Nasdaq books fresh record close, S&P 500 logs weekly gain after U.S. jobs report
Friday market close) The week ended with technology...
Friday market close) The week ended with technology still in command following a sweet and sour jobs report that raised hopes the Federal Reserve will cut rates later this month.
Tech stocks led the way all week, and their large market capitalizations masked softness beneath the index level. By late today, two of the three major indexes traded higher even as seven of 11 S&P sectors lost ground. Only three sectors rose during the last week, but overall, the mood on Wall Street remains festive as the holidays approach
U.S. jobs growth revived in November to 227,000, the government said in its nonfarm payrolls report earlier today. That was just above the average analyst estimate of 218,000 and a major leap from October's storm-rattled weakness.
The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield finished near six-week lows and is down 30 basis points in the last three weeks. Here's where the major benchmarks ended:
The S&P 500® index (SPX) rose 15.16 points (0.25%) to 6,090.27 to end the week up 0.96%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average®($DJI) fell 123.19 points (–0.28%) to 44,642.52 to end the week down 0.60%; and the Nasdaq Composite®($COMP) added 159.05 points (0.81%) to 19,859.77 to end the week up 3.34%.
The 10-year Treasury note yield fell three basis points to 4.15% and was down three basis points for the week as well.
The CBOE Volatility Index®(VIX)dropped to 12.76, its lowest close since July 12.
Job creation bounced back in November after disruptions...
Job creation bounced back in November after disruptions from storms and a major strike, reinforcing an employment picture of modest expansion over the past few months.
The economy added 227,000 jobs last month, seasonally adjusted, the Labor Department reported on Friday. Revisions to the prior two months added 56,000 jobs.
Natural gas pulled back from session highs on Thursday as traders reacted...
Natural gas pulled back from session highs on Thursday as traders reacted to the EIA Natural Gas Storage report but quickly rebounded after the initial pullback. The storage draw missed analyst expectations, which is bearish for natural gas markets.
On December 5, 2024, EIA released its Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report. The report indicated that working gas in storage declined by -30 Bcf from the previous week, compared to an analyst forecast of -43 Bcf. Last week, working gas in storage decreased by -2 Bcf.
At current levels, stocks are 185 Bcf higher than last year and 284 Bcf above the five-year average for this time of the year. High storage levels serve as a negative catalyst for natural gas markets, although natural gas price fluctuations depend on a number of catalysts.
From the technical point of view, natural gas found support in the $3.00 – $3.05 range and closed Thursday at 3.07. If natural gas manages to rise above $3.10 despite the disappointing EIA report, it will move towards the nearest resistance level, which is located in the $3.20 – $3.25 range.
Global tensions are amplifying the Permian Basin's strategic importance,...
Global tensions are amplifying the Permian Basin's strategic importance, according to Jefferies Financial Group's Pete Bowden, who expects Permian oil production to peak at just over 7 million barrels per day by 2030. Strong demand for high-quality Lower 48 resources will continue to drive deal-making activity and renew exploration efforts in new and emerging plays in the Permian and beyond.
Matador Consolidates Midstream Subsidiary, JV in $600MM Deal
Matador (MTDR) is set to...
Matador (MTDR) is set to contribute its Pronto Midstream subsidiary to San Mateo Midstream, a joint venture with Five Point Energy, in a strategic move valued at approximately $600 million. The transaction involves Pronto's 45-mile natural gas gathering network in New Mexico and San Mateo's 140-mile natural gas gathering and processing assets in Texas. TD Cowen notes that the market currently undervalues these midstream assets.
Upon closing, Matador will receive around $220 million in cash from Five Point, which the company plans to use for debt reduction. The deal includes agreements for sour gas treatment in Lea County, with Pronto set to deliver sour gas to Northwind Midstream, a Five Point affiliate. TD Cowen highlighted the transaction's attractiveness, estimating a 2.4x return on invested capital and a 9x EBITDA multiple. The deal is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
