Energy

The Dow closed down 64 to end the worst week of trading since 2003.

Barclays Capital suggests the UK government faces a number of issues with respect to meeting future energy needs, with an increased emphasis on nuclear power likely to be the only real solution.

The oil market looks tight at present but as CBA notes this may reflect stronger seasonal demand that traditionally eases as the northern hemisphere moves from winter to spring.

Topsy-turvy and largely directionless is the best way to describe last night’s session. But increasingly inflation is becoming the topic of discussion.

The recent deal between Queensland Gas and BG Group has focused attention on LNG developments in Queensland, with brokers seeing upside for gas prices and for those companies with significant reserves.

The Philly Fed president turned Wall Street around last night by hinting that inflation might prevent another cut.

Significant services sector contraction in January sent the Dow crashing down over 350 points.

A win by the Giants was meant to signal a bullish 2008. But instead the Dow fell 100 points.

An extraordinarily bold bid for Yahoo! by Microsoft swamped what was otherwise a night of economic confusion.

The Dow opened down but closed up – a mere 452 point rally ensuing in the middle. It was all to do with bond insurance.