Whoa RayBrown, that's a lot of back research. I'm undecided...

Whoa RayBrown, that's a lot of back research.
I'm undecided about BHP right now. I sold my holdings today, went short for a 30c gain, and am sitting out.
I am honestly unsure of the direction at this moment as I haven't had enough time to look over the charts.

Based purely on my general thoughts, I would assume that with BHP's current price, it would seem a pretty positive place to park big insto cash, as I am postulating that the market will see the outcome of feb 5th as positive no matter which direction it goes: ie - as we are all in agreement that they are unlikely to massively increase their bid for RIO, if RIO enters negotiations at a slightly higher ratio like 3.5:1, this will be positive for both companies (mostly BHP), and if BHP walks, then this will reflexely push the price up.

I can see more consolidation between 38-40 over the next few months, obviously dependent on movements in the US.

That's my initial take on the current position, without technicals.