Hinted

With winter-like weather occupying or being hinted at in most areas, there was no surprise when all points were united in strong advances Wednesday. The previous day’s screen uptick of about a dime provided a bit of extra support for cash prices.

CMS Energy Corp., which hinted earlier this month that it would sell its Panhandle Eastern Pipeline, apparently has received at least three bids as well as interest by a few others to buy the natural gas interstate system, valued at more than $1.5 billion (see Daily GPI, Nov. 15 ). Suitors with offers on the table are said to be TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., Sempra Energy and American International Group (AIG).

CMS Energy Corp., which hinted earlier this month that it was working to sell Panhandle Eastern Pipeline, apparently has received at least three bids and interest by a few others to buy the natural gas interstate system, valued at more than $1.5 billion (see Daily GPI, Nov. 15). Suitors with offers on the table are said to be TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., Sempra Energy and American International Group (AIG).

Cash prices hinted Thursday that they’re not ready to settleinto the same kind of stagnation period that characterized much ofFebruary’s activity. Riding the momentum of a rising Henry Hubfutures contract, stronger crude oil futures (back over $13/bbl)and snowy weather in various regions, nearly all points roseanywhere from 2 cents to a dime with most increases in the vicinityof a nickel.