Ignited by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, natural gas futures climbed within striking distance of $5.000/MMBtu early in Thursday’s session. Traders struggled, however, in weighing the global implications of war with more bearish domestic factors, and volatility ensued in the last half hour of trading. The March Nymex contract ultimately expired at $4.568, down 5.5 cents from Wednesday’s close. April futures, however, moved up 4.8 cents to $4.641.

At A Glance:

  • Russia attack roils energy markets
  • EIA delivers another loose stat
  • Warmer weather ahead

Spot gas prices continued to strengthen as cold weather lingered, with Northeast markets trading well into the $20.000 range. NGI’s Spot Gas National Avg. climbed 76.5 cents to $6.475.

The news of Russia’s attack on...