IO Weekly Technicals Review [2024/49]: Near Term Bearish Trend
SGX TSI Iron Ore CFR China (62% Fe Fines) Index Futures (“SGX IO Futures”) expiring in Jan 2025 fell last week closing USD 1.85/ton lower by Friday.
SGX IO Futures opened at USD 104.4/ton on 02/Dec (Mon) and closed at USD 102.55/ton on 06/Dec (Fri).
Prices briefly touched a weekly high of USD 105.70/ton on 04/Dec (Wed) and a low of USD 102.25/ton on 06/Dec (Fri). It traded in a range of USD 3.45/ton during the week.
Prices traded above the pivot point for most of the week but did not manage to pass the R1 weekly pivot point of USD 106.05/ton. Price dipped below the pivot point of USD 103.20/ton on 06/Dec (Fri)
Volume peaked on 04/Dec (Wed).
Fundamentals in Summary
Caixin’s China manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5 in November from 50.3 in the prior month, above analyst expectations of a 50.6 reading and the highest reading since June. PMI data has shown a continued recovery in the manufacturing sector over the past 3 months reflecting improved demand following the stimulus announcement.
Caixin China non-manufacturing PMI eased to 51.5 from 52 reflecting a slowdown in the service sector.
This week, traders will be watching for the CPI release for November on 9/Dec (Mon). In October, CPI fell 0.3% MoM and eased to 0.3% YoY, its lowest reading since June reflecting continued struggles in domestic demand.
The annual Central Economic Work Conference is scheduled for 11/Dec (Wed) where leaders are expected to map out economic targets and stimulus plans. Rumors that a higher-than-usual deficit target for 2025 could be set spurred a rally in Chinese stocks last week.
IO China Portside inventories fell by 100k tons to 150.4 million tons in the week ending 6/Nov, extending its decline from the prior week according to data from the CISA. Elevated inventory levels could limit demand for further imports.
SMM expects construction to enter its traditional off-season in December with no new projects scheduled for now. However, several major central government meetings and the year-end housing project delivery remain key events to watch and could catalyze a rally.
Based on seasonality, SGX IO Futures Jan contract trades 13.4% below its last 5-year average (USD 118.94/ton). Seasonal trends suggest a rally in the coming weeks.
Short-Term Moving Averages Signal Fading Bullish Trend
While the 9-day moving average has remained above the 21-day MA since marking a bullish MA crossover on 29/Nov, the price decline in the later part of last week drove price below the 9-day MA and it has started to flatten suggesting the rally may be losing steam. Price trades above the 21-day MA which could serve as a support level.
Long-Term Averages Signal Reversal from 200-day MA
Price tested the 200-day moving average last week but the level acted as resistance with price failing to pass it. Price remains well above the 100-day MA at 100.31. However, if the 21-day MA fails to provide support, this level could be tested next.
MACD Points to Fading Rally
Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 51.04 signals a neutral level. However, the RSI marked a crossover with its MA suggesting the price could face a period of negative returns. MACD is narrowing from its positive level and is close to marking a bearish crossover between the 12-day and 26-day MA which could signal a period of decline.
Volatility Eases to 1Y Low, Fibonacci 50% Signals Resistance
Volatility continued to decline and reached its lowest level in more than a year. Last week, prices retested the 50% Fibonacci level at USD 105.4/ton once more which has previously acted as resistance. With price declining, it could suggest a continuation of the bearish trend following the rejection at the Fibonacci level.
Prices at Top End of Declining Channel
Prices have traded in a declining parallel channel following the stimulus driven rally in late-September. Prices are currently just below the top end of the parallel channel which could represent a favorable entry level for a short position.
Hypothetical Trade Setup
Iron Ore prices reversed the early week gains last week to end the week lower. 12-day and 26-day MA are close to signaling a bearish crossover following the price rejection at the 200-day moving average last week. This could signal a near-term bearish trend. With prices at the top end of a declining channel, this could provide a favorable entry for a short position. However, given the low volatility and the strong support at USD 100/ton, the decline could be smaller than previous weeks.
We propose a hypothetical trade set up of selling SGX IO January Futures Contract at USD 103/ton with a stop at USD 105.5/ton and target at USD 100/ton resulting in reward-to-risk ratio of 1.2x. Each lot of SGX IO Futures Contract provides exposure to 100 tons of iron ore. For each lot, the hypothetical trade would result in gain of USD 300/lot ((103 – 100) x 100) while exposing the trade to a loss of USD 250/lot. This calculation excludes transaction costs comprising of clearing broker fees and exchange clearing fees. The SGX requires a minimum initial margin of USD 1,188/lot and a maintenance margin of USD 1,080/lot.
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