Copper Plunges, Gold Advances Towards Key Resistance $1336

 | Feb 24, 2014 10:55AM ET

Talking Points

  • Crude Oil Surges Above $97.50 Following Bullish Inventories Figures
  • Gold Swings Higher As US Data May Suggest Less-Aggressive “Taper” Timeline
  • Precious Metals Could Weaken Ahead of Upcoming FOMC Meeting

Gold soared above the $1,260 level as a disappointing US PMI reading may have tempered Fed “taper” bets, sparking renewed demand for the yellow metal. However, Crude oil shrugged off the discouraging US economic data as a bullish weekly inventories report sent WTI above $97.50, for the fourth straight day of gains.

The Energy Information Agency (EIA) report revealed that crude stockpiles grew by 990,000 barrels for the week, which was slower than the build of 1.15 million anticipated by analysts. Newswires have reported this may have been due to a swell in heating demand, as frigid weather conditions continue to grip the East Coast.

A light economic docket in the session ahead may leave Gold and Oil wanting for a fresh catalyst to spur on additional gains. This may result in some consolidation ahead of the weekend. Yet, trading activity is likely to be reignited next week in the lead up to the FOMC Meeting set to take place on Wednesday. Economists are currently expecting the central bank to continue cuts to their QE program, which may put selling pressure on the precious metals in the near-term.

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CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS:
The 61.8% Fib Retracement Level is suggesting some support around the psychologically significant $97 handle, while resistance looms ahead at 98.80 (the yearly high). A short-term uptrend as signaled by gaining upside momentum on the rate of change indicator, as well as prices being above the 20 SMA, favors the upside.