OIL: Crude Starts Week Higher As OPEC Output Rise As Expected
Oil prices were lower on Friday due to reports that OPEC could increase output by even more than it had previously. Benchmarks finished May higher. They have started the week stronger on relief that the OPEC output increase for July is in line with previous moves. Also there is a push by some US lawmakers to penalise imports from countries buying Russian oil and uranium, which would target China and India.
- WTI fell 0.25% to $60.79/bbl to be up 5.5% in May. It rose to a high of $61.72 before declining to $59.74, but remaining above the bear trigger at $54.33. The break below $60 was only brief though. It has started today up 2.0% to around $62.00/bbl. Initial resistance is at $62.54, 50-day EMA.
- Brent underperformed falling 1.2% to $62.61/bbl to finish the month 3.2% higher. The benchmark reached $64.09 before shifting down to $62.09. It has started the week 1.6% higher at $63.81. It continues to struggle to reach initial resistance at $65.41, 50-day EMA. The medium-term trend remains bearish with the bear trigger at $57.78.
- OPEC agreed on Saturday to increase output 411kbd from July, the third increase of this size which is believed to be a message to overproducers. Apparently Russia, Oman and Algeria wanted a pause in output normalisation, according to Bloomberg. The next meeting is on July 6.
- Ukraine attacked Russian airbases with drones destroying 40 bomber planes, according to the BBC. It appears in response to larger Russian attacks on Ukraine including Kyiv. Talks are due to take place this week.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran has enriched a record amount of uranium at just below weapons grade. Negotiations with the US are ongoing.
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Historical bullets
USDCAD TECHS: Hits Bear Trigger, New Cycle Low
- RES 4: 1.4415 High Apr 1
- RES 3: 1.4296 High Apr 7
- RES 2: 1.4087 50-day EMA
- RES 1: 1.3906/3935 High Apr 17 / 20-day EMA
- PRICE: 1.3793 @ 17:00 BST May 2
- SUP 1: 1.3760 Low Apr 21 and the bear trigger
- SUP 2: 1.3744 76.4% retracement of Sep 25 ‘24 - Feb 3 bull run
- SUP 3: 1.3696 Low Oct 10 2024
- SUP 4: 1.3643 Low Oct 9 ‘24
The trend set-up in USDCAD deteriorated further Friday, with prices slipping through the bear trigger to narrow the gap with next support. The fresh cycle low reinforces the bear cycle and signals scope for a continuation near-term. Potential is seen for a move towards 1.3744, a Fibonacci retracement. Moving average studies are in a bear mode position, highlighting a dominant downtrend. First resistance to watch is 1.3943, the 20-day EMA.
AUDUSD TECHS: Consolidation Phase
- RES 4: 0.6550 61.8% retracement of the Sep 30 ‘24 - Apr 9 bear leg
- RES 3: 0.6528 High Nov 29 ‘24
- RES 2: 0.6471 High Dec 9 ‘24
- RES 1: 0.6470 High May 2
- PRICE: 0.6445 @ 16:59 BST May 2
- SUP 1: 0.6344/6316 Low Apr 24 / 50-day EMA
- SUP 2: 0.6181 Low Apr 11
- SUP 3: 0.6116 Low Apr 10
- SUP 4: 0.5915 Low Apr 9 and key support
AUDUSD remains inside a consolidation phase, having traded either side of the 0.6400 level for 10 consecutive sessions. The underlying trend remains bullish and the pair is trading close to recent highs. Price has recently breached a key resistance at 0.6409, the Dec 9 ‘24 high. This breach reinforces bullish conditions and signals scope for a continuation higher near-term. Sights are on 0.6471 next, the Dec 9 2024 high. Initial key support to monitor is 0.6316, the 50-day EMA. A clear break of this EMA would be a concern for bulls.
US TSYS: Rates Retreat, Sentiment Improved Though Trade Risk Remains
- Treasuries look to finish near late Friday session lows after trading firmer on the open, higher than expected Nonfarm payrolls at 177k (sa, cons 138k) of which private contributed 167k (sa, cons 125k) triggered the early reversal.
- However, two-month revisions of -58k offset the 39k beat for nonfarm payrolls, with a similar story for private (a 42k surprise vs -48k two-month revision).
- Stocks are back near four week highs - pre-"Liberation Day" levels as hopes of some trade deal being made improved sentiment.
- The Wall Street Journal reports that "Beijing is considering ways to address the Trump administration’s gripes over China’s role in the fentanyl trade... potentially offering an off-ramp from hostilities to allow for trade talks to start." The Journal notes that "discussions remain fluid" and China "would like to see some softening of stance from President Trump".
- Currently, the Jun'25 10Y contract trades -20 at 111-07.5 vs 111-02 low -- initial technical support (50-dma) followed by 110-16.5/109-08 (Low Apr 22 / 11 and the bear trigger). Curves bear flattened, 2s10s -3.480 at 48.002, 5s30s -4.911 at 86.807.
