Daniel Rogers
Mar 30, 2023 15:59
Natural Gas (XNG/USD) price fluctuates near the intraday low of $2.23, declining the previous day's corrective rebound off a five-week low ahead of Thursday's European session. In doing so, the energy instrument fails to bolster expectations of increased demand from China in the face of inflation concerns, hawkish central bank actions, and a stronger US dollar.
China's willingness to import 65,000 tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Premier Li Qiang's upbeat comments have supported the XNG/USD. Premier Qiang of China stated that the economic situation in March is even better than in January and February. However, the policymaker also increased geopolitical tension by opposing trade protectionism and decoupling, which indirectly target the United States and stimulate the Natural Gas bulls.
On the other hand, rumors that German gas pipelines are once again reliable for transporting energy, following previous challenges from Russia, impact on the XNG/USD exchange rate. In addition, the majority of central bankers defend their prior bias regarding inflation, exerting downward pressure on the commodity. In addition, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, stated on Thursday, "Urgently need faster, more efficient mechanisms for providing debt support to vulnerable countries." Her remarks revive previously alleviated banking concerns.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) adheres to modest gains while S&P 500 Futures struggle around a one-week high set the day before. In addition, the yields on the 10-year and 2-year US Treasury bonds grind higher after tantalizing bond purchasers the day before.
Moving forward, Weekly Natural Gas Storage Change data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), preceding -72B, may influence XNG/USD price action. Nonetheless, the headlines surrounding inflation and the banking system, as well as China, should be given the utmost focus for direction.