US Conference Board Consumer Confidence rose from 111.9 to 115.8 in December, above expectation of 111.1. Present Situation Index dropped from 144.4 to 144.1. Expectations Index rose from 90.2 to 96.9.
“Consumer confidence improved further in December, following a very modest gain in November,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “The Present Situation Index dipped slightly but remains very high, suggesting the economy has maintained its momentum in the final month of 2021. Expectations about short-term growth prospects improved, setting the stage for continued growth in early 2022. The proportion of consumers planning to purchase homes, automobiles, major appliances, and vacations over the next six months all increased.”
“Meanwhile, concerns about inflation declined after hitting a 13-year high last month as did concerns about COVID-19, despite reports of continued price increases and the emergence of the Omicron variant. Looking ahead to 2022, both confidence and consumer spending will continue to face headwinds from rising prices and an expected winter surge of the pandemic.”
Full release here.
WTI oil extending rally, eyeing 77.2 projection level
Oil prices follow broad based risk-on sentiments and jumped higher this week. Investors seem to be getting Omicron worries behind, as the health impacts of infection look much milder than feared.
With the strong break of 55 day EMA, WTI’s pull back from 85.92 has likely completed at 62.90 already. Immediate focus is now on 100% projection of 62.90 to 73.66 from 66.46 at 77.22. Firm break there could bring upside acceleration to 161.8% projection at 83.86.
For now, we’re viewing the pattern from 85.92 has a sideway corrective pattern, with range set between 61.90 and 85.92. Hence, we’d not expecting a break of 85.92 any time soon. Instead, there should at least be one more falling leg to complete the pattern. Let’s see.