World stock markets were mostly higher overnight, following the lead of the U.S. stock market on Friday, which rallied in the wake of an upbeat U.S. employment report that showed healthy jobs gains amid inflation that is not deemed problematic. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward higher openings when the New York day session begins.
The marketplace is still digesting last week’s U.S. implementation of trade tariffs on steel and aluminum. The European Union wants to talk to the U.S. on the matter, while China warned it will retaliate for the U.S. tariffs.
The key “outside markets” on Monday morning see the U.S. dollar index slightly lower and Nymex crude oil prices weaker.
U.S. economic data due for release Monday includes the employment trends index and the monthly Treasury budget statement.
–Jim
U.S. STOCK INDEXES
March S&P 500 December e-mini futures: Prices are higher and hit a five-week high 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 above the 9-day and 18-day. The 9-day is even with the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bullish early today. Today, shorter-term technical resistance comes in at 2,825.00 and then at 2,840.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Downside support for active traders today is located at the overnight low of 2,783.50 and then at 2,755.00. Sell stops are likely located just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-day Market Rating: 6.0
March Nasdaq index December futures: Prices are higher and hit a new contract and record high 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 bullish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at 7,175.00 and then at 7,200.00. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. On the downside, short-term support is seen at the overnight low of 7,090.00 and then at 7,050.00. Sell stops are likely located just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 6.5.
U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES
June U.S. T-Bonds: Prices are steady in early U.S. trading. Bears still have the firm overall near-term technical advantage. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 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. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Shorter-term technical resistance is seen at Friday’s high of 143 23/32 and then at of even. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term support lies at last week’s low of 142 21/32 and then at 142 even. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 5.0
June U.S. T-Notes: Prices are slightly lower in early U.S. trading. Bears have the firm overall near-term technical advantage. Shorter-term moving averages (4- 9- 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. Oscillators (RSI, slow stochastics) are bearish early today. Shorter-term resistance lies at Friday’s high of 120.08.0 and then at 120.14.5. Buy stops likely reside just above those levels. Shorter-term technical support lies at last week’s low of 119.26.5 and then at 119.20.0. Sell stops likely reside just below those levels. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.0
U.S. DOLLAR INDEX
The June U.S. dollar index is slightly lower in early U.S. trading today. The shorter-term moving averages for the dollar index are neutral as the 4-day is below the 9-day. The 9-day is above the 18-day moving average. Short-term oscillators for the dollar index are neutral early today. The dollar index finds shorter-term technical resistance at last week’s high of 89.930 and then at the March high of 90.490. Shorter-term support is seen at the overnight low of 89.470 and then at 89.250. Wyckoff’s Intra Day Market Rating: 5.0
NYMEX CRUDE OIL
April Nymex crude oil prices are weaker in early U.S. trading. Trading has been choppy recently. Look for buy stops to reside just above technical resistance at the overnight high of $62.33 and then at $62.00. Look for sell stops just below technical support at $61.00 and then at $60.50. Wyckoff’s Intra-Day Market Rating: 4.5
GRAINS
Grain futures were lower overnight on more profit taking after recent gains. Grain market bulls still have the overall near-term technical advantage but they have faded a bit and need to show some fresh power soon.