Part of the problem for the whole group is that nickel is selling for a two year low this morning at $9.19. On the day, it's off 22 cents. I was surprised when the metal did not hold $10.00. If prices continue to prevail under the $10 level, nickel may elect to trade down to its next major support area of about $8.

Copper in the past days made an attempt to get past its old highs above $4 but it's trading lower at $3.77, off 12 cents on the day.

The whole base metals sector is in decline. Hopefully, things start moving higher again but for the moment, this is the way it is.

I recently read where people are concerned with the higher market evaluation of FNC compared to Probe's. I just noticed that the faster moving MACD(12,26) divergence moving average line for FNC just sold under the other slower moving one. Usually, this signals weakness ahead. I also noticed on the FNC chart that the shares have been beating their head against resistance from the higher 100 and 200 day moving average lines, $1.95 and $1.80 respectively, and are showing signs of exhaustion. It would not be unexpected for FNC to trade lower in the days ahead, possibly, to the recent support area of $1.40. Hopefully, for FNC shareholders this doesn't happen but it's always important to know where you stand with market variables.

All in all, the recognized better relative strength of FNC over PRB appears headed for some contraction. This basically is no more than the ever changing ripple effect between two compared markets.

Also, disturbing is the continuing weakness in NOT shares. Historical relative strength over-bought/over-sold ranges indicate NOT is nearing rally mode posture as it is at the 20 over-sold level. The over-bought level is much higher at 80.

Good luck to all shareholders in the ROF issues!!

P.S. One last thing: If all the hedge funds formed a country of their own and pooled their money they would be the 10th wealthiest nation. Do you think it is past them to drive the price of nickel lower so they could cover all their naked shorts in nickel related exploration companies in the absence of news??? There is no question that naked short selling criminals are looking to stampede the public that participated in the buying frenzy that took place in these issues back in September of last year.

The naked shorts are always on the look-out for rising share prices and expanding volume where they are able to establish big positions and they do have the money to squeeze them lower for months.

Sorry to be going on with all this that most people already know about but until regulators are pushed into doing their jobs these people will continue to steal ourmoney. Jim Puplava says the FBI has more of a willing ear than the SEC has when it comes to stock bashers and other perpetrators. Jim says go to fbi.gov and select report a crime if you have something specific to report. Yes, you can report a stock basher in this country to the FBI. Everyone should listen to all of Jim Puplava's broadcasts at financialsense.com as he is getting proactive in going after the criminals.