Fresh Highs in Focus Post-Breakout

CRUDE OIL PRICES PUSH TOWARD YEAR-TO-DATE HIGHS FOLLOWING RANGE BREAK

• Crude oil price action has surged 7% higher so far this week as bulls wrestle back control
• Topside breakout above technical resistance opens the door to fresh year-to-date highs
• Fundamental outlook for crude oil remains constructive and could propel the commodity
• Sharpen your technical analysis, learn about WTI vs Brent, or review this oil trading guide

Crude oil bulls look to have regained control of price action after sending the commodity 7% higher so far this week. Oil prices now trade comfortably above prior resistance posed by the $62.00-handle with robust economic data likely helping fuel the move. This brings to focus potential for crude oil prices to continue its rebound back toward year-to-date highs.

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CRUDE OIL PRICE CHART: DAILY TIME FRAME (24 DEC 2020 TO 15 APR 2021)

Chart by @RichDvorakFX created using TradingView

Crude oil price action breaking out above $62.00/bbl coincided with a bullish MACD crossover and upswing in the relative strength index. This followed a breakout from an apparent falling wedge pattern, which are often formed during periods of consolidation. The upper Bollinger Band stands out as a nearside technical obstacle that might keep crude oil prices relatively contained.

Oil – US Crude
Mixed

Data provided by

of clients are net long.


of clients are net short.

Change in	Longs	Shorts	OI
Daily	2%	-1%	1%
Weekly	-16%	31%	0%

What does it mean for price action?

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Momentum behind the latest extension higher seems to have intensified and accelerated crude oil price volatility, however. This could lead to a Bollinger Band expansion, and statistically speaking, correspond with improved upside potential that facilitates higher crude oil prices. On the other hand, if crude oil bears attempt to make a push, the commodity could find buoyancy around its 50-day simple moving average.

Keep Reading – 8 Surprising Crude Oil Facts Every Trader Should Know

— Written by Rich Dvorak, Analyst for DailyFX.com

Connect with @RichDvorakFX on Twitter for real-time market insight