Continue to watch natural gas. “US Lower 48 production at 72.39 Bcf/d essentially unchanged in May from 72.38 Bcf/d output in April” (EIA). The worm will turn, but have much patience.
In the hot 2010 summer about 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption was used for cooling. EIA
Projected retirements of coal-fired power plants at the EIA. Fuel used in electricity generation is projected to shift over the next 25 years also at the EIA.
U.S. coal exports put in context: Investor Village.
European coal gets a lift on the Colombian rail strike: Platts. Meanwhile, China Thermal Coal at Lowest Price Since 2009; Demand Drops at Bloomberg.
NYMEX Coal Futures Near-Month Contract Final Settlement Price 2012 at the EIA.
Peabody Energy (BTU) is not the way to play a resurgent U.S. coal market. I wrote Peabody Energy’s Australian Headwinds at SA.
Arch Coal chart at Trading View. I believe the spark to Arch’s huge two day rally was the vague “company may sell off some assets” suggestion. Trib Town