The crisis in Libya is currently keeping energy markets higher this morning, excluding natural gas. Despite a notable pull-back in crude oil (continuous contract), the energy component is still 6.4% higher at $91.75 per barrel.
March natural gas fell into negative territory shortly after the open of pit trade, hitting new session lows of $3.85 per MMBtu. Currently, its down 0.5% at $3.86 per MMB tu.
Precious metals have been in positive territory all session, but are off overnight highs. Currently, April gold is 0.9% higher at $1400.6 per ounce, while March silver is up 1.7% at $32.85 per ounce.
Cotton futures fell the exchange limit today on concerns China demand will now slow. Currently, May cotton futures are down 3.6% at $1.8793/lb. Cocoa futures are in the top three best performers in the CRB Index after pushing to a 32-year high on more supply concerns from the Ivory Coast, which arose due to escalating violence in the area.