Daily Morning Report

Thursday, April 27–Jim Wyckoff’s morning markets report

Global stock markets were mostly higher overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward higher openings when the New York day session begins. Risk appetite is a bit better Thursday, but by no means robust, following the big drop in share price of First Republic Bank earlier this week. Also, the specter of a U.S. economic recession is moving closer to the front burner of the marketplace. It could be that the growing U.S. government debt burden and congressional wrangling regarding what to do about it are also crimping investor enthusiasm. Reads a Wall Street Journal headline today: “Banking turmoil is tip of debt iceberg.”

The U.S. data point of the day Thursday is the advance estimate of first-quarter U.S. gross domestic product. GDP is seen coming in up 2.0%, year-on-year, compared to a rise of 2.6% in the fourth quarter of last year. The closely watched PCE price index is expected to be up 3.7%, year-on-year, versus a rise of 3.9% in the fourth quarter.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly up. Nymex crude oil prices are near steady and trading around $74.50 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.452%.

Other U.S. economic data due for release Thursday includes weekly jobless claims and the Kansas City Fed manufacturing survey.

–Jim

U.S. STOCK INDEXES

June S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are firmer in early U.S. trading. Bulls have faded this week as a price uptrend on the daily chart has stalled out. The shorter-term moving averages (4-, 9- and 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is even with the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Today, shorter-term technical resistance comes in at Wednesday’s high of 4,116.25 and then at this week’s high of 4,164.00. Support for active traders is seen at this week’s low of 4,080.75 and then at 4,050.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 5.5

June Nasdaq index futures: Prices are higher in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9-and 18-day) are bearish early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day average is below the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at this week’s high of 13,134.00 and then at the April high of 13,348.75. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at this week’s low of 12,800.00 and then at 12,700.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0.

U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES

June U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are lower in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at 132 even and then at this week’s high of 132 21/32. Shorter-term support lies at 130 16/32 and then at this week’s low of 129 26/32. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0

June U.S. T-Notes: Prices are lower in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at this week’s high of 115.30.5 and then at 116.10.0. Shorter-term technical support is seen at 115.00.0 and then at this week’s low of 114.14.5. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0

EURO CURRENCY

The June Euro currency futures are slightly up in early U.S. trading. Bulls have the solid 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. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the Euro are neutral to bullish early today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at this week’s high of 1.1129 and then at 1.1200. Shorter-term support is seen at 1.1000 and then at last week’s low of 1.0947. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 5.5

NYMEX CRUDE OIL

June Nymex crude oil prices are slightly up in early U.S. trading. Bulls have faded recently. The shorter-term moving averages are bearish early today as the 4-day is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI and slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at $75.83 and then at $77.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at this week’s low of $74.05 and then at $73.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.0

GRAINS

Grain futures prices were lower overnight. On tap today is the weekly USDA export sales report. The July futures contracts in grains see the technical postures for all the markets bearish. Less risk appetite in the general marketplace this week is also negative for the grains, including rising fears of a U.S. recession. Generally good corn and soybean planting weather so far is also bearish for the grains.

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

Wednesday, April 26–Jim Wyckoff’s morning markets report

Global stock markets were mixed to weaker overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward mixed openings when the New York day session begins. Focus of stock traders this week is on the release of quarterly corporate earnings reports. So far, they have been mixed.

Traders at mid-week are buzzing about First Republic Bank’s quarterly earnings report on Tuesday that was worse than expected, including a huge outflow of deposits. Reports said the bank’s conference call on its earnings was very brief, with no questions taken from reporters. That prompted a nearly 50% drop in the bank’s share price Tuesday, including trading in the stock being halted for a while.

U.S. and/or global recession fears appear to be moving back toward the front burner of the marketplace. Diesel fuel prices in the U.S. have plunged in recent months and are about half of what they were one year ago. Such suggests a slowdown in the commercial transportation sector that could be a signal of a slowing U.S. economy. United Parcel Service (UPS) on Tuesday issued a downbeat corporate earnings report, saying “macro conditions” would likely continue to pressure its delivery volume.

In overnight news, Sweden’s central bank raised its main interest rate by 0.5%, saying inflation is still far too high.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index lower. Nymex crude oil prices are firmer and trading around $77.50 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.413%.

U.S. economic data due for release Wednesday includes the weekly MBA mortgage applications survey, durable goods orders, advance economic indicators and the weekly DOE liquid energy stocks report.

–Jim

U.S. STOCK INDEXES

June S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are firmer in early U.S. trading. Bulls have faded a bit this week as a price uptrend on the daily chart has stalled out. The shorter-term moving averages (4-, 9- and 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is below 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 4,135.00 and then at this week’s high of 4,164.00. Support for active traders is seen at this week’s low of 4,091.50 and then at 4,050.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 5.5

June Nasdaq index futures: Prices are higher in early U.S. trading. Bulls have faded recently as a price uptrend on the daily chart has been negated. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9-and 18-day) are bearish early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day average is below the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at this week’s high of 13,134.00 and then at the April high of 13,348.75. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at this week’s low of 12,800.00 and then at 12,700.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0.

U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES

June U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are weaker in early U.S. trading, on a corrective pullback from this week’s good gains. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at this week’s high of 132 20/32 and then at 133 even. Shorter-term support lies at 131 16/32 and then at Tuesday’s low of 130 30/32. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5

June 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 above the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at this week’s high of 115.30.0 and then at 116.10.0. Shorter-term technical support is seen at 115.16.0 and then at Tuesday’s low of 115.01.0. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5

EURO CURRENCY

The June Euro currency futures are solidly up in early U.S. trading. Bulls have the solid 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. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the Euro are bullish early today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at the April high of 1.1114 and then at 1.1150. Shorter-term support is seen at 1.1000 and then at last week’s low of 1.0947. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 6.0

NYMEX CRUDE OIL

June Nymex crude oil prices are slightly up in early U.S. trading. Bulls have faded recently. The shorter-term moving averages are bearish early today as the 4-day is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI and slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at this week’s high of $79.18 and then at $80.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at this week’s low of $76.50 and then at $75.83. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5

GRAINS

Grain futures prices were mixed overnight. The July futures contracts in grains see the technical postures for all the markets bearish. Risk-off trading attitudes in the general marketplace this week are also negative for the grains, including rising fears of a U.S. recession. Focus of grain traders is also on weather in the U.S. Midwest, Plains and mid-South as corn and soybean planting gets under way.

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

Tuesday, April 25–Jim Wyckoff’s morning markets report

Global stock markets were mostly lower overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward lower openings when the New York day session begins. Focus of stock traders this week is on the release of a slew of corporate earnings reports.

Risk appetite has not been robust recently, amid worries about a “higher for longer” Fed interest rate cycle. There are still marketplace concerns about a U.S. economic recession being on the doorstep. The clues are there, including an inverted U.S. Treasury yield curve. Reads a Wall Street Journal headline today: “Sliding diesel prices signal warning for U.S. economy.”

The banking turmoil that roiled the marketplace in March has simmered down, at least for the moment. But there are worries banking problems will resurface. A Barrons headline today says: “First Republic laid bare the extent of banking turmoil; brace for more jitters.”

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index modestly higher. Nymex crude oil prices are lower and trading around $78.25 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.443%.

U.S. economic data due for release Tuesday includes the weekly Johnson Redbook and chain store retail reports, the monthly house price index, the Richmond Fed business survey, the consumer confidence index, and new residential sales.

–Jim

U.S. STOCK INDEXES

June S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are weaker in early U.S. trading. The shorter-term moving averages (4-, 9- and 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-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 this week’s high of 4,164.00 and then at the April high of 4,198.25. Support for active traders is seen at the April low of 4,096.50 and then at 4,070.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 4.0

June Nasdaq index futures: Prices are weaker in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9-and 18-day) are bearish early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day average is below the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at this week’s high of 13,134.00 and then at the April high of 13,348.75. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at the April low of 12,925.50 and then at 12,750.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0.

U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES

June U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are solidly higher in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bullish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at 132 even and then at 133 even. Shorter-term support lies at the overnight low of 130 30/32 even and then at 130 even. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.5

June U.S. T-Notes: Prices are solidly higher in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is above the 9-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bullish early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at 115.24.0 and then at 116.00.0. Shorter-term technical support is seen at the overnight low of 115.01.0 and then at this week’s low of 114.14.5. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.5

EURO CURRENCY

The June Euro currency futures are weaker in early U.S. trading, on profit taking. Bulls still have the solid 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. 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 the April high of 1.1114 and then at 1.1150. Shorter-term support is seen at last week’s low of 1.0947 and then at 1.0900. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 4.0

NYMEX CRUDE OIL

June Nymex crude oil prices are weaker in early U.S. trading. The shorter-term moving averages are neutral early today as the 4-day is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is even with the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI and slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at this week’s high of $79.18 and then at $80.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at this week’s low of $76.72 and then at $75.83. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0

GRAINS

Grain futures prices were mixed overnight. As focus shifts from the May to the July futures contracts in grains, the technical postures for all three are more bearish. Bears have the near-term technical advantage across the board. Focus of grain traders is on weather in the U.S. Midwest, Plains and mid-South as corn and soybean planting gets under way.

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

Monday, April 24–Jim Wyckoff’s morning markets report

Global stock markets were mostly lower overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly lower openings when the New York day session begins. The stock indexes have wobbled recently amid concerns the Federal Reserve will keep its monetary policy tighter for longer in order to ensure inflation is successfully tamped down. Focus of stock traders this week will be on the release of a slew of corporate earnings reports.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index modestly lower. Nymex crude oil prices are lower and trading around $77.75 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.543%.

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

June S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are a bit lower in early U.S. trading. The shorter-term moving averages (4-, 9- and 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-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 4,173.50 and then at the April high of 4,198.25. Support for active traders is seen at the overnight low of 4,133.50 and then at the April low of 4,096.50. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 4.5

June Nasdaq index futures: Prices are slightly weaker in early U.S. trading. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9-and 18-day) are bearish early today. The 4-day moving average is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day average is below the 18-day. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at 13,200.00 and then at the April high of 13,348.75. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at the April low of 12,925.50 and then at 12,750.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5.

U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES

June U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are firmer 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 and 18-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bullish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at last week’s high of 130 31/32 and then at 132 even. Shorter-term support lies at the overnight low of 129 26/32 even and then at the April low of 129 4/32. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.5

June U.S. T-Notes: Prices are higher 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 and 18-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bullish early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at last week’s high of 115.01.0 and then at 115.10.0. Shorter-term technical support is seen at 114.07.0 and then at the April low of 113.30.5. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0

EURO CURRENCY

The June Euro currency futures are higher in early U.S. trading. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. 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 to bullish early today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at the April high of 1.1114 and then at 1.1150. Shorter-term support is seen at last week’s low of 1.0947 and then at 1.0900. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 6.0

NYMEX CRUDE OIL

June Nymex crude oil prices are slightly weaker in early U.S. trading. Bulls are fading. The shorter-term moving averages are neutral early today as the 4-day is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI and slow stochastics) are neutral to bearish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at $79.07 and then at $80.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at the overnight low of $76.72 and then at $75.83. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5

GRAINS

Grain futures prices were mixed to firmer overnight. On tap today is the weekly USDA export inspections report. Soybean and corn market bulls have the chart advantage. SRW wheat bears have the firm overall near-term chart advantage and HRW bulls have lost their slight chart edge. Focus of grain traders is on weather in the U.S. Midwest, Plains and mid-South as corn and soybean planting gets under way.

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

Friday, April 21–Jim Wyckoff’s morning markets report

Global stock markets were mostly lower overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly lower openings when the New York day session begins. The U.S. stock indexes are listing this week amid some heightened risk aversion. Reads one Wall Street Journal headline today: “Disappointing earnings, recession fear press stocks.” Another WSJ headline reads: “Slide in transport stocks seen as recession indicator.”

However, another business news headline early this week read: “The most highly anticipated economic recession never seen.”  The headline was fitting as recent U.S. economic data has come in generally upbeat, including U.S. non-farm jobs growth above to well above 200,000 the past year. Consumer and producer price inflation have tamed the past months and are trending lower. U.S. stock index prices that are not far below 1.5-year highs and the recent rallies in corn, soybeans, HRW wheat and cattle futures certainly don’t suggest a U.S./global economic slowdown. Barring an unexpected banking turmoil flare-up or major geopolitical shock occurring in the coming months, the U.S. economy will likely have successfully attained a “soft landing” and will be set for more sustained growth in 2024.

In overnight news, the Euro zone’s flash composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) came in at 54.4 in March, which was slightly above market expectations. A reading above 50.0 suggests growth. However, the manufacturing PMI came in at only 45.5, which was well below market expectations. The services PMI was 56.6.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly higher. Nymex crude oil prices are slightly lower and trading around $77.25 a barrel. Oil prices have backed off recently on demand concerns amid global economic recession worries. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.524%.

U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes the U.S. flash manufacturing and services purchasing managers’ indexes.

–Jim

U.S. STOCK INDEXES

June S&P 500 e-mini futures: Prices are a bit lower in early U.S. trading. A price uptrend on the daily bar chart has stalled out. The 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 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 Thursday’s high of 4,173.50 and then at this week’s high of 4,198.25. Support for active traders is seen at this week’s low of 4,137.00 and then at the April low of 4,096.50. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 4.5

June Nasdaq index futures: Prices are weaker in early U.S. trading. A price uptrend on the daily bar chart has stalled out. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9-and 18-day) are neutral early today. The 4-day moving average is below 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 Thursday’s high of 13,200.00 and then at the April high of 13,348.75. On the downside, shorter-term support is seen at the April low of 12,925.50 and then at 12,750.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5.

U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES FUTURES

June U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are firmer 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 and 18-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bullish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen this week’s high of 130 31/32 and then at 132 even. Shorter-term support lies at 130 even and then at this week’s low of 129 4/32. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0

June U.S. T-Notes: Prices are higher 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 and 18-day. The 9-day is below the 18-day moving average. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are neutral to bullish early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at this week’s high of 114.31.0 and then at 115.10.0. Shorter-term technical support is seen at Thursday’s low of 114.07.0 and then at this week’s low of 113.30.5. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.0

EURO CURRENCY

The June Euro currency futures are near steady in early U.S. trading. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. 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 neutral early today. The Euro currency finds shorter-term technical resistance at this week’s high of 1.1038 and then at last week’s high of 1.1114. Shorter-term support is seen at this week’s low of 1.0947 and then at 1.0900. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 5.0

NYMEX CRUDE OIL

June Nymex crude oil prices are weaker and hit a three-week low in early U.S. trading. Bulls are fading. A four-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart has been negated. The shorter-term moving averages are neutral early today as the 4-day is below the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI and slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at Thursday’s high of $79.07 and then at $80.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at $75.83 and then at $75.00. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5

GRAINS

Grain futures prices were mixed to lower overnight. Grain market bulls are fading this week, amid keener risk aversion that has squelched the grain market bulls. Soybean and corn market bulls still have the chart advantage. SRW wheat bears have the firm overall near-term chart advantage and HRW bulls have lost their slight chart edge. Focus of grain traders is on weather in the U.S. Midwest, Plains and mid-South as corn and soybean planting gets under way. A serious cold snap in the upper and central U.S. this weekend could produce some freeze damage to early planted crops and to wheat.

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