Spot month gas prices have sunk lower since Friday as the market looked past the current arctic cold blast to a warmer weather pattern expected to take hold next week. The change to warmer weather should result in much lower demand and higher output later this month. Falling LNG flows have added further downside pressure. The Feb contract fell 41.3 cents lower from Friday, settling yesterday at 2.90.
The current cold pattern will continue through this weekend before giving way to much warmer conditions at the start of next week. Above normal temps will be widespread with much and strong above normal readings dominating the Eastern US mid to late in the 6-10 day period. The 6-10 day timeframe, Jan 22-Jan 26 will rank 3rd lowest for HDDs.
Temps will turn even warmer across the Eastern half of the US during the 11-15 day period which takes us thru Jan 31. Much to strong above normal readings will favor the West, Midwest and East while the South averages above normal.
A larger than normal draw of 159 is expected for the week ended Jan 12. The estimate compares to last year’s pull of just 68 BCF and the 5 yr avg draw of 126 BCF.
Freeze offs and surging demand this week are expected to produce a withdrawal of 380 BCF for the week ending Jan 19.The current cold blast has hampered production levels by about 10 BCF/day from last week. Steep cuts due to freeze offs left output at 91 BCF/day on Tuesday. The Permian was hit hardest, falling to just 15.5 BCF/day.
The February 24 contract has lost .413 (12.5%) over the past two days including a .206 (6.6%) loss on Tuesday as it closed the session at 2.900.
Two important areas of support were broken on Tuesday. The first was the 10 day moving average at 3.015 followed by trend line support beginning at the mid-April 2023 low at the 2.920-2.930 level.
This turns the 40 day moving average currently at 2.720 followed by the 200 day average at 2.655 into the next areas of support.
A drop under the 200 day average would be a very bearish technical signal as the market heads into the February-March time frame. Over the past 8 years, a post-winter low has been set in either February or March.
Former support at 2.920-2.930 is the 1st area of resistance today followed by the 10 day average at 3.015.
Moving Average Alignment – Neutral-Bullish
Long Term Trend Following Index – Bullish
Short Term Trend Following Index – Bullish
Relative Strength Index – 48.38
This material should be construed as the solicitation of an account, order, and/or services provided by the FCM Division of StoneX Financial Inc. (“SFI”) (NFA ID: 0476094) or StoneX Markets LLC (“SXM”) (NFA ID: 0449652) and represents the opinions and viewpoints of the author. It does not constitute an individualized recommendation or take into account the particular trading objectives, financial situations, or needs of individual customers. Additionally, this material should not be construed as research material. The trading of derivatives such as futures, options, and over-the-counter (OTC) products or “swaps” may not be suitable for all investors. Derivatives trading involves substantial risk of loss, and you should fully understand the risks prior to trading. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.
All references to and discussion of OTC products or swaps are made solely on behalf of SXM. All references to futures and options on futures trading are made solely on behalf of SFI. SXM products are intended to be traded only by individuals or firms who qualify under CFTC rules as an ‘Eligible Contract Participant’ (“ECP”) and who have been accepted as customers of SXM.
SFI and SXM are not responsible for any redistribution of this material by third parties, or any trading decisions taken by persons not intended to view this material. Information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy. Contact designated personnel from SFI or SXM for specific trading advice to meet your trading preferences.
Reproduction or use in any format without authorization is forbidden.
The StoneX Group Inc. group of companies provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided. References to over-the-counter (“OTC”) products or swaps are made on behalf of StoneX Markets LLC (“SXM”), a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”) and provisionally registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a swap dealer. SXM’s products are designed only for individuals or firms who qualify under CFTC rules as an ‘Eligible Contract Participant’ (“ECP”) and who have been accepted as customers of SXM. StoneX Financial Inc. (“SFI”) is a member of FINRA/NFA/SIPC and registered with the MSRB. SFI is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a Broker-Dealer and with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and Commodity Trading Adviser. References to securities trading are made on behalf of the BD Division of SFI and are intended only for an audience of institutional clients as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c). References to exchange-traded futures and options are made on behalf of the FCM Division of SFI . StoneX is a trading name of StoneX Financial Ltd (“SFL”). SFL is registered in England and Wales, Company No. 5616586. SFL is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority [FRN 446717] to provide to professional and eligible customers including: arrangement, execution and, where required, clearing derivative transactions in exchange traded futures and options. SFL is also authorised to engage in the arrangement and execution of transactions in certain OTC products, certain securities trading, precious metals trading and payment services to eligible customers. SFL is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 for the provision of payment services. SFL is a category 1 ring-dealing member of the London Metal Exchange. In addition SFL also engages in other physically delivered commodities business and other general business activities which are unregulated and not required to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. StoneX Group Inc. acts as agent for SFL in New York with respect to its payments services business. StoneX APAC Pte. Ltd. acts as agent for SFL in Singapore with respect to its payments services business. ‘StoneX’ is the trade name used by StoneX Group Inc. and all its associated entities and subsidiaries.
Trading swaps and over-the-counter derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives and options and securities involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance of any futures or option is not indicative of future success. Indicators are not a trading system and are not published as a specific trade recommendation. The information herein is not a recommendation to trade nor investment research or an offer to buy or sell any derivative or security. It does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and does not create a binding obligation on any of the StoneX group of companies to enter into any transaction with you. You are advised to perform an independent investigation of any transaction to determine whether any transaction is suitable for you. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc.
© 2024 StoneX Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.