Monthly Archives: January 2012

Fitch Cuts Credit Ratings –

Fitch lowered the credit ratings for the sovereign debt of five Euro region nations.  The five nations included Italy, Spain, Belgium, Cyprus, and Slovenia.  The credit rating for Italy was cut to A- and the rating for Spain fell to A.  Italy has the … Continue reading

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Energy Department Lowers Marcellus Shale Estimate –

The U.S. Department of Energy lowered their estimate of natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale.  The previous estimate of 410 trillion cubic feet has been adjusted to 141 trillion cubic feet.  Energy Department estimates are based on reserves that can … Continue reading

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Natural Gas Falls Over 6% –

Natural gas fell more than 6% in trading on Thursday and settled at $2.3220 per 1,000 cubic feet.  Natural gas supplies have steadily increased and warmer than normal weather is expected over the next few weeks.  Gasoline and crude oil fell … Continue reading

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Nine European Nations Downgraded –

Standard & Poor’s downgraded the sovereign debt of nine European nations on Friday.  France and Austria lost their AAA ratings and were lowered to AA+.  In addition, the sovereign debt was downgraded for Spain, Italy, and Portugal.  Four European nations that … Continue reading

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Crude Oil Supplies Rise –

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, crude oil supplies rose by 5 million barrels last week.  In addition, gasoline inventories rose 3.6 million barrels and distillates increased by 4 million barrels.  All of the inventory increases were well above … Continue reading

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Oil Rises On Economic Growth Outlook –

Crude oil rose to $103.41 during afternoon trading and settled at $102. 24 a barrel.  An improved outlook for US economic growth also sent the stock market to a five month high.  In addition, tensions in Iran and Nigeria raised supply concerns … Continue reading

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Natural Gas Edges Up –

Natural gas rose slightly at the end of the week and closed at $3.062.  Forecasts of colder weather countered inventory reports which had sent natural gas prices lower.  Colder weather is expected in the Northeast for January 16th through the 20th.    Warmer than normal … Continue reading

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Euro Trades Lower –

The European debt crisis has forced the Euro lower in trading over the last few months.  Recent weeks have shown a steeper decline as recessionary concerns mounted and the debt crisis remained unresolved.  The Euro fell below $1.27 in Friday trading before … Continue reading

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Federal Reserve To Release Forecasts –

The Federal Reserve has announced that they will release their forecasts for the Federal funds rate.  The move will increase transparency at the Federal Reserve at may help with financial planning for businesses and investors.  Monetary policy expectations should be released at the … Continue reading

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Silver Rises Two Percent –

Silver started off the new year by gaining two percent in trading on Tuesday.  Silver dropped almost 10 percent in 2011.  Gold also rose slightly and settled up .4 percent at $1,573.70.  Gold finished up 10 percent for 2011. To read a … Continue reading

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