Preseason

February natural gas futures retreated Tuesday as traders had to navigate both a strong dollar and seasonal analyses showing a deferral of the preseason low by up to two months. February futures skidded 15.9 cents to $4.642 , and the March contract dropped 18.2 cents to $4.631. The expiring February crude oil contract enjoyed last-minute buying and rose $2.23 to $38.74, but more distant contracts fell.