Precious Metals began a long anticipated correction a few weeks ago, but it was somewhat interrupted by news of Warren Buffett buying a stake in Barrick Gold (GOLD). The Buffett bounce has passed and the correction could reassert itself, as the path of least resistance remains to the downside. 

The weekly chart we posted a few weeks ago, which helped us identify the likelihood of a reversal to the downside, can also help us spot strong support levels and a potential low. First, note the candles of the past four weeks (shown at the right edge of the image). They show distribution and are bearish.

For GDX, $37 was the previous resistance and figures to be tested as support. It marked important lows in 2009 and 2012, as well as resistance in May 2020 and is also a strong Fibonacci level. For GDXJ, $50 marks the previous seven year resistance level. Now, it becomes obvious strong support. 

GDX & GDXJ Weekly Candles

Turning to the metals, we see two obvious bearish candles for the past two weeks. Gold already corrected $200 (10%), and silver already corrected 20% before the bounce. But, the rebound should fade over the days ahead.

Gold has strong support in the upper $1700's, and silver has strong support around $21. 

Gold & Silver Weekly

Corrections are a function of price and time. Sometimes they can be sharp in price, but brief in time. Sometimes they are mild in price, but extended in terms of time.

Corrections in gold mining stocks during the 2000's tended to follow a distinct pattern. Most of the damage in price was done very quickly. Depending on the degree of the correction (intermediate or minor), this could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Then, the market consolidated or chopped back and forth for a longer period.

If the miners continue to follow the 2008-2009 recovery analog, then the correction in terms of time probably will not last longer than a few months. The correction in price could end on this next leg lower. While there will be a few buying opportunities as the market chops around, the first opportunity could come as soon as the next week or two.