Natural Gas did very little on Thursday again, as we are stagnating near a potential breakout.
In the Thursday trading session, the natural gas market experienced a slight decline of 0.5% in early electronic trading, but managed to maintain its position above the 50-Day Exponential Moving Average. This current market state suggests the potential formation of a bottoming pattern, indicating the likelihood of sideways movements in the near term. A multitude of factors contribute to the market’s relatively subdued nature, chief among them being the reduced demand during the summer season in the northern hemisphere. Furthermore, investors are closely monitoring industrial demand amid the possibility of a global recession, which could significantly impact electricity consumption and, consequently, affect the natural gas market. However, despite these uncertainties, the market exhibits promising signs, especially as the winter months approach, leading to a potential increase in natural gas demand for heating purposes in homes.
During the summer season, the northern hemisphere typically experiences a period of reduced demand for natural gas. As industrial activity slows down, there is less consumption of electricity, leading to a corresponding decline in natural gas usage. As a result, the market often enters a relatively calm phase, characterized by prices trading in a sideways pattern.
However, as the winter season approaches, market sentiment may take a bullish turn. Natural gas plays a crucial role in heating many households during the colder months, particularly in the United States. If the country experiences a heatwave during this period, the demand for natural gas could surge, subsequently driving prices higher. Therefore, investors are advised to closely monitor weather forecasts and their potential impact on demand during the winter season.
Another significant driver for the natural gas market is the geopolitical situation in Europe. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to disruptions in the region’s natural gas supply, prompting the need for alternative sources. Despite higher costs, European countries may turn to the United States for liquefied natural gas (LNG) while the conflict persists.
Traders and investors should pay special attention to the $3.00 price level in the natural gas market. This level holds both psychological significance as a round number and practical importance due to the presence of options barriers. If the market breaks above this level, it is likely to garner significant attention from traders, potentially leading to a bullish trend.
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Being FXEmpire’s analyst since the early days of the website, Chris has over 20 years of experience across various markets and assets – currencies, indices, and commodities. He is a proprietary trader as well trading institutional accounts.