Fossil Fuels in Focus as Hurricane Season Begins
U.S. hurricane season kicked off over the weekend, as the time period between June 1st and November 30th of each year brings special attention to these storms. Aside from the devastation they can bring to the areas they hit, these storms can also have a big impact on the commodity world (albeit short-term). Few commodities feel the brunt of the blow more than fossil fuels [for more commodity news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
March Backwardation Report: Energy Futures Downward Sloping
Backwardation is the process by which futures contracts decrease in price as they move further out in maturity. This can often be due to the expectation of future prices or trends in a certain hard asset, but it can also occur from supply boosts, among other things. Though it is not a phenomenon that should worry investors, keeping an eye on the futures curve can help you make more informed investment decisions [for more commodity news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
The Hidden Cause of Rising Gas Prices
By now, you have probably noticed that prices at the pump have been anything but kind. Gasoline prices have been steadily rising in the U.S. as the summer months continue to heat up. While it is true that gasoline prices are typically higher during the warmer months as demand also rises, the current spike is also due to some behind the scenes issues that many consumers may not be aware of [for more gasoline news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Backwardation Report: Cotton, Crude and Gasoline Face Falling Prices
Backwardation is the process where near-month futures are more expensive than those expiring later in time, which creates a downward sloping curve for prices over time. It is a natural occurrence in the commodity world, but it’s still a phenomenon that traders need to be aware of. Often, a falling futures curve could mean that the market expects the commodity to take a drop in value or that it is currently overpriced [for more commodity futures news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
20 Must-Read Quotes About the Commodity Industry
When it comes to investing, we often look to experts and top traders, not just to learn their secrets, but to be inspired by their success. Quotes from top commodity traders and experts in the commodities market can serve to illuminate, invigorate, and motivate our research and trading. Below, we outline 20 of our favorite quotes about the hard-asset industry that all investors should know [for more commodity investing news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
The Best And Worst Energy ETFs Of 2012
The energy sector has been anything but stable this year, as commodities as a whole suffered at the hands of volatile trading. Crude oil prices surged all across the board while popular natural gas struggled to maintain a direction. With 2012 coming to a close, we take a look back on the year and outline the best and worst performing energy ETFs. Note that this list excludes leveraged and inverse products [for more energy ETF news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Gasoline Futures Catch Fire
The past few days have seen a number of factors combine to push gasoline prices higher. The most notable price drive came from hurricane Sandy, which wreaked havoc on the east coast and caused what some are estimating tens of billions of dollars in damages. With pipelines and stations around the country knocked out by the “superstorm”, gasoline futures have been on a 10% tear in the trailing 5 days, with more than 5% coming today [for more gasoline news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Commodities To Watch in Sandy’s Wake
Markets were closed late last night in preparation for hurricane Sandy, as the storm has its sights set on the east coast. With approximately 50 million people in its projected path, Sandy is predicted to dump unprecedented amounts of rain that could cause an 11 foot rise in some areas of the coast line. “From North Carolina to Maine, forecasters warned that Sandy was likely to collide with a cold front and spawn a “superstorm” that could generate flash floods, snowstorms and massive power outages” write Chelsea J. Carter and Josh Levs.
