Mining Shares Run into Chart Resistance

The mining shares, as evidenced by the HUI, have been very strong over the last three weeks making a nice run from near the 220 level all the way to 280. It is at this latter level that they have hit a wall for the time being. It was this same level back in late May/early June of this year which stymied their upward progress and sent them back to a test of the 245 level, a test which they subsequently failed before making a final low just below 210.

For now this level has been reinforced on the price chart. Translation - bears are digging in up at the recently made highs in the stocks that compose this particular index.

Based on some swing pattern analysis, the HUI has the potential to make a move lower into the 245 region ( the rectangular red box labeled support) where, if the uptrend is going to continue, they should uncover some decent buying.


If that were to fail, the index could sink back into the former gap region which extends down to 235. I would not expect that to fail should it happen for if it did, it would foreshadow a move back to 220.

For the bulls to ignite a sharper advance, 280 needs to be cleared and HELD.

The gold market is going to be very similar to the crude oil market for the near term in the sense of volatility tied to the situation in Syria. While I believe that gold has priced in a missile strike, I am unclear as to the extent or duration of such a strike. If it is indeed the pin prick which many feel it will be, it will accomplish nothing and will soon be forgotten. If it were to escalate into something deeper, then I feel that gold and crude will react more strongly.

The President's foolish blustering about "red lines" and ultimatums have boxed him into a  corner in which he appears buffoonish and inept if he does nothing but which runs a serious risk of further undermining the already sinking credibility of the US if the response is seen as a mere effort for him to save political face.

This is not our battle as there is no good outcome to intervening in this internal fight in a nation that has not threatened us or our allies directly. Either way, we will have to stay on our toes as traders as no one can be quite sure how all of this is going to play out or of the market reaction.