Options

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is taking steps to review high-frequency trading (HFT) in the futures, swaps and options markets three months after the collapse of MF Global Holdings Ltd., which took with it an estimated $1.2 billion in customer funds.

December natural gas settled modestly higher Tuesday as traders prepared for a double whammy in the form of a government inventory report and options expiration Wednesday. In addition, December futures expire Monday following an extended holiday period. At the end of the day December had added 1.6 cents to $3.415 and January had tacked on 0.3 cent to $3.561. January crude oil added $1.09 to $98.01.

The cash market finally succumbed to the realities of generally light weather-based demand and the further shrinkage of storage injection options by recording sizeable declines almost across the board Thursday. The November futures contract’s return to losing ways Wednesday following a scant one-day rally Tuesday was a further bearish influence.

Williams CEO Alan Armstrong said last week the company continues to “evaluate all options” in an attempt to merge with Southern Union Co. but questions about whether it will attempt to trump Energy Transfer Equity LP’s latest bid went unanswered.

Williams CEO Alan Armstrong said Tuesday the company continues to “evaluate all options” in an attempt to merge with Southern Union Co., but he declined to offer additional details.

ExxonMobil Corp. and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. are considering options to jointly develop two mega-discoveries in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM).

ExxonMobil Corp. and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. are considering options to jointly develop two mega-discoveries in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM).

Sempra Energy is one of many U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal operators weighing its options for exporting domestic supplies as LNG given North America’s relatively low gas prices for gas. The LNG unit for the San Diego-based energy holding company said last week it will seek a partner to share the market risks of a liquefaction project.

Sempra Energy is one of many U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal operators weighing its options for exporting domestic supplies as LNG given North America’s relatively bargain prices for gas compared to Europe and Asia. The LNG unit for the San Diego-based energy holding company said Tuesday it would seek a partner to share the market risks of a liquefaction project.