Investors Making Big Bets on Natural Gas
This summer has shaped up quite differently than the one just a year ago, throwing a wrench into a number of commodities. 2012 was the warmest calendar year in U.S. history, and the summer was especially hot. This year has been a different story, as temperatures have remained relatively low with only a few heat waves in comparison to 2012. While it may be nice to save on electric bills and still stay cool, the lower temperatures have presented natural gas with an uphill battle in a time when it usually flourishes [for more natural gas news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
What Obama’s Energy Plan Means For Commodities Investors
After years of environmental acts dying in Congress, President Obama is taking action by finally outlining a green plan for the U.S. Calling a press event at Georgetown University earlier this week, Obama discussed his goals: reducing carbon pollution, promoting green energy, and cooperating with both developed and emerging economies to ensure global involvement. Many on the Hill have already objected to Obama’s goals and his use of executive orders to avoid Congressional approval, saying that the American worker will lose in this plan [for more commodity news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Soybean Prices Set To Simmer
With applications in oils, animal feed and in our own meals, soybeans have become a staple crop in the U.S. and many other nations. While soybeans are originally from Southeast Asia, with Chinese farmers among the first to domesticate the crop, the U.S. currently both produces and exports more than any country in the world. But holding the majority of the world’s supply of this legume has made the U.S. extremely vulnerable to a new trend that looks to have a big impact on the commodity’s price [for more commodity news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Natural Gas Taking A Major Hit
Natural gas has been one of the most watched commodities of the past five years. After bottoming out following the 2008 recession, the fossil fuel has managed to claw back some of the ground it gave up. Many were hoping that this summer would solidify that run higher, but those who did had their expectations tempered, as the commodity has been among the worst performing over the last two weeks. Natural gas prices have dropped more than 9% since the end of May, as a number of factors have combined to hit prices hard [for more natural gas news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
The Uncertain Future For Coal
It used to be that coal dominated energy consumption around the world, as this fossil fuel was both abundant and relatively cheap to use. But as big oil stepped in, the past few decades have seen dependence on coal cool off. In more recent years, coal has taken an even bigger hit as developed countries have attacked the fuel source for its negative environmental impact. As fracking continues to pick up steam and alternative energy sources enjoy growth, many are left wondering what the future holds for coal [for more coal news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
