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TFC Commodity Trading Forum

A Market Review and Opinion Report For Jan 8, 2012 *PIC*

WAKE UP CALL

General Comments
Folks, apparently it is time for a big fat WAKE UP CALL for most investors out there, not surprising on the heels of a Santa Claus rally in the stock market and a bullish start to the New Year. Things are pretty much setting up according to plan, but only a true contrarian can jump into the raging rapids going against the tide. That is exactly what I am going to suggest you do, as it is a perfect storm setup for the beginning of 2012 and I am predicting a major selloff in stocks and commodities starting….NOW.

Energies
Crude oil is fast approaching critical long term topside resistance, which lies in a $2 range near the highs of 2011 under $115/barrel, with the resistance band between $114-$116. An ultimate Fib resistance point at $120 should hold as a major trend indicator. Regardless of topside resistance the crude oil market broke out of near term resistance last week, breaking above what appeared to be a down sloping trend line at $103. It fits perfectly that crude oil would penetrate thru that weak resistance and create a suckers’ rally to coincide with the recent breakout in the S&P500, as both markets’ correlation have been trading in relative tandem for some time. I recommend bear put spreads in crude or perhaps something more aggressive on a short term time frame like a ratio put backspread. Natural gas remains a long term call buying opportunity to play upside volatility.

Financials
The S&P500 likely completed a bullish Mound Ladle Formationtm and based on that it is setup to see strong downside starting sometime this week or early next week. The timing of a reversal off a MLF can be tricky as two scenarios typically unfold – an immediate sharp reversal or slightly uptrending channel which can last several weeks, both of which should ultimately result in strong selling. That being said the fundamental influences – the EU, U.S. dollar and correlated commodity prices – all suggest a greater likelihood of near term volatility and therefore an immediate selloff scenario is believed to be more likely. The dollar has rebounded nicely from a minor retracement and this week’s Fed speak, earnings reports and possible credit downgrades in the euro zone should all prove dollar bullish. The yen remains a buy and I continue to stand by my forecast that:

The Japanese Yen futures will hit 140 before it hits 80 or I will quit writing the Weekend Commodities Review...forever.

Grains
A solid rally in grains correlated to the general stock and commodities rally over the past few weeks, but lacks momentum for further upside. I recommend put plays in beans and corn, with a spread trade of long wheat against short corn on the futures side. Rice remains a bear market with puts recommended.

Meats
Cattle surged a couple of weeks ago, only to set a strong top and setup an epic failure. I highly recommend shorting on bounces and developing put strategies if you haven’t done so already. Feb cattle should remain well below critical resistance under 125. Hogs are congesting, or seemingly just taking a breather from the heavy selling, and I suspect more downside is forthcoming.

Metals
Gold rebounded to set a nice near term double top and bearish head and shoulders. Overall both gold and silver have a longer term choppy downtrending price action. Copper is a strong short long term.

Softs
Coffee is lulling traders to sleep, but at these lofty prices I would not anticipate the choppy downtrend to persist much longer – heavy selling should be expected, with either a long strangle or just straight deep out of the money puts recommended. Cocoa downside target is 30% lower, so needless to say sell the bounces. Cotton is avoidable, albeit bearish. OJ and sugar both remain sells in a softs sector that has little reason to be bullish at these high prices amid a strengthening U.S. dollar and questionable global economy hurting demand.

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James Mound
Head analyst for MoundReport.com

Disclaimer: There is risk of loss in all commodities trading. Losses can exceed your account size and/or margin requirements. Commodities trading can be extremely risky and is not for everyone. Some option strategies have unlimited risk. Educate yourself on the risks and rewards of such investing prior to trading. Past Performance is not indicative of future results. Information provided is compiled by sources believed to be reliable. JMTG or its principals assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions as the information may not be complete or events may have been cancelled or rescheduled. Options do not necessarily move in lock step with the underlying futures movement. Any copy, reprint, broadcast or distribution of this report of any kind is prohibited without the express written consent of James Mound Trading Group LLC.