Crude Oil

Bloomberg reported that crude oil open interest was 1.41 million contracts, the highest since June 11, 2008. Some analysts think the high level of open interest raises concerns about whether the market is overvalued relative to fundamentals and whether the upward price trend can continue.

Crude futures ended at their lowest point this month Friday, as investors fled riskier assets after regulators charged Goldman Sachs with fraud. Nonetheless, industry insiders are fully expecting this still intact seasonal pattern: a rise in gas prices in the months ahead during the summer driving season (from April 1 to Sept. 30).

Desire to become global superpower driven by underlying principle that the world lacks enough supply of natural resources to prolong the existence of every sovereign nation over the long run.

New York crude has been trading in the $69-$83 range since late September as uncertainty over the global economy has contributed to several failed rallies. The close above $81 last Friday sparked speculation that oil could be targeting $85 in the near term. Now, some traders and analysts say currency movements may play an important role in pushing prices beyond those limits.... or will they?

In this 1.27.10 edition of the Fibozachi Technical Update (FTU), we present 15 technical profiles of the:

(1) S&P 500 E-mini contract (ES); (2) VIX (CBOE Volatility Index); (3) NYSE VOLD; (4) NYSE TICK; (5) US Dollar Index (DXY); (6) Crude Oil Futures (CL); (7) Gold Futures (GC); (8) Silver Futures (SI).

Examining today's sell-off in Gold, Silver and Crude Oil and the concurrent rally of the US Dollar Index across daily and 1-minute charts

Last Friday, U.S. crude oil futures finished above $78, the highest level in a year, even though the U.S. continues to sit on ample supply of petroleum. Some analysts said a sudden upward spike was still unlikely, while others are predicting an immanent correction down below $70. However, if you take a closer look, it is evident that the current crude oil market is almost entirely detached from fundamentals. Furthermore, there are several factors supporting oil rising to new levels, as fundamentals are out the window in the near to medium term.

Crude supplies continue to accumulate as the demand picture continues to deteriorate.