More Fed Watching
Dow Jones – Stocks mounted a comeback in late trading yesterday, as optimistic traders hoped that the Fed would once again slash rates at the end of the month. Housing starts were at the lowest levels in 14 years, and the CPI report showed that inflation is tame for the time being. Meanwhile, S&P also downgraded a host of sub-prime debt last year. The release of the Fed's Beige Book – which showed slower growth in the 3rd and 4th quarters – really sparked the equity markets late in the day. All of this unimpressive economic data leads many to believe that the Fed will take action, especially given Ben Bernanke's recent comments about the housing sector being a drag on the economy and the inability of the Fed to insulate investors from risk. The late rally stopped what could have been a technical breakdown on the December Mini-Dow chart yesterday, as the market was able to hold above support at 13830. Momentum is showing positive divergence from RSI, suggesting a possible recovery in the coming days. The RSI is showing oversold levels in early trading, which may be a prelude for a Friday bounce. Traders will keep an eye on the 9 and 18-day SMA, which are very close to crossing on the downside. Support comes in at 13830 and 13550, while resistance can be found at 14085 and 14237.
Bonds – The Bond market was strong yesterday and in overnight trading, as disappointing economic data keeps rolling in. Bonds have not been the defensive play recently because of a weak greenback and investors choosing to look elsewhere – mainly commodities – to address their inflation concerns. The weak Dollar has played a key role in all of this, with large treasury market players China and Japan seeking alternatives. The belief that a rate cut is coming and fresh sub-prime fears in the minds of fixed income traders have boosted December Bond prices by more than a point and a half over the last two days. December Bonds also have some positive technical factors going for them. The slow stochastic indicator showed an upward crossover, and the momentum indicator has outpaced the RSI. Also, the market looks as though it may be confirming a breakout from the wedge pattern it has been forming since the beginning of September, which could push prices above recent highs of 114-08. Support comes in at 111-05 and 110-00, while resistance comes in at 112-10 and 113-00.
Coffee – Coffee is trading lower overnight on weak technicals and ample rains in Brazil. Brazil is forecast to receive light to moderate rainfall, which will aid budding in the new crop. Forecasts for two cold fronts expected to hit the growing region within the next week and a half helped to slow the price decline yesterday. With neither front expected to be particularly severe, traders have opted to take profits and adopt the wait and see approach before reacting. Technically, Coffee remains weak and is currently trading below the 128.00 support area. Traders are paying attention to the key 125.00 support area which if violated could send prices below 120.00, possibly toward the mid-teens. Resistance can be found at 133.25 and 138.50. Momentum stands at a weak -1.80 and the RSI is a neutral 36 percent coming into trading. The RSI has dipped into oversold territory, suggesting that the decline may stall or even get a bounce at 125.00.
