Mound Weekly Futures And Commodities Review |
By James Mound |
Published
06/1/2008
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Futures
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Unrated
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Mound Weekly Futures And Commodities Review
Energies Momentum appears to have turned in energies this week following a massive drop in Friday's Memorial Day gasoline demand. The full weekend demand will hit the wires with this week's report, but the market is looking for supply news to turn the market. The energy report showing unbelievable supply draw downs seemed to do little to support the market which shook off the news with continued selling. So is it the typical one step back and two (sometimes 3 or 4) steps forward for oil or this the turn? If summer driving demand is slowed from consumer resistance to high prices the supply turn could be in full effect and the market will see a major pullback, hurricanes withstanding. Paper came into the ring on Friday for 10,000 Dec. 80 strike puts in crude, a more than $5mil play, pumping put premiums up and setting the stage for volatility expansion in the weeks ahead.
Financials Stocks got a bounce on strong economic data as the market seeks out signs of growth without inflation. The market is at a critical point, technically speaking, as a break below 1380 is needed to reignite downside momentum. Look for a summer selloff to continue what it started a couple of weeks ago. Bonds broke through key support and has technically turned bearish. However, look for a quick bounce back into the 116 area to suggest a slow downtrending channel as opposed to the straight technical breakdown that the current daily chart suggests. The dollar is catching a bid once again and should take another shot at 74, breaking through relatively easily and making a serious run at 78 by September. This means an 800 point slide for the euro, a big breakdown for the pound and a possible collapse of the Canadian dollar if we see a break below 9675.
Grains Africa's largest corn producer, South Africa, came in with some strong numbers due to favorable weather helping yields. This may be the first in a series of good fundamentals that further the grains' price drop well into the summer months. Weather is always an issue for grains, and corn emergence in the U.S. is the current focus. The reality is that the overwhelming influence on the grain sector is crude oil and the U.S. dollar. A strong dollar combined with a top in crude oil means a grain collapse for the ages, something that will have increasing likelihood with any type of follow through this week. Rice is getting pounded as export bans are lifted amid improving supply.
Meats Monthly slaughter numbers are showing the big picture - oversupply. Commercial red meat production was up 16%, beef production was up 12% and pork production up 18% year-over-year. This could be the beginning of the end here. Puts are recommended across the board.
Metals Gold broke this week amid falling crude prices and a rising dollar. This is a critical week to see gold test and break 850 and silver to follow suit. Momentum is key for the market to breakout of this wide range between 940 and 850 and to see another leg down for the metals sector. Bear put spreads in gold are recommended. Copper is clearly breaking after failing once again to establish substantial new highs.
Softs Coffee is choppy and remains range bound, with key support at 128 and resistance at 140. Look for an unexpected breakout rally to ensue this week and for the market to see 150 by month's end. Cocoa is choppy as well with random news of bug issues reigning over Ivory Coast, but the big picture remains bearish at these price levels. Look for a pop in put premiums this week and a good play on Dec. 20 puts. Cotton is beat up and left for dead despite record low acreage and a pending shortage ahead. Buy the dip and take advantage of the market's rapid slide from 90 to 65, a near 30% collapse in under 2 months. OJ is breaking 105 key support but remains a buy until a thorough close below 100. Sugar is also getting beaten to a pulp as it tests the lower limits amid huge surpluses and a possible oil collapse. Buy the market at 960 with stops at 888 for a long term bull play.
James Mound is the head analyst for www.MoundReport.com, and author of the commodity book 7 Secrets. For a free email subscription to James Mound's Weekend Commodities Review and Trade of the Month, click here.
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