LNG: European Gas Prices Higher As Expiry Of Ukraine Transit Deal Approaches
Natural gas prices were higher on Friday due to colder weather and the approaching end to flows of Russian gas through Ukraine into Europe, which account for around 5% of overall European demand, according to Bloomberg. European prices rose 4.5% to EUR 47.77 after a low of EUR 46.65 early in the session. They are little changed this month.
- Slovakian PM Fico has pressured European Commission President von der Leyen to find a solution to the end of the Ukraine transit agreement. His country remains dependent on these flows and he has threatened to cut off electricity to Ukraine in retaliation, which Poland has said it would replace. Von der Leyen remains committed to the phasing out of the EU’s use of Russian fuels.
- Russian President Putin has also said that it would be impossible to sort a new contract to allow gas through before the current one expires on December 31. Ukraine refuses to negotiate with Russia but is open to considering alternatives proposed by the EU.
- European gas storage levels are currently at around 75% (Bloomberg).
- The US March Henry Hub contract rose 3.1% on Friday to $2.97 and has started this week higher at $3.15. It is up 1% in December. The start of January is forecast to see colder weather moving into the central and eastern US.
- EIA-reported inventories fell 93bcf, slightly less than expected, and they remain around 5% above the 5-year average. US lower-48 gas production was 1.3% y/y higher on Friday while demand rose 6.6% y/y. Flows to LNG terminals have been lower and fell 1.6% on the week.
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AUSSIE 3-YEAR TECHS: (Z4) Bounce Mode
- RES 3: 96.380 - High Mar 21 2023
- RES 2: 97.190 - High May 5 2023
- RES 1: 96.730/932 - High Sep 17 / 76.4% of Mar-Nov ‘23 bear leg
- PRICE: 96.090 @ 15:41 GMT Nov 29
- SUP 1: 95.760 - Low Nov 13
- SUP 2: 95.750 - Low 27 Nov ‘23
- SUP 3: 95.480 - Low Jan 11 2023 and a major support
Having hit a fresh pullback low at 95.760 across the global rates sell-off in recent weeks, the market found bottom and has staged a shallow bounce above the 96.00 handle. Nonetheless, recent weakness confirms the downside bias, with support undercutting at 95.750 below ahead of major support of 95.480. For any corrective recovery to take hold, markets need to retake the 96.00 handle on a closing basis.
USDCAD TECHS: Pullback Appears Corrective
- RES 4: 1.4287 2.0% 10-dma envelope
- RES 3: 1.4246 2.00 proj of the Oct 17 - Nov 1 - 6 price swing
- RES 2: 1.4196 1.764 proj of the Oct 17 - Nov 1 - 6 price swing
- RES 1: 1.4078/4178 High Nov 27 / 26 and the bull trigger
- PRICE: 1.4005 @ 16:09 GMT Nov 29
- SUP 1: 1.3965/28 20-day EMA / Low Nov 25 and a key support
- SUP 2: 1.3858 50-day EMA
- SUP 3: 1.3822 Low Nov 6
- SUP 4: 1.3747 Low Oct 17
Trend conditions in USDCAD remain bullish and Tuesday’s fresh cycle reinforced this theme. The move higher confirmed a resumption of the primary uptrend and marked an extension of the bullish price sequence of higher highs and higher lows. Sights are on 1.4196 next, a Fibonacci projection. Key short-term support has been defined at 1.3928, the Nov 25 low. For now, the latest pullback appears corrective.
AUDUSD TECHS: Corrective Bounce
- RES 4: 0.6762 High Oct 9
- RES 3: 0.6733 High Oct 13
- RES 2: 0.6604/88 50-day EMA / High Nov 7 and a reversal trigger
- RES 1: 0.6534/50 20-day EMA / High Nov 25
- PRICE: 0.6512 @ 16:03 GMT Nov 29
- SUP 1: 0.6434 Low Nov 26
- SUP 3: 0.6400 Round number support
- SUP 3: 0.6350 Low Aug 5 and a key support
- SUP 4: 0.6339 Low Nov 10 2023
A bearish theme in AUDUSD remains intact. The fresh cycle low on Tuesday marks an extension of the price sequence of lower lows and lower highs. Note that moving average studies are in a bear-mode position, highlighting a dominant downtrend. Scope is seen for a move towards 0.6350, the Aug 5 low and the next key support. The pair has recovered from its recent lows - a correction. Initial firm resistance to watch is 0.6534, the 20-day EMA.
