$NG: Bearish decline now switched off, potential reversal on!Bearish Decline from June to August 2024
The AMEX:NG market has experienced a significant bearish trend, beginning from the high of $3.192 on 11 June 2024. This marked a crucial peak before prices entered into a pronounced downtrend. The decline intensified after 25 June 2024, following three failed attempts to breach the declining trendline. These failed tests solidified the bearish momentum, driving prices lower as market participants lost confidence in the possibility of a reversal.
The initial phase of this downtrend was marked by steep declines as bearish sentiment dominated the market. Prices continued to fall sharply, with little to no relief rallies, reflecting a market overwhelmed by selling pressure. However, the decline began to decelerate around 9 July 2024, transitioning from a steep drop to a slower, more gradual downtrend. This period of slower decline lasted for about a month until 7 August 2024, when a notable shift in momentum began to emerge.
Shift in Momentum and Trend Reversal
On 7 August 2024, the natural gas market began showing signs of a potential reversal. This shift was confirmed when prices broke through the yellow trendline that had defined the bearish decline. The break of this trendline was significant, as it indicated that the market was no longer confined to the downward trajectory that had dominated since mid-June.
Following this breakout, the price rapidly tested and retested the original bearish gradient around 8 August 2024. This action suggests that the market was determining whether the bearish trendline would now act as resistance or if the breakout was strong enough to sustain a new upward trend. The successful breach and subsequent holding above this gradient marked the beginning of what appears to be a new bullish phase.
Potential Price Rise and Resistance Levels
With the trend reversal underway, the market is now poised to test key resistance levels. The immediate target is the resistance around $2.47, which represents an 11% increase from current levels. This target is realistic given the support levels identified at $2.16 and $1.91, which have provided a foundation for the recent price action.
The white line on the chart suggests potential price rise fluctuations, leading to $2.47 by 27 August 2024. This would represent a significant recovery from the lows and could set the stage for further bullish momentum.
If the bullish momentum that began around 5 August 2024 continues, the market could see a high-velocity price change between $2.47 and $2.87, representing a 12% increase. This scenario is plausible if supportive factors, such as clearer forecasts of winter demand and inventory reports, continue to drive market sentiment. The blue rectangle on the chart and corresponding volumes indicate that increased trading activity and bullish interest are backing this potential rise.
The timeline for reaching $2.77 by 13 September 2024 is also feasible, representing a 25% increase from current levels. This would require sustained bullish momentum and possibly some positive fundamental news regarding supply-demand dynamics as the market approaches the winter season, a period typically associated with higher natural gas demand.
Conclusion
The natural gas market is currently in a critical phase, transitioning from a prolonged bearish decline to a potential bullish reversal. The key levels to watch are the $2.47 resistance, followed by $2.87 if the bullish trend strengthens. Market participants should monitor volume trends, winter demand forecasts, and inventory reports, as these factors will likely influence the market's trajectory in the coming weeks. The timeline to mid-September 2024 will be crucial in determining whether this bullish reversal can be sustained, potentially leading to a significant recovery in natural gas prices.
