Morning Futures Roundup

---

Will Bulls Regain Their Chocolate Cravings?
 Fundamentals

Both bullish and bearish Cocoa traders had something to cheer about the past six weeks as a nearly $600 per ton rally from the May lows was followed by a quick $400 per ton decline the past several sessions. The results of these large opposing price trends may be a more subdued Cocoa market the next few weeks as traders reassess market fundamentals. 

One of the biggest factors in the Cocoa market is the direction of the U.S. dollar especially against the British Pound. A stronger GBP/USD is normally a bullish factor for Cocoa prices and if one compares the September Cocoa Chart to the September British Pound Chart one will note that September Cocoa began its mid-May rally at the same time the September Pound broke out of its consolidation range to the upside.  However once the Pound chart begin to move sideways, Cocoa prices fell.  The recent sell-off has caused Cocoa butter prices to fall, making processors margins weak, which has hurt demand. 

However, there are some concerns that mid-crop Cocoa production in the Ivory Coast, the world’s largest Cocoa producer, will come in smaller than expected, as heavy rains have delayed arrivals, which are down about 15% from this time last year. Last Thursday’s price reversal to the upside after making 1-month lows may signal that a near-term bottom may be in place as lower prices drew fresh buying to the market.




Technical Notes

Looking at the daily chart for September Cocoa, we notice the strong buying that occurred once prices attempted to test the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level. The market is trying to remain above the 100-day moving average, which is used by many longer term traders as a key indicator to whether a market is in a bullish or bearish phase. 


CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL-SIZED CHART


The 14-day RSI is struggling to get above the 50 level and the trend remains lower. Traders should watch the action in the U.S. Dollar as any signs of strength by the greenback could pull Cocoa prices lower. Support is seen at 2289, with resistance found at the 20-day moving average currently near 2645.



Disclaimers
This article is provided for informational purposes only. No statementin this article should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sella security or to provide investment advice. The content provided hasbeen obtained from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed as toaccuracy and completeness. optionsXpress makes every effort to providetimely information to its recipients but cannot guarantee specificdelivery times due to factors beyond our control.

Futures involve substantial risk and are not appropriate for all investors. Please read the "Disclosure Statement for Futures and Options" prior to investing in futures or options.

For investments using a straddle or strangle options strategy thepotential loss is unlimited. Multi-leg option strategies are subject tomultiple commissions. Profits may be eroded by the commission expendedto open and close the positions and other risks apply.

"

---

View Mike Zarembski's post archive >