Natural Gas Down For Sixth Day

  • December 30, 1999
  • Marc Dupee

Unseasonal warmth in the major consuming regions of the United States amid ample supplies are weighing on natural gas this morning: March is down 2.25%. Declines are being restrained by higher usage at gas-burning electricity generation plants as nuclear plants are cuttig back usage ahead of the Y2K calendar change.

In their last day trading of the century, soybeans are rising as traders cover short positions ahead of the long weekend. Forecasts for dry weather in Brazil, the world’s second exporter, are also giving a boost to beans.

A thin market is adding to volatility in coffee. Coffee is getting a lift from traders second-guessing a recent report from the Brazilian government showing estimates for a better-than-expected crop for the year 2000 growing season.

From the Momentum-5 List, Nasdaq 100 futures are surging again to new highs and the S&Ps are up slightly.

Here are the highlights around noon Eastern time:






























Stock Index and Bond Futures


  • March T-bonds [USH0>USH0]: +4/32 to 91 14/32
  • March S&Ps [SPH0>SPH0]: +2.30 to 1484.50
  • March Dow futures [DJH0>DJH0]: +28.0 to 11,648.0
  • March NASDAQ 100 futures [NDH0>NDH0]: +13.50 to 3758.00



Currencies


  • March dollar index futures [DXH0>DXH0]: +.28 to 101.86
  • March British pounds [BPH0>BPH0]: -.0064 to 1.6128


Energies

  • January crude [CLF0>CLF0]: -.15 to 26.32
  • January unleaded gas [HUF0>HUF0]: -.0035 to .7020


Metals

  • March silver [SIH0>SIH0]: -2.0 to 539.5


Grains


  • January soybeans [SF0>SF0]: +5 1/2 to 460
  • January soybean oil [BOF0>BOF0]: +.14 to 15.75


Meats


  • February lean hogs [LHG0>LHG0]: +.300 to 54.375


Softs and Fibers


  • March coffee [KCH0>KCH0]:+4.10 to 124.10
  • January orange juice [OJF0>OJF0]: -1.15 to 89.35