Early Indecision
10-Year Notes – Treasuries got a lift last week from weaker economic data, a Fed rate cut and subprime woes that began to seep from brokerage and investment banking into commercial banking as well. The "flight-to-quality" effect may be short-lived in 5- and 10-Year Treasury Notes, however, as both domestic and overseas funds have poured into these offerings, which may curb further advances. A weak Dollar could also curb overseas demand for U.S. investments, likely leading traders to shift funds into physical commodities. With the departure of Citigroup's Charles Prince, two major banking executives in as many weeks have become casualties of the recent mortgage downturn. With more disclosures likely in the coming weeks and months, treasury prices may find further support, even if the Fed opts not to lower rates at its December meeting. Last week's decision to cut rates by a quarter point seemed forced on the Fed to keep the markets happy, and the one dissenting vote makes future cuts no sure thing. December Notes broke out to new highs, but the market is trying to test the newly established 111-00 support area in early trading. Short-term direction may be difficult to predict given the conflicting technicals, with slow stochastics showing overbought levels, but momentum continuing to show bullish divergence from RSI. Support comes in at 110-25 and 110-00, while resistance can be found at 111-25 and 112-07.
Crude Oil – Crude Oil is slightly lower overnight as tensions ease between Turkey and Kurdish rebels. The Kurdistan Worker's Party freed eight Turkish soldiers captured last month and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogen is meeting with President Bush to discuss the conflict. The Dollar is weaker this morning, which has kept the losses modest. The slumping greenback has helped catapult Crude Oil and commodities in general, due to lower cost and inflation concerns. The drop in supply over the last few weeks has opened some eyes, but reserves remain within the 4-year average. Crude Oil remains strong technically, and the chart has not shown any indication of a reversal unfolding. The market remains overbought, which could slow upward momentum. Support comes in at 93.70 and 90.00, while the market may run into resistance at 96.00 and 100.00.
E-mini S&P – Stocks will start the week in negative territory on continued subprime concerns. The Citigroup board is bringing former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin in to help right the ship and send a strong message to investors. It could also be interpreted as a message that troubles in the subprime sector are here to stay for some time. Large commercial banks like Citi could be hit especially hard in the second quarter of next year when ARM loans peak, as borrowers delay or renege on payments for auto and credit card loans. The December e-mini S&P broke down last week, despite closing above the 1550 resistance area on Wednesday. Momentum is beginning to show positive divergence from RSI, suggesting some short-term upward bias. The ESZ07 is currently trading below the 9-, 18-, and 50-day moving averages and further weakness could bring a downward crossover of the 18- and 50-day averages, which would be bearish longer-term. Support comes in at 1500 and 1460, while resistance can be found at 1525 and 1550.
Rob Kurzatkowski, Commodity Analyst
