Spot silver is edging lower Thursday after hitting its highest level since July 6 at $62.91. At first, the breakout over the 50-day moving average at $62.36 suggested the buying was getting stronger. However, the sudden reversal and break back under the 50-day moving average suggest the move may have been a bull trap.
The 50-day moving average, today’s intraday high at $62.91 and the July 6 swing top at $63.28 are now resistance levels.
The first downside target is the long-term 50% level at $60.835. If a test of this level fails to bring in buyers, look for a potential break into the retracement zone at $58.84 to $57.89.
Since the swing chart trend indicator turned up Wednesday, traders may have shifted into buy-the-dip mode. The first area they are likely to defend is $60.835, followed by $58.84 to $57.89. They are likely to remain in this mode until the swing bottom at $56.64 is violated.
A sustained move over the intraday high at $62.91 could trigger a test of $63.28. Taking out this swing top would reaffirm the uptrend and put the 200-day moving average at $71.01 on the radar.
What to Watch
Silver ran hard for two sessions on lower oil, a falling dollar and shrinking rate-hike odds. All three stalled Thursday and the metal is pulling back from the overnight high. The rally was a macro relief trade and macro relief trades need the relief to continue. Friday’s payrolls is the catalyst. Soft hiring and weaker wages keep the dollar under pressure and give silver room to hold above the breakout. Firm wages and solid hiring put the September trade back together and the pullback from $62.91 has further to go.
The breakout above the 50-day moving average failed to hold and that is a concern. Buyers who shifted into buy-the-dip mode after Wednesday’s trend change have to defend the first support area or the rally loses credibility fast. A strong jobs number on top of a failed breakout gives sellers everything they need.
More Information in our Economic Calendar.