Chinese Trade Data's Ripple Effect: Navigating Oil Price Dynamics

Chinese trade data only a temporary distraction
Recovery not as bullish as it first appears
Divergence a red flag

Oil prices are advancing again today after briefly dipping on Tuesday following some weaker Chinese trade figures.

While that data did appear to trigger some profit-taking in crude, it was never going to be a game-changer as oil market dynamics have turned much more bullish recently.

Furthermore, weak global trade and an uninspiring Chinese rebound this year are not new stories. The numbers were naturally disappointing but nothing more. That the price recovered from the lows yesterday, following a quite large decline, to end the day in the green says everything you need to know.

Momentum is still an issue and it has been waning over the last week or so even as price has made new highs. This could be a sign of exhaustion and unless that changes, these sell-offs will remain a concern and the rebounds unconvincing.

The stochastic and MACD histogram both failed to make new highs last week alongside the price creating a divergence. In itself, that’s not necessarily bearish but it is a red flag and indicates the trend is weakening. With the price now approaching $87-$88, an area that has been a significant zone of resistance this year, it may come as a concern.

Of course, momentum could return again and confirm the moves that we’re seeing in the price but as it stands, it’s lacking. The move above the 200/233-day simple moving average band was a very positive move but Brent is up more than 20% since the end of June so a corrective move wouldn’t come as a major surprise.

Craig Erlam

Based in London, Craig Erlam joined OANDA in 2015 as a market analyst. With many years of experience as a financial market analyst and trader, he focuses on both fundamental and technical analysis while producing macroeconomic commentary. His views have been published in the Financial Times, Reuters, The Telegraph and the International Business Times, and he also appears as a regular guest commentator on the BBC, Bloomberg TV, FOX Business and SKY News. Craig holds a full membership to the Society of Technical Analysts and is recognised as a Certified Financial Technician by the International Federation of Technical Analysts.