U.S. Natural Gas Futures Jump as Cold Front Approaches

by Jay Young | Investing, Oil & Gas, Tax Savings, Taxes, The Upside

Newsletter No. 97

Good afternoon,

As we begin this new year, our hearts are heavy with the tragic events that unfolded in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. At least 15 lives were lost, and many more were affected by the devastating terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. Families and friends are grieving, and the city mourns the senseless violence that shattered what should have been a celebration. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and we hope the city and its people find strength and healing in the days ahead.

Now, as we turn to the first The Upside newsletter of the year, I’m here to bring you the latest news and updates from the world of oil and gas and let you know what is happening at King.

This Week's Headlines

  • Goal-Setting Strategies for Success in Business, Career, and Life on The Jay Young Show
  • Blog: GM’s EV Plant Sale Signals Longer Future for Oil and Gas
  • Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Stockpiles Decline, Traders Eye 2025 Outlook
  • U.S. Natural Gas Futures Jump as Cold Front Approaches
  • Trump Targets Russia’s LNG and Allies in Second Term Strategy

  • Carlos Slim Invests $1B in U.S. Oil & Gas Companies

  • Cheniere Starts LNG Production at Corpus Christi Expansion

HAPPENING AT KING

Goal-Setting Strategies for Success in Business, Career, and Life on The Jay Young Show

In this episode of The Jay Young Show, my co-host Jordan Soto and I discuss how to set powerful, actionable goals for 2025, both personally and professionally. They reflect on the show’s growth and evolution, sharing practical tips for manifesting success in the coming year. Whether you're aiming to elevate your business, career, or personal life, this episode provides valuable strategies and inspiration to help you achieve your biggest goals in 2025 and beyond. Watch on YouTube, Rumble, or directly on our website. 

Soon on The Jay Young Show

Coming up on The Jay Young Show, my co-host, Jordan Soto, and I have the privilege of interviewing Scott Turner, the nominee for HUD Secretary under the Trump administration. You can watch it on YouTube, Rumble, or directly on our website.

 

Episodes you might have missed
Here are some recent episodes to watch:

  • Jehangir Raja, a Wall Street veteran, hedge fund manager, and successful entrepreneur. WATCH
  • Floyd McLendon, former U.S. Navy Seal, a published author, and a sought-after motivational speaker. WATCH
  • Jason Morgan, a U.S. Air Force veteran whose incredible story of overcoming adversity has touched the lives of many. WATCH
  • Holiday episode: Memorable guests, Christmas favorites, and holiday memories. WATCH

Blog: GM’s EV Plant Sale Signals Longer Future for Oil and Gas
Check out my latest blog where I discuss how General Motors’ sale of its stake in an EV battery plant in Lansing, Michigan, signals a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles, ultimately benefiting the oil and gas industry. While EV adoption continues to grow, the pace has slowed, and gasoline-powered vehicles remain dominant, particularly in sectors like trucking and aviation. This move highlights the ongoing importance of oil and gas, with natural gas serving as a key "bridge fuel." The sale also underscores the challenges in the EV market, giving the oil and gas sector more time to invest in new technologies and maintain strong demand. Read the full blog here.

 

Oil & Gas News

 

Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Stockpiles Decline, Traders Eye 2025 Outlook
Oil prices rose in early 2025, driven by a report showing a 1.4 million barrel drop in U.S. oil inventories, signaling stronger demand. Brent crude hit over $75 per barrel, while WTI climbed to above $72. Despite this, traders remain cautious as they assess the 2025 market, with concerns over potential oversupply. The U.S. continues to produce near-record oil levels, and the International Energy Agency expects the market to stay adequately supplied, though a rebound in Chinese demand is key to balancing the market. You can see the up-to-the-minute commodities numbers here.
 
U.S. Natural Gas Futures Jump as Cold Front Approaches
At the end of 2024, U.S. natural gas futures spiked due to forecasts of a major Arctic cold front hitting the eastern U.S. in mid-January. The extreme cold is expected to last weeks, driving up heating demand. As a result, February futures surged 12.3% to $3.80 per million BTUs, with traders reacting to predictions of a significant increase in energy use.
 
Trump Targets Russia’s LNG and Allies in Second Term Strategy
Donald Trump’s second-term strategy aims to weaken the "Axis of Upheaval"—a group of countries like Russia, Iran, and China challenging U.S. influence. One of the first moves is tightening sanctions on Russia’s LNG sector, which will make it harder for Russia to profit from its natural gas exports. The U.S. also plans to impose similar sanctions on Iraq for helping Iran sell oil. This approach is part of a larger effort to limit the financial and logistical support these countries get, reasserting U.S. power globally and reinforcing key alliances.
   
Carlos Slim Invests $1B in U.S. Oil & Gas Companies
Carlos Slim, the richest man in Latin America, has invested $1 billion in U.S. oil and gas companies in 2024. He boosted his stake in PBF Energy by $602 million, increasing his ownership to 25%, and also purchased $326 million in shares of Talos Energy. Slim's Grupo Carso also expanded its energy portfolio by acquiring a 50% stake in two Mexican oil fields for $530 million. This investment trend follows other tycoons like Warren Buffett, who has also been increasing his oil and gas holdings, with Berkshire Hathaway recently purchasing more shares in Occidental Petroleum.

 

 

Move to Watch

Cheniere Starts LNG Production at Corpus Christi Expansion
Cheniere Energy has just started producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its expanded Corpus Christi facility in Texas. This new phase, part of a larger expansion project, will increase the plant’s capacity to export LNG to 25 million tons per year. The first stage is expected to be fully completed by early 2025. This expansion strengthens Cheniere’s role as the top U.S. exporter of LNG and is part of the growing trend of U.S. LNG exports, with North America’s export capacity set to more than double by 2028.

 

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Thank you for your continued support, and if you have any questions for myself or any member of the King team, please don't hesitate to reach out.

All the best,

Jay

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Addison, TX 75001

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