U.S. Natural Gas Settles Lower in Volatile Session

Oil futures have seen a modest increase as market attention shifts towards ongoing efforts for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, alongside heightened U.S. actions against Venezuela. This context has contributed to a positive sentiment in oil trading, reflecting investor optimism amidst geopolitical tensions.

U.S. inflation slowed to 2.7% in November, as reported by the Consumer Price Index, although data collection issues related to a government shutdown have distorted the findings, raising concerns among economists about the accuracy of the report.

Darden Restaurants reported an increase in fiscal second-quarter sales and profit, raising its full-year sales-growth guidance while managing to mitigate the effects of rising beef prices.

Natural gas storage levels have seen a less-than-expected decline, suggesting weaker demand in the market. This development indicates that the anticipated drop in storage, which typically signals a tightening supply, has not materialized as traders had forecasted.

American Airlines has announced the launch of 15 new summer routes connecting various U.S. cities, catering to the anticipated increase in travel as Americans plan vacations, particularly to European destinations. This move comes as airlines prepare for the upcoming travel season while current travelers focus on holiday plans.

The U.S. dollar weakened following the November inflation report, which indicated slower price increases, leading to a decline in its value. This development reflects growing concerns among investors regarding the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts, as market sentiment shifts in response to economic indicators.

In 2025, a U.S. car manufacturer achieved a significant milestone by selling 2.8 million vehicles, marking a notable shift in consumer buying patterns amid fluctuating automotive tariffs. The U.S. managed to reduce tariff burdens to 15% for most trade partners, which played a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics this year.

U.S. consumer inflation rose by 2.7% in November, a figure that was lower than many analysts had anticipated. This increase follows a period of uncertainty due to a government shutdown that affected data collection, raising questions about the accuracy of the reported figures.