,500.00 and then at 13,400.00. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0.
U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES
September U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are slightly down in early U.S. trading today. Bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is even with the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at the overnight high of 156 23/32 and then at 157 even. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support lies at this week’s low of 155 16/32 and then at 155 even. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5
September U.S. T-Notes: Prices are weaker in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is even with the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at 132.00.0 and then at last week’s high of 132.05.5. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term technical support lies at this week’s low of 131.19.5 and then at 131.15.0. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5
EURO CURRENCY
The September Euro currency futures are weaker in early U.S. trading. The shorter-term moving averages for the Euro are neutral early today, as the 4-day is even with the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the Euro are bearish today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at the overnight high of 1.2238 and then at this week’s high of 1.2278. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support is seen at this week’s low of 1.2188 and then at last week’s low of 1.2157. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 4.5
NYMEX CRUDE OIL
Nymex crude oil prices are slightly weaker after hitting a 2.5-year high overnight. Bulls have the solid overall 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 at the overnight high of $69.40 and then at $70.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at $67.50 and then at this week’s low of $66.41. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.0
GRAINS
U.S. grain futures are higher in early U.S. pre-market trading. Grain market bulls have made a strong recovery from recent selling pressure, amid a fresh weather market scare, to suggest the markets put in near-term bottoms last week. The extended weather forecasts for through at least mid-June are calling for warmer and drier weather conditions in much of the U.S. midsection. Weekly USDA export sales data is delayed this week until Friday due to the holiday Monday.
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
Calm marketplace this week bullish for stock markets
Wednesday, June 2–Jim Wyckoff’s Morning Markets Report
Global stock markets were mixed overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward mixed openings when the New York day session begins. There are no major geopolitical flare-ups at present, while trader and investor risk aversion is not keen. That’s a scenario that should continue to support upside price action in most global stock markets.
In overnight news, the Euro zone’s April producer price index was reported up 1.0% from March and up 7.6% year-on-year. Those are numbers that are starting to fall in line with many analysts and economists who have been predicting inflationary price pressures will become more acute in the coming months.
Turkey’s president has called for lower interest rates, saying that reducing the burden of interest costs on producers would lead to lower inflation in the future. His call for an easing of monetary policy helped push the Turkish lira to a record low against the U.S. dollar Wednesday.
The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index higher on a corrective bounce from recent selling pressure. Nymex crude oil prices are higher and near the 2.5-year high hit on Tuesday, trading around $68.50 a barrel. At an OPEC meeting Tuesday the cartel said it would gradually ramp up its collective oil production and predicted a rise in global oil demand in the coming months. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is presently fetching around 1.606%.
U.S. economic data due for release Wednesday includes the weekly MBA mortgage applications survey, the Johnson Redbook weekly retail sales report, the IDB/TIPP economic optimism index, domestic auto industry sales and the Federal Reserve’s beige book.
–Jim
U.S. STOCK INDEXES
September S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are slightly higher in early U.S. trading and not far from the recent record high. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. 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 neutral early today. Today, shorter-term technical resistance comes in at the contract high of 4,228.25 and then at 4,250.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Downside support for active traders is seen at the overnight low of 4,181.00 and then at 4,150.00. Sell stops likely reside below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 5.5
September Nasdaq index futures: Prices are slightly firmer 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 and 18-day. The 9-day average is above the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bullish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at this week’s high of 13,761.00 and then at 13,804.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at this week’s low of 13,582.50 and then at 13,500.00. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5.
U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES
September U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are slightly up in early U.S. trading today. Bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is even with the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at 156 24/32 and then at 157 even. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support lies at this week’s low of 155 16/32 and then at 155 even. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5
September U.S. T-Notes: Prices are slightly up in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is even with the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at 132.00.0 and then at last week’s high of 132.05.5. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term technical support lies at the overnight low of 131.23.0 and then at 131.16.0. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5
EURO CURRENCY
The September Euro currency futures are lower in early U.S. trading. The shorter-term moving averages for the Euro are neutral early today, as the 4-day is below the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the Euro are bearish today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at the overnight high of 1.2250 and then at the May high of 1.2292. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support is seen at last week’s low of 1.2157 and then at 1.2100. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 4.0
NYMEX CRUDE OIL
Nymex crude oil prices are higher and near this week’s a 2.5-year high in early U.S. trading. Bulls have the solid overall 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 bullish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at this week’s high of $68.87 and then at $69.50. Look for sell stops just below technical support at $67.50 and then at this week’s low of $66.41. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0
GRAINS
U.S. grain futures are mixed to mostly firmer in early U.S. pre-market trading. Grain market bulls have made a strong recovery from recent selling pressure, to suggest last week that the markets put in near-term bottoms. I said last week that it’s going to take a serious weather market scare in the Corn Belt this summer to completely revive the grain market bulls. Well, the extended weather forecasts for through at least mid-June are calling for much warmer and drier weather conditions in much of the U.S. midsection, and that’s what has the grain market bulls stoked up this week.
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
Gold bulls back in business
The gold futures market has hit a five-month high and the bulls are enjoying a price uptrend in place on the daily bar chart. The yellow metal is seeing demand amid concerns about rising and even problematic inflation. Historically, gold has been treated by investors as a hedge against rising inflation. The path of least resistance for gold is presently sideways to higher and will remain that way until a technical development suggests otherwise. You’ll get those early trend-change clues from reading my daily market reports. Stay tuned! Jim
Shine comes off commodity markets, for now
Tuesday, June 1–Jim Wyckoff’s Morning Markets Report
Global stock markets were mostly firmer overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward higher openings when the New York day session begins. Trader and investor risk appetite remains keener to start the month of June, amid notions the Federal Reserve may have been right in its proclamations that rising inflation will only be transitory.
Bloomberg reported hedge-fund managers have reduced their holdings in 20 out of 23 commodities, due in part to recent milder and wetter weather in the U.S. that is raising the prospects for larger harvests of grains. China’s government’s recent remarks on futures markets speculation, along with new regulations limiting the sale of futures to individual investors, have also taken some of the bullish fervor out of the raw commodity sector.
In other overnight news, China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) was reported at 51.0 in May from 51.1 in April. A reading above 50.0 suggests growth in the sector. Reports out of China say domestic manufacturers have stopped accepting new orders for products, or are evening considering shutting down, due to rising material costs.
The Euro zone consumer price index for May came in at up 2.0%, year-on-year, versus the rise of 1.6% seen in April. The May CPI was just above trader expectations.
Gold prices hit a five-month high overnight as traders seek out the metal has a hedge against rising inflationary pressures. Reports said gold exchange traded funds (ETF’s) has seen more money flow into them the past few weeks.
The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index weaker. Nymex crude oil prices are solidly higher and hit a 2.5-year high, trading around $68.00 a barrel. An OPEC meeting Tuesday is in focus for oil traders. The cartel is expected to slightly increase its collective production. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is presently fetching around 1.62%.
U.S. economic data due for release Tuesday includes the U.S. manufacturing PMI, the ISM report on business manufacturing, the IDB/TIPP economic optimism index, construction spending, the global manufacturing PMI, and the Texas manufacturing outlook survey.
–Jim
U.S. STOCK INDEXES
September S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are higher in early U.S. trading and not far from the recent record high. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. 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 4,228.25 and then at 4,250.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Downside support for active traders is seen at the overnight low of 4,181.25 and then at 4,150.00. Sell stops likely reside below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 6.5
September Nasdaq index futures: Prices are firmer 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 and 18-day. The 9-day average is above the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bullish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at last week’s high of 13,752.00 and then at 13,804.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at the overnight low of 13,642.50 and then at 13,500.00. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0.
U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES
September U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are lower in early U.S. trading today. Bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are bullish early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at the overnight high of 156 13/32 and then at 157 even. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support lies at the overnight low of 155 25/32 and then at 155 16/32. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0
September U.S. T-Notes: Prices are lower in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are bullish early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at the overnight high of 131.28.0 and then at 132.00.0. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term technical support lies at last week’s low of 131.18.0 and then at 131.14.0. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0
EURO CURRENCY
The September Euro currency futures are higher in early U.S. trading. The shorter-term moving averages for the Euro are neutral early today, as the 4-day is below the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the Euro are neutral early today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at the overnight high of 1.2265 and then at the May high of 1.2292. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support is seen at the overnight low of 1.2209 and then at last week’s low of 1.2157. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 6.0
NYMEX CRUDE OIL
Nymex crude oil prices are higher and hit a 2.5-year high in early U.S. trading. Bulls have the solid overall 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 bullish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at the overnight high of $68.42 and then at $69.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at $67.00 and then at the overnight low of $66.41. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 7.0
GRAINS
U.S. grain futures are higher in early U.S. pre-market trading. Grain market bulls have made a good recovery from recent selling pressure, to suggest last week that the markets put in near-term bottoms. My bias is that it’s still going to take a serious weather market scare in the Corn Belt this summer to completely revive the grain market bulls.
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
U.S. inflation report on deck Friday
Friday, May 28–Jim Wyckoff’s Morning Markets Report
Global stock markets were mostly firmer overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward higher openings when the New York day session begins. This week has seen the marketplace appear less concerned about problematic price inflation occurring in the coming months. Today’s report on April personal consumption (consumer spending) will shed more light on present inflationary pressures. Personal spending in April is seen up 0.5% from March and up 3.5%, year-on-year.
President Biden’s budget is set to be released sometime today. It will raise federal spending to $6 trillion in the coming fiscal year and to over $8 trillion in the next fiscal year, reports say.
The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index higher. Nymex crude oil prices are higher, near this year’s high, and trading around $67.25 a barrel. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is presently fetching around 1.611%.
Other U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes the advance economic indicators report, the Chicago purchasing managers index, and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey.
–Jim
U.S. STOCK INDEXES
September S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are higher in early U.S. trading and not far from the recent record high. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. 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 4,228.25 and then at 4,250.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Downside support for active traders is seen at Thursday’s low of 4,168.00 and then at this week’s low of 4,133.50. Sell stops likely reside below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 6.0
September Nasdaq index futures: Prices are firmer 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 and 18-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 this week’s high of 13,726.25 and then at 13,804.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at Thursday’s low of 13,610.50 and then at 13,500.00. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5.
U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES
September U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are a bit higher in early U.S. trading today. Bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are bullish early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at Thursday’s high of 157 even and then at this week’s high of 157 12/32. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support lies at Thursday’s low of 155 28/32 and then at this week’s low of 155 23/32. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5
September U.S. T-Notes: Prices are slightly lower in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are bullish early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at 132.00.0 and then at this week’s high of 132.05.5. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term technical support lies at this week’s low of 131.18.0 and then at 131.14.0. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5
EURO CURRENCY
The September Euro currency futures are lower in early U.S. trading. The shorter-term moving averages for the Euro are neutral early today, as the 4-day is even with the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the Euro are bearish early today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at the overnight high of 1.2223 and then at 1.2272. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support is seen at 1.2175 and then at 1.2150. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 4.0
NYMEX CRUDE OIL
Nymex crude oil prices are higher in early U.S. trading and near this year’s highs. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. The shorter-term moving averages are neutral early today as the 4-day is above the 9-day. The 9-day is even with the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI and slow stochastics) are bullish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at the overnight high of $67.45 and then at $68.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at $66.00 and then at $65.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0
GRAINS
U.S. grain futures are narrowly mixed in early U.S. pre-market trading. Traders were shell-shocked by the limit-up gains in corn futures Thursday that pulled the rest of the grain markets higher, too. Key today will be if the grain futures can produce that important follow-through price strength that would likely produce technically bullish weekly high closes, which in turn would signal the grain markets this week put in near-term market bottoms. Trading Friday will be extra important. Recent rains in the U.S. Corn Belt and more in the forecast are bearish. My bias is that it’s still going to take a serious weather market scare in the Corn Belt this summer to completely revive the grain market bulls.
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