Uncertainty Around Europe's Energy Imports, Cotton Trading At 4-week Lows, Gold Demand Falling

Summary:

• Increased uncertainty regarding the demand for energy imports in Europe.
• Decreased demand and constrained supplies for cotton.
• Gold prices dropped to below $1700 an ounce on Tuesday.

NGAS futures rose in September

While there was increased uncertainty regarding the demand for energy imports in Europe as ministers discussed potential measures to reduce skyrocketing energy prices, US natural futures rose in September, recovering from the one-month low that was reached earlier in the month and extending the volatile momentum for energy commodities. Even so, costs are still well below the almost 14-year high of $10/MMBtu reached last month as demand was hampered by dropping temperatures. More gas will be available in the US for utilities to add to stocks for the upcoming winter as Freeport LNG anticipates a significant delay in the reopening of its Quintana export plant until November.

✕ NGAS Oct ‘22 Futures Price Chart

Cotton trading at 4-week lows

As traders considered the potential of decreased demand and constrained supplies, cotton futures traded at their lowest level in more than four weeks. Concerns over the prospects for the global economy owing to rising interest rates have been exacerbated by recent COVID-19-led limitations in top consumer China. In its most recent report, the USDA reduced both the U.S. output estimate and the global production forecast for the crop year 2022–2023 by 3 million bales each. The health of the natural fiber crop is in jeopardy, and supply issues have arisen as a result of the hot, dry weather in important American agricultural regions. Crops in India, another significant producer, are still in danger due to unfavorable weather and pest infestations in key growing regions.

✕ Cotton Dec ‘22 Futures Price Chart

Gold futures falling

A stronger dollar and a hotter-than-expected inflation print drove predictions of additional big rate hikes by the Fed to quell persistent inflationary pressures, and gold prices dropped to below $1700 an ounce on Tuesday. Despite a dramatic decline in gasoline prices, prices across the board increased overall, particularly for food and housing. Investors in Europe have bet that the ECB will keep raising borrowing costs sharply in the wake of this month's historic 75bps rate hike. Even though gold is regarded as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, its attraction is diminished by increased interest rates, which increase the opportunity cost of storing non-yielding bullion.

✕ Gold Dec ‘22 Futures Price Chart

Sources: finance.yahoo.com, tradineconomics.com