Natural gas outlook: fading momentum at support has resistance in focus
Natural gas prices reversed initial losses accumulated last week; downside momentum continues to fade on the daily and weekly and Falling Wedge breakout still needs further confirmation.
Momentum continues fading
Natural gas prices finished last week on a positive note, despite being unchanged from the week before. That is because the heating commodity managed to reverse losses accumulated throughout the five trading days to finish Friday on an upbeat. This continues to paint the story that downside momentum is fading. That can be seen by looking at RSI, which is displaying positive divergence. This can at times precede turning points within downtrends.
Natural gas weekly chart
Eyes on 50-say SMA
On the daily setting, we can see that natural gas reinforced key support, which is the February low at 1.967. That is because prices were unable to clear this point last week. Note that positive RSI divergence also exists on the daily chart. As such, the heating commodity could be looking at setting the stage for a turn higher.
That would place the focus on the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), which is immediate resistance. This could reinstate the downside focus, pivoting prices back to support. Otherwise, extending beyond the line exposes the March high at 3.027.
Natural gas daily chart
Wedge breakout
Zooming in once again and pulling up the 4-hour chart, we can take a closer look at how natural gas is shaping up for the week ahead. For starters, prices have confirmed a breakout above a Falling Wedge chart formation. Although, upside progress has been somewhat lackluster. That is because the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level at 2.195 held as resistance.
Breaking above this price could reinstate the bullish implications of the wedge, exposing the 100-period SMA. If the latter does not hold, it could be shaping up for a bullish week ahead.
Natural gas 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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