US natural gas stocks rose by 28 billion cubic feet in the week ended July 24, a smaller rise than the 35 billion cubic foot increase expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg and following an increase of 32 billion cubic feet in the previous week.
Stocks at 3.084 trillion cubic feet are 1.0% lower than in the comparable week a year ago but 6.4% above their 5-year average.
Energy stocks rose late Wednesday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index gaining 2.3% and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) adding 1.8%.The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector Index fell 0.8%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities Index shed 1.3%.In geopolitical news, President Donald Trump said Iran will be hit hard, according to Fox News. The US Central Command said it joined Saudi Arabian Armed Forces to conduct strikes in Iraq against Iran-aligned terrorists that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.West Texas Intermediate crude oil jumped 6.3% to $84.28 a barrel, and global benchmark Brent surged 7.4% to $90.32 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures rose 2.4% to $2.73 per 1 million BTU.In corporate news, Shell (SHEL) and Phillips 66 (PSX) are exploring a sale of their combined stakes in the Explorer refined products pipeline in a deal that may value the asset at $3.5 billion, Reuters reported. Shell shares rose 2.5%, and Phillips 66 added 0.2%.Baker Hughes (BKR) shares were up 1.6% after the company said it secured a major order for 76 NovaLT 16 gas turbines from Dynamis Power Solutions.Woodside Energy (WDS) shares rose 4.9% after it reported higher Q2 operating revenue.Carlyle (CG), Energean, Dragon Oil, and Artemis Energy are among the companies that are anticipated to bid for BP's (BP) West Nile Delta natural gas development off Egypt this week, Reuters reported. BP shares were up 4.2%.
Financial stocks were lower in late Wednesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index down 1.2% and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) falling 1.7%.The Philadelphia Housing Index dropped 4.4%, and the State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLRE) shed 0.4%.Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was increasing 0.5% to $64,166, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries rose 1.8 basis points to 4.622%.In economic news, the Federal Open Market Committee maintained its target range for the federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75% on a 9-3 vote Wednesday afternoon, making few changes to its policy statement from the previous meeting.In corporate news, Gemini Space Station (GEMI) shares dropped 6.9% after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to sell from neutral, and trimmed the price target to $4 from $4.75.Bridgepoint Group's Bridgepoint Credit is set to become the majority owner of Carlyle (CG) portfolio company Anthesis Consulting via a recapitalization deal, Bloomberg reported. Separately, Carlyle, Energean, Dragon Oil, and Artemis Energy are among the companies that are expected to bid for BP's (BP) West Nile Delta natural gas development off Egypt this week, Reuters reported. Carlyle shares were down 3.2%.Visa (V) shares rose 0.8% after it reported fiscal Q3 results above consensus estimates as consumer and business spending helped drive annual gains in payments volume.CBIZ (CBZ) agreed to be acquired by accounting and advisory firm Grant Thornton Advisors in an all-cash deal worth about $5 billion, creating one of the largest providers of professional services, tax and advisory services in the US. CBIZ shares jumped past 17%.
Consumer stocks were mixed late Wednesday afternoon, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) increasing 0.1% and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) shedding 0.3%.In corporate news, Wingstop (WING) reported stronger-than-expected fiscal Q2 earnings and reiterated its global unit growth outlook. Its shares gained 3.5%.Netflix (NFLX) is paying $200 million for the broadcast rights to the 2027 Women's World Cup, Bloomberg reported. Netflix shares rose 1.3%.Ford (F) shares climbed 3.1% after the carmaker lifted its full-year core profit outlook, while it also reported an unexpected year-over-year increase in its Q2 earnings and recorded revenue above market estimates.Procter & Gamble's (PG) fiscal Q4 revenue fell short of market estimates, while the consumer goods giant said higher costs could weigh on its fiscal 2027 earnings. Its shares fell 2.7%.VF (VFC) shares fell past 17% after the apparel and footwear company reported a wider-than-expected fiscal Q1 loss despite topping Wall Street's revenue estimates.