Advertisement
Advertisement

Natural Gas News: Bulls Defend $2.091 Support, Awaiting Bullish Weather Boost

By:
James Hyerczyk
Published: Aug 19, 2024, 13:39 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

  • Natural gas futures rise as bulls target $2.315, supported by bullish sentiment after testing $2.091.
  • Last week's price swings driven by weather forecasts and profit-taking; market weighs short-term demand dips.
  • Sizzling heat in the western U.S. could spike cooling demand, but cooler Northeast weather tempers expectations.
  • EIA reports rare August storage withdrawal; cooling demand and lower gas production tighten supply-demand balance.
  • Geopolitical tensions and reduced investment slow new gas projects, complicating global supply chains and market dynamics.
Natural Gas

In this article:

Natural Gas Futures Heat Up: Will Bulls Seize Control?

U.S. natural gas futures are gaining ground as the market begins a new trading week. Prices are moving up after testing the minor pivot at $2.091, with bullish traders targeting the main top at $2.315.

At 13:29 GMT, Natural Gas Futures are trading $2.184, up $0.061 or +2.87%.

Rollercoaster Week: Prices Ride the Weather Wave

The previous week saw price swings due to changing weather forecasts and market sentiment. Prices initially rose but later retreated as traders collected profits and forecasts predicted milder weather. Currently, the market weighs bullish storage data against potential short-term demand decreases.

Sizzling Temperatures Fuel Demand Surge

NatGasWeather reports “very warm to hot high pressure will rule much of the western, central and southern U.S.” this week, with highs from the upper 80s to 100s. This heat is expected to increase cooling demand, supporting natural gas use. However, recent predictions of cooler weather in the Northeast and Midwest have moderated demand expectations.

Storage Shocker: Rare Summer Withdrawal Jolts Market

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported an unusual midsummer storage withdrawal, the first in August since 2006. This reduction reflects higher cooling demand during high temperatures, indicating a tightening supply-demand balance. Furthermore, lower gas production levels, at 100.6 Bcf/d, have bolstered market support.

Global Chess Game: Geopolitics and Investment Shake-up

The natural gas market faces obstacles from reduced capital spending and ongoing international tensions. Less investment has slowed new project development, while conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to affect global supply chains. Europe’s growing reliance on U.S. LNG imports adds another layer to the market outlook.

Crystal Ball Gazing: What’s Next for Natural Gas?

The natural gas market shows a cautiously positive short-term outlook. The confirmation of a bullish reversal pattern and tightening supply suggest potential price increases. However, variable weather may restrict demand growth. Traders should watch the key support level at $2.091 and resistance at $2.315. A move above $2.315 could indicate a bullish trend, while falling below $2.091 might lead to retesting the recent low at $1.882.

Daily Natural Gas

Trading Tactics: Eyes on Key Levels

As the week unfolds, savvy traders will keep a close watch on crucial price points. The $2.315 level remains a critical threshold; breaching it could spark a significant rally. Conversely, a drop below $2.091 might trigger a sell-off. With supply tightening and weather patterns in flux, the natural gas market promises an exciting week ahead for traders ready to capitalize on potential opportunities.

 

About the Author

James is a Florida-based technical analyst, market researcher, educator and trader with 35+ years of experience. He is an expert in the area of patterns, price and time analysis as it applies to futures, Forex, and stocks.

Advertisement