The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) looked like they were in a high-level consolidation ahead of a thrust to the upside, which is exactly what has transpired so far here today, likely in reaction to disappointing data on initial Jobless Claims ahead of tomorrow’s monthly Employment Report.

The fact that the stock market is getting hammered today, the first session of October, probably is sending some dollars into Treasuries as well. My pattern work argues for additional strength into the 100.20/50 area in the upcoming hours, which may include tomorrow’s reaction to the Employment Report. Only a decline that breaks 98.40 will begin to compromise the current bullish outlook.

Mike Paulenoff is a 26-year veteran of the financial markets and author of MPTrader.com.