GBP/USD Holds Key Level Amid US Data WatchCurrently, GBP/USD is attempting to hold above the 1.2500 level after hitting an intraday high of 1.2575, but pressure from a strengthening US Dollar, driven by positive economic data, has capped further gains. A sustained move above this level could pave the way for new bullish targets, with the first resistance area at 1.2620-1.2630, corresponding to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, followed by 1.2700, which aligns with the 78.6% retracement level. On the downside, the first significant support stands at 1.2302. The recent strength of the Pound has been supported by broad-based USD weakness earlier this week, driven by improved market sentiment, which reduced demand for the greenback as a safe-haven currency. However, risk flows could be influenced by upcoming US macroeconomic data. Traders are focused on December’s ISM Services PMI and JOLTS job openings data. A reading above 50 has strengthened the Dollar, signaling expansion in the services sector.
Strategy
STZ Constellation Brands Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t sold STZ before the previous earnings:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of STZ Constellation Brands prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 230usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2025-1-17,
for a premium of approximately $2.07.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Brent Oil Poised for a Rally!Brent crude prices are currently influenced by a combination of strong geopolitical and climatic factors. At present, WTI is trading around $73.30 per barrel, nearing its highest levels since October 2024, as investors closely monitor the potential impact of colder weather in the United States and Europe. Seasonal demand for heating oil is expected to rise, providing additional support to crude prices. Simultaneously, China’s economic policy plays a crucial role in shaping the global energy market, given its status as the world’s largest crude importer. Recent stimulus measures announced by Beijing, including ultra-long-dated treasury bonds and initiatives to boost investment and consumption, have heightened expectations for increased fuel demand. Support from the People’s Bank of China, which anticipates a potential interest rate cut in 2025, along with the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s commitment to further open capital markets to foreign investors, strengthens the country’s economic recovery outlook.
In addition to these dynamics, the outlook for Iranian exports remains a critical factor for the Brent market. Goldman Sachs forecasts a decline in Iranian production by approximately 300,000 barrels per day by the second quarter of 2025, lowering the country’s total output to 3.25 million barrels per day. This drop is attributed to the anticipated tightening of sanctions under the new Trump administration, which could curtail global supply and support higher prices. The combination of rising seasonal demand for heating oil, growing demand from China, and reduced Iranian supply could sustain an upward trend in Brent prices in the short to medium term. However, it remains essential to closely monitor geopolitical developments and major central bank policies, as any significant changes could alter the current outlook.
USD/JPY: After Testing 158.07, Ready for a Bearish Move?The analysis of the USD/JPY exchange rate reflects a complex combination of macroeconomic, monetary, and geopolitical factors influencing the pair's performance. During the Asian session on January 3, 2025, USD/JPY dropped toward 157.00, highlighting bearish pressure driven by a deterioration in risk sentiment and weak Chinese PMI data, which increased demand for the Japanese yen as a safe-haven currency. Reduced activity due to Japanese holidays amplified exchange rate movements. Nonetheless, Japan’s December manufacturing PMI showed a marginal improvement to 49.6 from November’s 49.0, although it remained in contraction territory for the sixth consecutive month.
Recent dynamics have been influenced by declining U.S. Treasury yields, with the 10-year yield at 4.62% and the 2-year yield at 4.32%, temporarily weakening the U.S. dollar. However, the greenback’s resilience is supported by expectations of fewer rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2025. The DXY remains near 108.00, reflecting the dollar's intrinsic strength, further corroborated by solid U.S. economic data and persistently high inflation, with Tokyo's CPI rising to 3.0% year-over-year in December.
In Japan, the government and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) maintain a cautious stance. The BoJ has emphasized that potential adjustments to monetary policy will depend on wage dynamics and inflation, which is expected to approach the 2% target in 2025. While the minutes of the latest meeting left room for gradual rate hikes, the likelihood of significant actions in the short term appears limited. This strengthens the expectation that the interest rate differential will continue to favor the dollar over the yen in the medium term.
The global geopolitical and macroeconomic context also adds to uncertainty. Recent statements from Japan’s Finance Minister expressing concerns over unilateral and sharp currency market moves suggest potential FX interventions in the event of further yen depreciation. However, such interventions would likely have only a temporary impact, given that structural monetary policy dynamics remain favorable to the dollar.
Investors are closely monitoring upcoming macroeconomic events, including U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (January 10, 2025), which could confirm further strengthening of the U.S. labor market, and the U.S. CPI release (January 15, 2025), which will provide insights into the Fed’s future monetary policy trajectory. The BoJ’s monetary policy meeting is another key event, as any signal of monetary normalization could trigger yen strengthening.
In the short term, the pair is expected to remain near current levels, with a potential test of the 158.07 resistance. In the medium term, the trend remains bullish, supported by the interest rate differential and the strength of the U.S. economy. In the long term, however, potential economic reforms in Japan and global monetary policy normalization could reduce the dollar's appeal against the yen, pushing the exchange rate lower.
EUR/USD: Key Levels to Watch!EUR/USD stabilizes around 1.0400, with low volumes and a cautious market favoring a resilient US Dollar. The technical setup remains bearish: the 20-period moving average acts as dynamic resistance at 1.0470, while the 100 and 200-period moving averages confirm the downward trend. Technical indicators are weak and lack clear direction, highlighting the absence of bullish momentum. Key support is at 1.0370, with immediate resistance levels at 1.0440 and 1.0470.
Fundamentally, the Dollar benefits from a stronger US economy and expectations of less accommodative monetary policies, while the Euro faces pressure from weak sentiment and uncertain economic prospects in the Eurozone. Key events, such as the Global Outlook Report and the FOMC meeting in January, could increase volatility.
In the short term, the outlook remains bearish with the risk of approaching parity. However, the medium and long term could offer buying opportunities, supported by potential economic recovery in Europe and a weaker Dollar after the peak in US interest rates.
Gold Price Consolidates Near $2,620The gold price (XAU/USD) is in a consolidation phase around $2,620.00, showing a recovery session from previous declines, although trading volumes remain light due to the upcoming New Year holiday.
On the support side, key levels are found at the exponential moving averages ($2,625 and $2,630), with a risk of further bearish pressure if these levels are breached, potentially driving the price toward the monthly low of $2,580. Uncertainties tied to the economic policies of the incoming Trump administration and the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on rate cuts for 2025 represent a mix of potential bullish and bearish catalysts. The precious metal could benefit from safe-haven demand in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and ongoing unrest in the Middle East, which continue to fuel risk aversion sentiment.
Gold closed 2024 with a 27% gain, driven by central bank purchases, geopolitical tensions, and accommodative monetary policies. However, the strengthening dollar and higher U.S. Treasury yields have capped further advances. The Dollar Index (DXY) remains near its highs, but the decline in 2- and 10-year Treasury yields could support the metal despite the outlook for more limited rate cuts in the coming year.
#Nifty50 Outlook for upcoming week 30-3rd Jan 2025The Nifty roared this week, gaining a solid 226 points, closing at a strong 23813! It reached a peak of 23938 before dipping to 23647. As predicted, the Nifty stayed within the 24100-23000 range, forming an interesting inside candle pattern. Excitingly, a bullish "W" pattern has emerged on the weekly chart!
If the Nifty can hold above the crucial 23900 level next week, we could see it trading between 24300 and 23400 . However, while a bounce is expected, the bearish Monthly chart might tempt big players to unload their positions. Stay alert!
Across the pond, the S&P500 took a 2.5% hit, closing at 5970 after reaching a high of 6049. The 5870-5850 support zone is critical. A breach could trigger a faster selloff, potentially testing the 5637/5551 support levels. For an upward move, the S&P500 needs to conquer 6050, paving the way for resistance levels at 6094/6142/6225.
Bottom line: Use any bounce next week as an opportunity to lock in profits. Stay informed and trade wisely!"
Wishing everyone a very happy & prosperous New Year.
HAWK - Full speed decline, what a piece of junkWhat a trajedy. Sorry if you're one of the unlucky ones who have lost money here. It just shows that technical analysis, a steady hand and an a total side-stepping of FOMO is critical when trading. This coin is trash and I'll give anyone who has lost any money a number of free signals and charts to support them in their journey back to the big city lights. So sad, but it's going to plump 0 where it'll most likely be delisted and sold for spare parts. Follow for more.
Master High-Probability Breakouts with the GOLDEN Trading SystemWelcome to the GOLDEN Trading System (GTS) – a custom-designed strategy tailored for traders seeking high-probability breakout opportunities. Built on the foundation of TradingView's powerful indicators, GTS focuses on leveraging Camarilla Pivot Levels (H3-H4 and L3-L4) to spot and act on potential market trends. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, this system simplifies the complexity of technical analysis, giving you an edge in the markets.
Core Elements of the Strategy.
1. Key Levels to Watch:
Green Band (H3-H4):
Represents a resistance zone where bullish breakouts are likely to occur. A confirmed breakout above H4 often leads to a strong upward trend.
Red Band (L3-L4):
Acts as a support zone, signaling potential bearish moves when broken. A confirmed breakdown below L4 generally triggers a downward trend.
2. The Breakout Concept:
When the price crosses either of these bands, it indicates a potential shift in market dynamics:
Bullish Breakout: Price breaks above the Green Band, suggesting buyers have gained control.
Bearish Breakout: Price breaks below the Red Band, signaling sellers have the upper hand.
Why This Strategy Works?
High Probability: Camarilla Pivot Levels are widely respected by traders, making breakouts from these zones more reliable.
Trend Confirmation: The system minimizes false signals by focusing on specific breakout levels instead of broader zones.
Clear Entry/Exit Points: You can easily determine when to enter a trade and set stop-loss or take-profit levels.
How to Use the GOLDEN Trading System?
Identify the Bands: Look for the Green Band (H3-H4) and Red Band (L3-L4) on your chart.
Watch for Breakouts:
Enter a long position when the price closes decisively above the Green Band (H4).
Enter a short position when the price closes decisively below the Red Band (L4).
Manage Your Risk:
Use the opposite band (L3 or H3) as a stop-loss level to protect your trade.
Consider trailing your stop-loss as the trend progresses.
Add Confirmation: For greater accuracy, combine this strategy with other tools such as volume spikes, candlestick patterns, or higher timeframe trend analysis.
Case Study Example:
Take a closer look at the chart provided:
The price broke below the Red Band (L3-L4), confirming a bearish breakout.
Post-breakout, the price continued its downtrend, offering a high-reward opportunity for short-sellers.
By adhering to the system's clear breakout rules, you could have entered the trade early and capitalized on the trend with confidence.
Benefits of the GOLDEN Trading System:
Simplicity: Focuses on straightforward rules, making it beginner-friendly.
Consistency: Reduces emotional trading by adhering to defined breakout zones.
Scalability: Works across multiple timeframes and markets, including indices, stocks, and commodities.
Pro Tip for Advanced Traders:
Combine GTS with volume analysis, RSI divergence, or moving averages to add layers of confirmation to your trades. This helps filter out false breakouts and improves your win rate.
Join the GTS movement and elevate your trading game today! Share your feedback, results, and tweaks to make the strategy even better. Happy trading! 🚀
Potential Bullish Cypher on GBPUSD Daily Chart
Hello guys, hope you guys are doing great.
I see a potential bullish cypher on GBPUSD daily chart. All the measurements are checked.
Price is reacting from a Weekly and Daily Key Level with multiple touches and Rejection showing bullish momentum.
Considering the date and period price is reacting from this Key level is very important to me based on my strategy and how I swing trade.
The potential downside to this setup is that, we might continue to see the pound going lower and testing key levels below. then we review and look out for another trading opportunity.
Till that happens. the above setup still holds to at atleast 0.382 TP1 (___ Price Level).
I will keep you guys updated going forward on this pair into the month of January 2025.
All the best guys
Bitcoin Santa rally' buyers step in to drive BTC price to $98K
Bitcoin Santa rally' buyers step in to drive BTC price to FWB:98K and Open Entry Trade.
Bitcoin (BTC) passed $98,000 after the Dec. 24 Wall Street open as "large spot buyers" lifted deflated BTC price action.The latest data from monitoring resource CoinGlass put 24-hour BTC short liquidations at nearly $40 million at the time of writing, with the cross-crypto total at $150 million.
"Nice strength in bitcoin today," fellow analytics account Bitcoindata21 continued alongside a chart showing necessary volume-weight average price (VWAP) levels to reclaim next. Santa rally talk returns as BTC price gains $5,000 Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTCUSD hitting new local highs of $98,020 on Bitstamp.
Up by more than 3% on the day, Bitcoin attracted fresh bids after a shaky start to the week saw a retest of December lows."Yesterday, Bitcoin showed some signs of a relief rally after which price was rejected to almost new lows. Today, Bitcoin is rebounding yet again and once again into the old support," he wrote. "Overall, as long as the previously lost supports turn into new resistance additional downside should be expected. Conversely, a reclaim of these previously lost supports would obviously be bullish."
#BTC☀ #BTCNextMove #BinanceAlphaAlert #BTC🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #SUBROOFFICIAL
Disclaimer: Digital asset prices are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not available for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment.
RUM Rumble Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought RUM before the previous earnings:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of RUM Rumble prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 6usd strike price in the money Calls with
an expiration date of 2025-1-17,
for a premium of approximately $1.35.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
The Two Archetypes of TradersIn the trading world, markets move in cycles, and bearish conditions are no exception. Here's an educational breakdown of how traders can navigate these challenging times:
1. The Long-Term Holders (Investors)
Mindset: Patience is their superpower.
Goal: Accumulate assets during bearish trends by buying at key support levels and holding for future gains.
Approach: Use the WiseOwl Indicator to identify areas of strong support and potential accumulation zones for strategic entries.
2. The Intraday Traders (Short-Term)
Mindset: Adaptability and precision are crucial.
Goal: Profit from short-term price movements, capitalizing on market volatility.
Approach: Utilize the WiseOwl Indicator to pinpoint bearish momentum for short entries and clear exit levels, ensuring optimal risk management.
Educational Example: WiseOwl Strategy in Action
Let’s analyze Solana (SOL) on the 15-minute timeframe during a bearish market:
Trend Identification: The WiseOwl Indicator highlights a confirmed downtrend with clear bearish signals.
Entry Points: Short trade signals are generated at moments of significant bearish momentum.
Risk Management: Stop loss and take profit levels, calculated using ATR-based logic, ensure disciplined trading.
Takeaways for Traders
📉 Bearish Markets:
Holders focus on identifying value areas for accumulation.
Intraday traders capitalize on market volatility with precise entries and exits.
Happy trading! 🚀
#WiseOwlIndicator #TradingEducation #BearMarket #SOLAnalysis #CryptoTrading
NSTR - Technical Analysis of Key Bullish and Bearish LevelsKey Observations:
Expanded Volume Profile:
The volume profile on the left indicates significant trading activity (support/resistance zones).
The high-volume node around 360–380 suggests a key area of interest where the price might consolidate or face resistance/support.
Bullish Levels:
Bullish Week (376): A breakout above this level could trigger upward momentum toward 400 and potentially higher.
Close Week Swing (363): Currently being tested. Sustained strength above this level would be a sign of bullish continuation.
Key Target at 400: Bullish swing level acting as a psychological and technical resistance point.
Bearish Levels:
Bear Swing (348): A breakdown below this level could lead to further downside, with the next support at Bear Week (325).
Week ATR (328): If the price approaches this level, it signals a deeper bearish sentiment.
Price Action:
The yellow line shows a recovery attempt after a sharp drop. The price appears to be testing resistance at Close Week Swing (363).
The upward trend from lower levels near 325 suggests some buying interest at lower prices.
Annotations and Targets:
Close Week Swing (363) is pivotal; crossing this level with volume might lead to a test of higher resistance levels.
The area around 325–328 has shown strong support previously, and a retest might attract buyers.
Analysis:
Bullish Scenario:
The price needs to decisively close above 363 to gain bullish momentum. If this happens, look for targets at 376 and then 400.
Volume supporting an upward move would confirm bullish sentiment.
The Bullish Week (376) level is critical for mid-term trend confirmation.
Bearish Scenario:
Failure to hold above 363 could lead to a retest of 348 (Bear Swing) and possibly further downward moves toward 325–328.
Increased volume at lower levels might indicate bearish control.
Neutral Scenario:
Consolidation between 348 and 363 could signal indecision, with a breakout or breakdown likely depending on market sentiment.
Recommendations:
For Bullish Traders:
Look for strong volume above 363 and consider targets at 376 and 400.
Watch for consolidation near 360–363 as a possible entry point.
For Bearish Traders:
A rejection at 363 or a breakdown below 348 would signal opportunities to target 325–328.
Use volume and candlestick patterns to confirm breakdowns.
Risk Management:
Stops should be placed slightly beyond key levels (e.g., above 376 for shorts or below 348 for longs).
This setup emphasizes the importance of the 363 level as a tipping point for direction. Let me know if you'd like further insights!
$NIO Trading AnalysisThe chart showcases NIO Inc. in a prolonged downtrend, characterized by a sequence of lower highs and lower lows over the past year. Recently, the price appears to be forming a base near key support levels, suggesting potential consolidation or a reversal. The chart integrates multiple technical indicators, including pivot points, dark pool activity, volume, trendlines, and moving averages.
Key Observations:
1. Trend Analysis:
Prolonged Downtrend:
The red descending trendline highlights a series of lower highs (LH) since the beginning of the year.
The price has struggled to break above key resistance levels, maintaining a bearish bias.
Short-Term Consolidation:
The price is currently consolidating near 4.50, supported by the green ascending trendline. This suggests a potential shift in momentum if buyers step in.
2. Support and Resistance Levels:
Resistance Levels:
4.77-5.00: Immediate resistance zone aligned with multiple dark pool prints and a prior pivot level.
5.79: Key swing high resistance level.
6.15-6.68: Long-term resistance near pivot R3 and R4.
7.11 (R5): A significant level marking a potential breakout zone if bullish momentum accelerates.
Support Levels:
4.50-4.52: Current consolidation zone and a cluster of dark pool prints, providing immediate support.
4.28 (S1): Recent swing low, offering additional support.
4.02-3.69: Deeper support levels, with 3.69 marking a historical low.
3. Volume Analysis:
Increased volume near 4.50-4.77 suggests institutional interest or accumulation in this area.
Declining volume on recent pullbacks indicates weakening bearish momentum, a bullish signal for potential reversal.
4. Moving Averages:
The price is hovering below the 8 EMA and 21 EMA, indicating short-term bearish pressure.
A decisive break above these moving averages would signal a potential trend reversal.
5. Dark Pool Activity:
Significant dark pool levels are clustered between 4.52 and 4.77, which could act as strong support or resistance depending on price action.
Above this, dark pool levels near 6.15 and 6.68 highlight potential targets in a bullish breakout scenario.
Trade Setup:
Scenario 1: Bullish Reversal from Current Levels
Trigger: A breakout above 4.77 with strong volume would confirm bullish momentum.
Profit Targets:
5.00: Psychological level and minor resistance.
5.79: Key swing resistance and a long-term target.
6.15-6.68: Cluster of dark pool levels and pivot resistance zones.
Stop-Loss: Below 4.28, as a break under this level invalidates the bullish setup.
Scenario 2: Bearish Breakdown Below 4.50
Trigger: A daily close below 4.50, confirmed by increased volume, signals further downside.
Profit Targets:
4.28 (S1): Immediate support level.
4.02-3.69: Long-term support zones and historical lows.
3.50 or lower: In case of capitulation, watch for deeper bearish targets.
Stop-Loss: Above 4.77, as a reversal above this level would indicate bullish recovery.
Scenario 3: Range-Bound Consolidation
If the price remains range-bound between 4.50-4.77, traders can:
Look for breakouts above 4.77 for bullish entries.
Look for breakdowns below 4.50 for bearish entries.
Target mid-range levels for quick scalping opportunities.
Final Thoughts:
Short-Term Outlook: The 4.50-4.77 zone is critical. A breakout above 4.77 favors bullish momentum, while a breakdown below 4.50 opens the door for further downside.
Long-Term Outlook: The green ascending trendline and accumulation near dark pool levels suggest that institutional buyers may be stepping in. If the price holds above 4.50, this could mark the beginning of a new uptrend.
$BAC Trade AnalysisThe daily chart for BAC shows a downtrend within a broader bullish channel. The recent price action has broken below critical short-term moving averages (8 EMA and 21 EMA) and is currently testing a key support level at S1 (43.05). The chart includes pivot points, trendlines, and dark pool activity, which provide additional context for potential price movements.
Key Observations:
1. Trend Analysis:
Uptrend Channel: The long-term green trendline remains intact, suggesting the broader uptrend is still valid.
Short-Term Downtrend: A lower high (LH) and a series of bearish candles indicate short-term downward momentum. The price is below the 8 EMA and 21 EMA, confirming bearish bias in the short term.
2. Support and Resistance:
Resistance Levels:
Pivot (45.87): The first resistance level, aligning with the 8 EMA.
46.24: A significant resistance level near the 21 EMA.
47.00: A dark pool level that may act as a ceiling if price rebounds strongly.
Support Levels:
S1 (43.05): Immediate support and current price zone.
40.95: Historical support level, providing further downside protection.
S2 (38.60): A critical support zone aligning with dark pool levels and prior lows.
3. Volume Analysis:
Recent volume spikes on red candles suggest distribution, but the bounce on the most recent green candle (December 20) indicates potential accumulation near support at 43.05.
4. Dark Pool Levels:
47.00: A dark pool print from December 5, marking potential institutional resistance.
39.70–39.49: Significant dark pool activity from earlier in the year, which may act as a magnet if price continues lower.
5. Moving Averages:
The price is below both the 8 EMA and 21 EMA, indicating bearish momentum.
A recovery above these moving averages would signal a potential trend reversal.
Trade Setup:
Scenario 1: Bullish Reversal from S1 (43.05)
Trigger: A strong bounce off S1 with price reclaiming the 8 EMA (~45.36) would confirm bullish momentum.
Profit Targets:
45.87 (Pivot): First resistance level and a key target for a short-term trade.
47.00: Dark pool resistance level.
48.08: The upper range of the recent downtrend and potential long-term target.
Stop-Loss: Below 42.50, as a break below S1 invalidates the bullish setup.
Scenario 2: Bearish Breakdown Below S1 (43.05)
Trigger: A daily close below 43.05 with increased volume would signal bearish continuation.
Profit Targets:
40.95: Previous low and historical support.
39.70–39.49: Dark pool levels and a strong institutional support zone.
38.60 (S2): Key pivot support for a deeper downside move.
Stop-Loss: Above 44.50, as a move back above this level would signal recovery.
Scenario 3: Consolidation Before Directional Move
If the price remains range-bound between 43.05 and 45.87, traders can look for breakout trades in either direction. Volume and candlestick patterns will be key indicators.
Final Thoughts:
Short-Term Outlook: Watch for price action at 43.05. A bounce with strong volume would favor a bullish trade, while a breakdown opens the door for further downside.
Long-Term Outlook: The green trendline suggests that the broader uptrend remains valid. A deeper pullback into dark pool levels (~39.50) could offer long-term buying opportunities.
GBP/USD: Bearish Momentum Holds Below 1.2500GBP/USD trades around 1.2490, showing weakness for the third consecutive day, with the daily chart indicating a bearish bias within a descending channel. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points as expected, projecting a 2025 rate of 3.9% (up from 3.4% in September). Powell emphasized caution and a slower path for future rate cuts, while the BoE kept rates steady at 4.75%. The strengthening of the US Dollar has been supported by rising Treasury yields, although improving global risk sentiment might limit further gains. A break below the 1.2450 support could push the price towards 1.2400, while a move above 1.2530 might open the door to a potential test of 1.2600, though this remains unlikely without favorable catalysts.
Oil Market Analysis - 17/12/2024The oil market is currently under pressure, with WTI down to $69.30 and Brent at $72.66. The main causes are:
Pemex Production Recovery: Oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico have returned to full capacity after improved weather conditions and the end of the hurricane season. This has increased available supply, partially offsetting the decline in Russian production.
Decline in Russian Crude: Russian maritime oil exports have fallen by 11% since October due to maintenance at a key terminal. This has temporarily limited flows but has not significantly supported prices due to increased production from other sources like Pemex.
Strengthening US Dollar: The Dollar Index (DXY) is around 107.00, gaining strength thanks to preliminary US PMI data for December, which signals the fastest economic growth in 33 months, driven by the services sector. A strong dollar negatively impacts oil, making it more expensive for buyers using other currencies.
API Expectations: Crude inventory data from the API, scheduled for 21:30 GMT, could add volatility. Last week, there was a build of 0.499 million barrels.
EU Sanctions: The EU has imposed sanctions on a Dutch trader involved in trading Russian oil above the price cap. The impact on volumes remains limited for now.
Oil Technical Analysis
Price Range: Oil is trading within a range between $67.00 (support) and $71.50 (upper resistance), with this band likely extending into January 2025.
Resistance: The key resistance is located at $71.03 (100-day SMA) and $71.46, where prices encountered selling pressure last week.
A breakout above $71.03 could push prices toward $75.27, but caution is needed for quick profit-taking as the year-end approaches.
Support: The first solid support is at $67.12, a level that held prices in May-June 2023. A break below could see crude testing the 2024 yearly low at $64.75 and then $64.38, the 2023 low.