Well, here we are.
Again, this is nothing unusual. As you can see below, the year 2017 saw three such occurrences. Each time, price fell $35-45 below the 200-day moving average before reversing.
Let's explain the chart above in greater detail so that you fully understand what is about to take place.
First of all, perhaps up to 90% of all COMEX gold volume is executed via computer programs and HFT. As an oversimplified explanation, think of these Spec machines buying COMEX gold exposure when the technical signals are positive and, conversely, selling their COMEX gold exposure when the technical signals turn negative.
In this case, the 200-day moving average is a KEY technical indicator, and once price breaks below that level, the Spec machines begin dumping COMEX gold almost indiscriminately.
This process "flushes" the accumulated Spec long positions, and it is into this Spec selling that the Commercials (Banks) buy back and cover some of their short positions. Once the market structure is "washed and rinsed", the entire process of Spec buying/Bank selling begins anew.
In the flush of May 2 – May 9 2017, price fell $45 below the 200-day, and the Large Speculator NET long position was reduced from 189,600 contracts to 150,006. With price below the 200-day, the Large Spec NET position continued to fall the next week to just 126,724 contracts for a total two-week decline of 33%. Price then rallied $80 in three weeks as the Large Spec NET position grew back to 204,500 contracts.
In the flush of June 27 - July 11, price fell $35 below the 200-day, and the Large Speculator NET long position was reduced from 131,600 contracts to 60,300 for a decline of 54%. Price then rallied $140 over the next two months as the Large Spec NET position grew back to 254,700 contracts.
And in the flush of Nov 29 - Dec 12, price fell $40 below the 200-day, and the Large Speculators NET long position was reduced from 224,400 contracts to 107,100 for a decline of 52%. Price then rallied $130 over the next seven weeks as the Large Spec NET position grew back to 214,700 contracts.
So, here we are again.
As I type on Tuesday, price has fallen $15 today, and it is currently about $10 below the 200-day for the front month, Jun18 contract. Thus it will very likely close below the 200-day today, and the next Spec flush should begin in earnest tomorrow or later this week.
Since nothing has changed fundamentally, there's no reason not to expect a repeat of the recent pattern. Price will very likely soon fall to $35-45 below the 200-day. As you can see below, this would imply something near $1275-1280.
If the pattern repeats, not only will price fall, but the Large Spec NET long position will decline, too.
The CoT report surveyed last Tuesday revealed a Large Spec NET long position that was already at just 136,700 contracts. By the survey of next Tuesday, May 8, expect that position to be trimmed by half to about 70,000 contracts and, from there, the stage will be set for the next rally.
What does this mean for the gold investor?
Simply put, gold is about to be "on sale".
I have a friend who is planning a purchase of about 20 ounces of gold. If he waits a week or so, he'll likely save himself almost $1000 dollars. With his "savings", he might be able to buy 21 ounces instead! And for the individual trader/speculator, it appears that an opportunity to take a long position will soon present itself.
In the end, if you understand the forces at work that move the COMEX price, you can benefit by timing your purchases.
And physical gold must continue to be purchased and stacked, for it is your only protection against the ongoing monetary madness.
- Source, Sprott Money Blog
