Natural gas: prices extend losses, bringing 2020 lows even closer into focus
Natural gas prices extend drop, another weekly loss may be ahead; the daily chart shows that a key support level was taken out and Bearish Rectangle breakout keeps building steam, as expected.
2020 lows nearing
Natural gas prices are off to a rough start this week, which in recent memory, is not something out of the ordinary. Following a very brief pause in early February, the commodity is now aiming for a second consecutive weekly loss. If we ignore the negligible 4.32% rise in early February, natural gas is practically heading for a 10th weekly loss.
You would have to go back to 2001 to find the same losing streak. This is bringing lows from 2020 closer into view.
Weekly chart
Support breakout confirmed
On the daily setting, natural gas confirmed a breakout under the 100% Fibonacci extension level at 2.326. The 8.88% decline was the worst single-day performance since January 5th. That has exposed the 2020 low at 1.44. Practically speaking, lows from 2020 make up a zone of support between 1.44 and 1.612.
Meanwhile, positive RSI divergence remains present. This shows that downside momentum is fading. That can at times precede a turn higher. Even so, the commodity would have to clear the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) which is maintaining the downside focus.
Natural gas has not been above this moving average since December 16th, over two months ago.
Daily chart
Bearish Rectangle breakout extends
Taking a look at the four-hour chart, natural gas prices have extended lower after breaking underneath a Bearish Rectangle chart formation – as expected. Now, prices are facing immediate support, which seems to be the 150% Fibonacci extension level at 2.040.
Clearing this price exposes the 16.8% level at 1.917 before the 178.6% point at 1.743 kicks in. In the event of a turn higher, keep a close eye on the floor of the rectangle. The latter could kick in as new resistance.
Four-hour chart
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This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Australia Pty Ltd. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
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