Particularly in short term, NYMEX Eastern barge coal futures prices enjoy recently rare bullish week

摘要

Solid gains in the NYMEX Eastern barge coal futures market were fueled this past week by improvement in natural gas prices. Price increases were largest in the near term, indicating at least some demand for coal, probably to cover positions. Following five days of trading on the Central Appalachian Coal contract at the New York Mercantile Exchange, culminating with September 24 settlements, the October 2009 front month price was ahead a rather impressive 3.23 dollars, upward movement pretty consistent throughout the week. The November number was up 2.42 dollars, December a considerably more modest 95 cents.