Natural gas – which I bought in 2 increments (through an individual stock, and through the ETF, UNG) has pulled back a lot recently. While my gas stock is still above its cost, the UNG is under water. I first spoke about Nat gas in early October on this blog. At ValueTrend, we sold our oil positions at a profit when WTI was over $50, as noted on this Oct. 19th blog. But we maintained our position in natural gas. The reasoning behind this is threefold:
Seasonality—as noted in my early October blog, Nat gas can be seasonally strong from October to year-end. Oil, on the other hand, tends to peak in October and underperform into February. While the oil trade has followed the seasonal pattern, Nat gas appears to be trading against that pattern. However, its early in the season, so I would like to give it a little longer (a number of days, at least) to see if it can’t find some support, and ideally a return to the trendline. Equityclock’s chart is below:
Trend—My main reason for maintaining the gas position has been the trend. Nat gas put in what appeared to be a complex bottom with a neckline at $2.60, and another at $3.00. The $3 breakout kept the trade on its black trendline –as seen on the chart below. As we speak, this $3 support is being tested, and the trendline is cracking. However, its early. As I have noted in the past, you need to give a break of a trendline or support a few days to confirm if a break of the trendline is real – or just a spike.
Technical factors – Positive moneyflow trends (bottom pane) and positive moneyflow momentum (top pane) suggest money hasn’t left the room yet for Nat gas. MACD, the slower momentum index (second pane from the bottom), is still positive. So is comparative strength vs. the S&P 500. The faster moving indicators stochastics and RSI (the two panes below the price chart) have rounded over bearishly. So- it appears that the bulk of the longer termed indicators (moneyflow, MACD and rel. strength) are bullish, while the shorter termed indicators (RSI, Stochastics) are bearish.
All in, we will sell the Nat gas ETF next week if it doesn’t show a turnaround, but we do plan to give it the benefit of the doubt for now.
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4 Comments
Hi Keith,
Just finished reading your book Sideways and loved it.
Like to hear your opinion regards to health sector. Would you recommend to hold position, if someone already own position or sell them now and buy it back after the election?
Thanks,
Harj
Thanks Harj
This is a good idea for a blog. We sold out of the sector some time ago, and its worth revisiting the charts–look for something next week here
And glad you like the book–feel free to review it on Amazon–it all helps!
Hi Keith,
In keeping with the natural gas theme do you see any upside for the ZJN, the BMO Junior Gas Index. This ETF also did an October dive after reaching a 52 week high in late September. Although somewhat thin in volume, I think it’s trading around a $16.60 support point. I’m inclined to hold it for the time being and see where it goes, in spite of a number of short term bearish indicators. Your comments would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
Joe
I’d say the same thing for ZJN as I do for my positions mentioned in the blog–that is, yes, there is some risk, but the favorable factors still convince me to hold out for a while –also, gas is oversold. But I wont hold forever. I’m out by the end of the year – or earlier. I’m watching this closely.