The energy futures market is still in control
It will be difficult for the stock market to get much of anything going on the upside, without stability in the energy market. Both crude oil and natural gas have fallen to levels of despair for energy producers. Further, economies in oil rich areas such as Houston, and parts of New Mexico and Colorado, as well as the Bakken, are slumping significantly.
As is often the case with bubbles, sometimes they are only obvious after the fact. I should have known when my brother, a long-time member of the oil industry disclosed to me that oil field workers were paying New York style rents for run-down trailers near Farmington New Mexico (an oil rich area).
With oil valued above $100 it was clear the there was some exuberance that needed to be worked out, but few would have predicted a $30 handle a year and a half later. Nevertheless, here we are...and ironically, investors are praying for higher energy prices to avoid debt defaults that could send stocks reeling. Luckily, the euro seems to have put in a long-term bottom..if this is the case, oil should eventually follow suit.
The weekly bond futures chart is a little more telling
As confusing as the daily chart of the ZB is, the weekly chart is rather clear. Treasuries have formed a long-term trading wedge, which could resolve itself in the short-term. Naturally, the initial break-out could be in either direction but momentum and seasonal pressure seems to point toward the upside. Yes, this is possible despite a possible Fed rate hike next week.
It seems the consensus opinion is the Fed will raise rates by an inconsequential amount (25 basis points), then leave rates steady for the foreseeable future. If this is the case, the long bond probably won't have a big reaction to the change in policy.
Treasury Futures Market Analysis
**Bond Futures Market Consensus:** Tomorrow's trade is "iffy" but we wouldn't be surprised to see the long bond press into the 157/158 area going into the Fed meeting.
**Technical Support:** ZB : 153'10, 151'08, 149'20 and 149'07 ZN: 126'03, 125'07, and 124'16
**Technical Resistance:** ZB : 156'05, 157'14 ZN: 127'01 and 128'19
Thursday/Friday low in ES futures before expiration is the norm, was that it? Or is there one more dip?
We are leaning higher overall, but we all know that a strong up day in the ES doesn't equate to a bull market. Instead, we've been seeing a lot of switchback trade that leaves both the bears and bulls unfulfilled. We aren't fully convinced yesterday's low was the low of this move, but if it wasn't we think we are within a day or two from significant bottom.
Should we get one more probe lower, we could see the mid-to-low-2020s, but it feels like the downside should be limited there. After all, the market often rallies into Fed meetings, and the Triple Witch Friday generally sees buying into the Friday morning futures contract expiration.
Here are some interesting stats provided by the Stock Trader's Almanac, the Monday before the December triple witch has been up 10 of the last 14, the week of the December triple witch has been up 24 of the last 30, and the day of the witch has been up 23 of the last 32.
Stock Index Futures Market Ideas
**e-mini S&P Futures Market Consensus:** If you are a bull, look for opportunities near 2027 through 2020.
**Technical Support:** 2027, 2020 and 1997
**Technical Resistance:** 2100, 2109, 2153 and 2178
e-mini S&P Futures Day Trading Ideas
**These are counter-trend entry ideas, the more distant the level the more reliable but the less likely to get filled**
ES Day Trade Sell Levels: 2075, 2085, 2103
ES Day Trade Buy Levels: 2051 (minor), 2041, 2033, 2023
In other commodity futures and options markets....
October 16 - Buy December corn in a small fashion (mini contracts or full size, depending on risk tolerance and funding).
October 21 - Sell January natural gas $2.25 puts for about 42 ($420).
October 23 - Sell December euro 105 put for about 30.
November 24 - Roll December corn into March to avoid delivery.
November 30 - Roll the December euro 105 put into a January 102/111 strangle to prepare for this week's event risk.
November 30 - Roll the January nat gas 225 put, into a January 210 put and a February 205 put. This gives the market some much needed breathing room.
December 3 - Buy back the Euro 102 puts to lock in a profit of anywhere from $330 to $380 per contract before commissions.
December 3 - Our January euro 111 calls are under water, let's roll them into 112/104.50 strangles at a small credit.
December 3 - After a wild day, another euro adjustment is necessary. Buy back the existing strangle (near break even), and sell the 106/113 strangle in the January euro.
December 7 - Buy back January 113 call to lock in profit of about $300 per contract.
December 8 - Sell the January euro 112 call for about 33 ticks to bring in more premium and re-strangle the euro.
December 8 - Roll the January nat gas 210 put into a March 195 put to reduce risk exposure in this market, but give the trade a chance to recover.
**There is substantial risk of loss in trading futures and options.**
These recommendations are a solicitation for entering into derivatives transactions. All known news and events have already been factored into the price of the underlying derivatives discussed. From time to time persons affiliated with Zaner, or its associated companies, may have positions in recommended and other derivatives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information and data in this report were obtained from sources considered reliable. Their accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Any decision to purchase or sell as a result of the opinions expressed in this report will be the full responsibility of the person authorizing such transaction. Seasonal tendencies are a composite of some of the more consistent commodity futures seasonals that have occurred over the past 15 or more years. There are usually underlying, fundamental circumstances that occur annually that tend to cause the futures markets to react in similar directional manner during a certain calendar year. While seasonal trends may potentially impact supply and demand in certain commodities, seasonal aspects of supply and demand have been factored into futures & options market pricing. Even if a seasonal tendency occurs in the future, it may not result in a profitable transaction as fees and the timing of the entry and liquidation may impact on the results. No representation is being made that any account has in the past, or will in the future, achieve profits using these recommendations. No representation is being made that price patterns will recur in the future.