​Monthly Technical and Precious Metals Positioning Report - Gold - July 2019

Gold – In Brief

After breaking out of the rectangle pattern, gold quickly hit the expected target, overshooting by about 4-5 US$.

Subsequent to that move, gold is consolidating, but looks like resolving higher with targets shown in the report. Although the Non-Farm Payrolls were high at 224,000 on July 5th, average hourly earnings remained weak and the unemployment rate crept slightly higher (from the lows…) so there was no change to the expected rate cut in July.

However, it is worth asking whether ‘international concerns’ are sufficient to warrant an aggressive cutting stance when on the face of it, most things seem ‘alright’ domestically, if not downright good.

Robert S. Kaplan, President of the Dallas Fed points out that “Trade Uncertainties have helped to contribute to global growth deceleration…we are not immune to spill overs from decelerating global growth.”.

Charles Evans, President of the Chicago Fed, “on the basis of inflation alone, I could feel confident in arguing for a couple of rate cuts before the end of the year.”

Gold remains bullish.

Quick Overview of Managed Money Positioning in Gold

Longs have grown by 3.87 million since June the 11th, and shorts have reduced by 1.48 million, taking the total longs to 20.830 million by the 9th of July, with shorts down to 2.569 million. Net length, while not super-high, was last this high on the 6th of February 2018, almost 18 months ago. Shorts have more or less no where to go except to grow, given that on the 2nd July they reached the smallest position recorded since January 2018.

(See ‘ Gold Positioning and Volume-Weighted Average Pricing’ for weighted average prices and shifts in weekly holdings.)  

 
Gold Positioning and Volume-Weighted Average Pricing

The recent VWAP and position changes are as follows: new length is fairly evenly balanced, with shorts being chased out heavily in the last two reporting periods.

Total open interest has increased by almost 2.90 million Tozs since the 11th of June at a VWAP of US$1,341.92, and considering the price action over that period, that looks like a substantial increase in longs, particularly on Friday. This suggests that unless the rally continues, there is potential for a large raft of stranded longs…                                                                             

Weekly Ichimoku Cloud Chart

“…a break out of the ‘squarish-looking rectangle’ formation would create a measured target to US$1,432-35.” Gold reached US$1,439.20 before falling back sharply, and that level remains resistive. Support at US$1,372, then US$1,354.

 
  
Daily Ichimoku Cloud Chart

The Daily Cloud chart is still bullish. Support around US$1,382, US$1,376, and then US$1,357. Is this turning into a ‘flag’? If it is, and the price breaks above the US$1,440 level, look for a move to US$1,600.
 

 
Price Targets via Point and Figure – Short Term

Bearish, (but not very…) suggesting a move back to US$1,395. That would still be consistent with the possible ‘flag’ pattern that seems to be taking shape now.
 

 
The Inflation-Linked Bond Yield

The yield on the inflation-linked bond has weakened to 0.32%, after dipping to 0.33% on the 28th of June just after the previous report - which is positive for gold.
 

Gold-Silver Ratio

Something of a topic du jour… now that the 93 target has been reached and found resistive, where next? The relatively short-term chart below suggests 87. Really substantial barrier lies at the 82.75/83.00 level.
 

 
Equities - the SPX

The index remains bullish, with support at 2,873 and 2,815. Interestingly, the period ending 9th July saw a sharp reduction in non-commercial shorts, and the period since has seen a rebound in open interest, with fresh shorts the most likely reason. 
 

 
SPX Hourly Chart with Targets

The short-to-medium outlook seems to show that the recent decline may have run its course for now.
 

 
The Dollar – DXY

The DXY weakened down to Weekly cloud top support, which worked extremely well, forming a slight ‘hammer’ and rebounding sharply. Although the dollar has strengthened, gold has been relatively less affected.
 

 
The AUD

The Hourly chart is not providing much guidance at the moment – in the sense of providing granular targets. Price action suggests strengthening will continue in the short run, however the price is running into resistance at the Daily Cloud top, which lies at 0.7057.

After so much negative news, investors seem friendlier to the AUD, and since 25th June, a $1.23 billion reduction in the net managed money position, of which $1.10 billion was short-covering.
 

 
AUD Weekly Cloud

Bearish, with Weekly Standard line resistance at 0.7063. Cloud base resistance at 0.708. The price action suggests that the recent rally is respecting the long-term trend line.

 
Gold Hourly Point and Figure – Medium Term

The US$1,440 target was made. The subsequent decline created a bearish triangle which has been reversed out of.  The next targets are US$1,465 and US$1,475. Crucial support lies along the base of the recent triangle, below US$1,402.
 

 
Where to from Here?

Gold looks capable of testing the recent high. If that level is broken through, then the price is likely to converge on US$1,480.

                                  
                     
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is based on data obtained from sources believed by ABC Bullion to be reliable. However, such information has not been verified by, ABC Bullion, and ABC Bullion does not make any representations or take any responsibility as to its accuracy. Any statements of a non-factual nature constitute only current opinions, which are subject to change without notice. ABC Bullion (and/or its affiliates) may have positions in commodities referred to herein, and may hereafter liquidate such positions. Neither the information in this report, nor any opinion expressed, shall be construed to be, or constitute, a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any commodities or other financial products mentioned herein.