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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Technical analysis: key levels for gold and crude

Gold looks set for another bearish turn following a recent head and shoulders formation. Meanwhile, Brent has reached a crucial support zone after Friday’s decline.

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Gold head and shoulder points towards further downside

Gold has been rising over the past week, following on from a wider breakdown which saw the price fall below a crucial area of support.

That $1277-$1281 zone provides us with a head and shoulders formation evident on the daily time frame. With that in mind, the rally seen of late looks like another precursor to a bearish turn. As such, further upside could be likely on the near term, yet it looks like we will see the market break lower once more unless we see a rise through $1310. A fall below $1273 would signal a more bearish picture over the near term.

Gold chart
Gold chart

Brent falls into key support zone

Brent fell sharply on Friday after the US President Donald Trump announced his approach to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) with a plea to push prices lower.

This drop has taken us into a support zone which encompasses both a cluster of previous lows and the ascending trendline dating back to December. With that in mind, it makes sense to look out for whether we can break below $70.53 to spark a new bearish phase for the market. Until then, we could see bullish move from here.

Brent chart
Brent chart

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