Bisecting

Buoyed by stronger cash market prices driven by a storm bisecting the country Thursday, natural gas prices floated higher throughout the session as traders cautiously covered short positions initiated in the month-long decline. The March contract finished at $2.138 and by virtue of its 5.8-cent advance secured its third straight up-day. There was less interest in the back months, which limited the 12-month strip to a 1.2-cent gain and $2.518 close. Volume was weak, with 75,990 contracts changing hands.