crude oil technical analysis
Technical Analysis

Crude Oil Futures (CL) Technical Analysis, 8 August

Technical Overview

Trend and Structure

CL Daily chart technical analysis
  • Crude oil continues to sell off after last week’s sharp rejection from the 200-day moving average ($67.86) and key pivot level ($68.50).
  • Price is now trading below both the 50-day and 200-day MAs, which flips the medium-term structure to bearish.
  • The breakdown below $66.60 confirms a short-term trend reversal after multiple failed attempts to establish a higher low.
  • There’s no clear support until the $62.30 S2 level, and beyond that, the next major test is $59.90 (S3) — a level not seen since early June.

Momentum & Volatility

  • Multiple consecutive red candles with narrow real bodies point to controlled selling pressure, not panic.
  • The failure to sustain any bullish impulse near resistance shows lack of dip-buying interest, at least for now.

Key Technical Levels

LevelTypeDescription
68.50Pivot (P)Prior rejection level, key resistance
66.6150DMABroken support turned resistance
62.31S2First strong support test
59.94S3Critical downside level
71.62R1Bullish breakout reclaim level

Probability Table

ScenarioEstimated ProbabilityCommentary
Continuation lower to test $62.30–$60.0055%Bearish structure, below key MAs, no support until S2
Minor bounce to retest 50MA (~$66.60)30%Could occur if $63.00 base holds intraday
Sharp reversal and reclaim of $68.50 (pivot)15%Needs a surprise geopolitical or supply-driven event

Trade Setups

Bearish Setup

  • Entry: On breakdown below $63.50
  • Target: $62.30 (S2), extend to $60.00 (S3)
  • Stop: Above $66.00 (back inside broken support)

Bullish Reversal Setup

  • Entry: Reclaim of $66.60 and daily close above
  • Target: $68.50 pivot, stretch target $71.60 (R1)
  • Stop: Below $64.00

Macro & Cross-Asset Context

  • Geopolitics: Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, oil is not reacting as bullishly as expected, suggesting demand concerns are outweighing supply fears.
  • USD Strength: A rebound in the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is pressuring oil by making it more expensive for non-dollar buyers.
  • Equity Weakness: Broader U.S. equity hesitation is adding to oil’s bearish tone, with risk-off sentiment curbing commodity appetite.

Final Takeaway

CL is vulnerable to deeper downside with sellers in control. A failure to hold above $63 could expose the market to a drop toward $60. Bulls need to step in soon — otherwise, this breakdown could develop into a broader trend reversal.