Commodities Update

Commodities Update: Nat Gas Hits New Session Highs Following Inventory Data -Update

The dollar index remains weak this morning, which is providing strength to most commodities. In the CRB Index, 16 of its 19 components are trading higher led by sugar +3.3%, wheat +3.0% and copper +2.9%.

Natural gas futures trended higher overnight, hitting session highs an hour before pit trading began. Ahead of inventory data it was $0.03 higher at $3.96 per MMBtu. Following the data, which showed a draw of 56 bcf versus consensus of a draw down of 42 bcf, natural gas pushed to new session highs and is now +0.096 at $4.03 per MMBtu.

Crude oil is back near the $100 level as commodities are seeing a broad-based rally. Ongoing events in Japan, a weak dollar and strength in the Nikkei are providing additional strength in crude this morning. In current trade, its +2.2% at $100.13 per barrel.

Precious metals are mixed after gold erased its overnight losses. Gold moved into positive territory near the end of the overnight session and has been in positive territory since. It has pulled back somewhat, but remains above the $1400 level at $1400.40 +4.30 (+0.3%). Silver has gained modestly in recent trade, but remains slightly lower at $34.38 -0.08 (or -0.2%)