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Canada is in the midst of building a large terminal to export LNG, but its completion is two years away. Canadian gas production is on track to reach a record 18 bcfd in 2022 and 19 bcfd in 2023, according to energy consultancy Rystad Energy. Pipelines are also constrained in Canada due to swift production growth, particularly TC Energy Corp's (TRP.TO) NGTL pipeline system that ships gas around and out of western Canada. In August, gas prices in Alberta briefly turned negative because of bottlenecks stemming from NGTL maintenance. U.S. LNG exports are expected to reach 10.6 bcfd in 2022 and 12.3 bcfd in 2023, according to federal estimates.

☆ Consumer confidence improves in December, a hopeful sign for the economy
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —American consumers’ confidence in the US economy grew in December as high inflation continued to ease, according to data released Wednesday by the Conference Board. The business think tank’s latest consumer confidence index registered 108.3 this month, a significant jump from the upwardly revised measure of 101.4 in November. Economists were expecting the index to come in at 101, according to consensus estimates on Refinitiv. Consumer confidence, as measured by this and other surveys like the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, has mostly been on a downward trajectory for much of 2022 as the country grappled with the highest rates of inflation seen in four decades. During 2019, the headline consumer confidence index had an average reading of 128.5.

The combined position had been reduced to 343 million barrels (11th percentile for all weeks since 2013), down from 579 million barrels (47th percentile) five weeks earlier. In the most recent week, there were continued sales of Brent (-6 million barrels), U.S. diesel (-7 million) and U.S. gasoline (-5 million) and no change in European gas oil. Chartbook: CFTC and ICE commitments of tradersFrom a fundamental perspective, the outlook for oil prices remains mixed. Production cuts by OPEC+, sluggish output growth from U.S. shale, and the eventual reopening of China’s economy are bullish for oil prices. From a positioning perspective, however, the balance of risks has clearly tilted towards the upside, especially in crude oil.

In this guide, we'll give you a crash course on how to quickly earn credit card rewards and book free travel. If everyone in the world expertly utilized credit card rewards to travel for free, there wouldn't be such amazing travel opportunities out there. Identify your travel goalsBefore you begin collecting credit card rewards, you should first identify your travel goals. Recommended credit card strategies for beginnersThe best practice for anyone new to credit card rewards is to invest in flexible points. You'll need: An annual fee-incurring Hilton credit card One of the greatest deals in credit card rewards is the free night certificate that comes with select American Express Hilton credit cards.

Uniper (UN01.DE) has already booked billions of euros of losses on derivatives, exacerbating a crisis as it rushed to plug the gap left after Russia turned off the taps. Like other energy firms, Uniper uses derivatives, such as securing an option to sell gas at a set price in the future, to guard against energy price swings. "In total, we have derivative positions of about 216 billion euros as of September 30 2022," a spokesperson for Uniper said, adding that the riskier part of this was small. According to its accounts, Uniper held around 198 billion euros of receivables from derivative instruments as assets. It is also more than the 131 billion euros Germany's RWE (RWEG.DE) had at the end of June, public data shows.

Marathon, and Valero's market valuations reached record highs in 2022; while Phillips 66 and PBF's are near highs reached in 2019. LESS CAPACITY, MORE PROFITSWhen the pandemic hit, big U.S. refiners closed numerous facilities that were less profitable than other operations. Processing capacity is expected to increase by 1 million bpd per day in 2022 and 1.6 million bpd in 2023, mostly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The margins to produce gasoline were consistently higher throughout 2022 than in the last several years as a result of the Ukraine war. A series of closures have caused U.S. processing capacity to decline even as refiners have become more profitable.

☆ Cold weather can wreak havoc on an electric car's range, but these models do the best in frigid temperatures
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Electric cars can lose lots of driving range in freezing temperatures. Recurrent, a startup that tracks battery health, studied how 13 electric models perform in the cold. Owners of electric vehicles face an extra challenge when temperatures drop: less driving range. RecurrentAll the models Recurrent studied experienced some range loss in cold temperatures. In an analysis of 20 models, the Norwegian Automobile Association found that cold temperatures dealt an 18.5% blow to range on average and stunted charging speeds.

Technology and entertainmentYou can also give your child's teacher a gift card they can use for entertainment. If your child's teacher already has one of these subscriptions, they can put the gift card toward their account balance. A gift card to Ticketmaster will give your child's teacher the opportunity to put money toward a live show of their choice. Gift cards from merchants like Audible or Bookshop.org will give your child's teacher an engaging way to pass their commute. Gift cards from educational retailers like Lakeshore and Teachers Pay Teachers will help your child's teacher offset classroom costs.

LONDON, Dec 14 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve, investment world and wider economy now have a major sequencing problem. With headline annual CPI ebbing to 7.1% last month, and core rates undershooting forecasts too to just 6.0%, most economists seem confident inflation did indeed peak around midyear. Equivalent public readings from New York Fed surveys are on the wane too. Fed Futures See Lower Rates End-23Reuters Graphics Reuters Graphics"TAIL SCENARIO"Sounding something of a klaxon for most asset markets after the CPI number, the peak or terminal Fed funds rate that futures markets implied by May was dragged firmly back below 5%. Apart from verbal guidance, one important signal markets will watch on Wednesday will be the Fed's economic projections that include policy rate assumptions for the year.

The combined position has been cut to just 358 million barrels (12th percentile for all weeks since 2013) down from 579 million barrels (47th percentile) on Nov. 8. Fund managers sold NYMEX and ICE WTI (-5 million barrels), Brent (-4 million), U.S. gasoline (-5 million), U.S. diesel (-11 million) and European gas oil (-5 million). The net position in U.S. diesel and European gas oil was cut to 49 million barrels (41st percentile) from 75 million barrels (62nd percentile) on Nov. 8. Bullish long positions outnumbered bearish short ones by a ratio of 2.92:1 (52nd percentile) down from 5.40:1 (81st percentile) four weeks earlier. The extremely low level of hedge fund positions in crude has created upside price risk if and when managers attempt to rebuild bullish positions.

☆ China shipyards feast on record LNG tanker orders as South Korea builders are full up
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Chen Aizhu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Chinese shipyards this year won 45 LNG tanker orders worth an estimated $9.8 billion, about five times their 2021 order values, according to shipping data provider Clarksons Research. By late November, Chinese yards had grown their LNG order books to 66 from 21, giving them 21% of global orders worth around $60 billion. Still, Chinese yards received 19 foreign orders for LNG tankers this year and that number is likely to grow. "Chinese yards have become more attractive because of the South Korean backlog, as well as rising costs," said ICIS analyst Songer. Chinese yards' relationship with GTT also helps, he said.

When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay. You can pay rent with it, you can get your oil changed with it, or you can pay your credit card bill with it. You'll be hard-pressed to find a cash-back credit card that offers such a high return on select spending. Alternative: The Citi® Double Cash Card is another wildly popular credit card for all your non-bonused spending. The card earns 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay your credit card — giving you effectively 2% back for all your spending.

☆ For the first time in his presidency, Biden's approval rating on Main Street goes up
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Eric Rosenbaum | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Carlo Allegri | ReutersIt may not have increased by much, and it's rising from an all-time low, but for the first time during his presidency, Joe Biden's approval rating on Main Street has gone up. The CNBC|SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey for Q4 2022 was conducted Nov. 9-Nov. 16 among nearly 2,600 small business owners. Biden's approval rating still remains heavily partisan: Just 8% of small business owners who are Republican approve of President Biden. "This is the first quarter of Biden's presidency where we've seen any improvement whatsoever in Biden's approval among small business owners, so it's important because it breaks the trend," said Laura Wronski, senior manager of research science at Momentive. Small business owners are more confident this quarter than last, with the overall survey reading moving up modestly and fears of recession declining quarter over quarter.

☆ Consumers are feeling slightly better about the direction of the economy
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Consumers are becoming more confident about the state of the economy, despite recession fears, soaring interest rates and continued high prices, according to the latest consumer survey from the University of Michigan. The survey’s consumer sentiment index measured 59.1 in December, up from the final reading of 56.8 in November. The November report had shown a 3.1 point decline in consumer sentiment from the previous month. Still, the reading continues to show a much gloomier outlook than a year ago, when the survey stood at 70.6. Gas prices typically have an outsized influence on consumers’ thinking about inflation since the prices are so readily apparent at every gas station.

☆ Premarket stocks: Why we think we're in a recession when the data says otherwise
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN Business —It seems like you can’t go anywhere these days without colliding headfirst into another ominous prediction of imminent recession. But hidden behind those “CEO PREDICTS RECESSION” headlines lies a lot of uncertainty. “If I didn’t watch CNBC in the morning, the word ‘recession’ wouldn’t be in my vocabulary,” he said. “You just can’t see it in our data.”It’s almost as though Kirby predicted recession was imminent because other prominent voices predicted that recession was imminent. More than 10,000 ambulance workers represented by the GMB Union will strike again on December 28.

☆ Gasoline is cheaper now than a year ago — and could fall below $3
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Patti Domm | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Gasoline prices are now cheaper across the U.S. than they were a year ago, and the price per gallon could fall below $3 for most Americans by the end of the year. Unleaded gasoline was at a record $5.01 per gallon June 14 and stayed high through the summer and fall. Gas prices fell 15 cents per gallon in the past week and are down from $3.80 a gallon a month ago. Even with OPEC+ reaffirming a 2 million barrel a day production cut this past week, oil prices have still fallen. But for now, gasoline prices are in decline.

☆ Costco reports mixed quarter, but we see positive catalysts on the horizon
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Jeff Marks | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Margins Reported gross margins fell 45 basis points year-over-year, and 21 basis points excluding gas inflation. Core merchandise margins fell 52 basis points on a reported basis, and 31 basis points excluding gas inflation. Ancillary and other businesses' margins increased 23 basis points on a reported basis, and 30 basis points excluding gas inflation. LIFO — last in, first out — margins increased 3 basis points on a reported basis, and 3 basis points excluding gas. Other margins — a catchall bucket — fell 17 basis points on a reported basis and 18 points excluding gas inflation.

The thing is, if you're going to open a credit card, a store card is rarely, if ever, your best option. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Their interest rates are astronomicalIf you thought travel credit card interest rates were high, check out the rates on store credit cards. And that limit isn't exclusive to those who have taken out five of Chase's credit cards in the last 24 months, either — it applies to any credit card (except certain business cards), including store credit cards. Luckily, there are multiple ways to make sure you're getting a much better return on your retail spending, even without a store credit card.

☆ Morning Bid: Crude deflation?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

With everyone on Wall St seemingly hand wringing about stagflation next year, the price of crude oil has plummeted by up to 10% this week to its lowest since early January - offering some relief in an otherwise murky outlook. Crucially for inflation worriers, year-on-year crude price gains - which were running at 50-100% between February's Ukraine invasion and midyear - have now fallen to just 4% and could soon be a disinflationary force in consumer price baskets. But, contrary to many prior energy market assumptions, the impact of Monday G7's Russian oil price cap at $60pb for seaborne crude is anchoring prices and underscoring massive discounts for Russia oil - already selling for as low as $55pb. The Bank of Canada is the latest on the list on Wednesday and expected to hike rates by another half point, as are the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England next week. European and Asia bourses - even Shanghai and Hong Kong despite the lifting COVID restrictions - were in negative territory too.

☆ Occidental Petroleum CEO pushes back against California plans to fine Big Oil firms: 'They don't understand the industry'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Zahra Tayeb | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Occidental Petroleum's CEO hit back at California politicians over plans to fine Big Oil firms. California lawmakers unveiled plans to charge oil firms for their huge profits on high gas prices. "California's price gouging penalty is simple – either Big Oil reins in the profits and prices, or they'll pay a penalty," Newsom said. The average California gas price was $4.665 as of Wednesday, according to AAA. Gas prices have seen a modest pullback in step with a recent drop in oil prices, thanks to President Joe Biden's decision to release record amounts of crude from US reserves to help curb inflation.

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☆ US oil plunges below $75 for first time since just before Christmas
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The sharp drop in oil prices the past two days is mostly good news for consumers, signaling prices at the gas pump should continue their recent plunge. The European Union imposed a ban on seaborne oil imports from Russia on Monday, while the West placed a $60 cap on Russian oil. “Russia oil is still on the market. The oil cartel on Sunday announced plans to stick to its oil production cuts rather than taking steps to take more supply offline. Recession fears continue to rattle financial markets, including not just oil markets but the stock market.

It's impossible to name one single best credit card, given the wide range of benefits, rewards, and annual fees available. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 19.74% - 26.74% Variable Editor's Rating 4.8 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.8 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 20.74% - 27.74% Variable Editor's Rating 4.65 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.65 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightBest secured rewards card for building credit Discover it® Secured Credit Card 5 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 5 out of 5 Stars Intro offer Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 26.74% Variable Editor's Rating 5 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 5 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.

☆ Premarket stocks: Why the stock market is channeling Goldilocks
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

It’s rough out there, but there is a silver lining: Persistently high Inflation is showing signs of slowing. “This morning’s data was a Goldilocks report,” wrote Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer for Independent Advisor Alliance, in a note Thursday. Gas prices also dropped between October and November, which means that inflation could keep slowing. A range of factors have led to the drop in gas prices – and not all of them are positive. The bottom line: Gas prices are still relatively high for this time of the year, but looking ahead, some forecasters see gas prices continuing to dip.

☆ Crypto exchange Coinbase says Apple has shut down the ability for users to send NFTs because it can't collect the 30% in-app fee
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Morgan Chittum | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Apple wants 30% of all NFT gas fees to be paid through their In-App Purchase system, the crypto exchange said. "You might have noticed you can't send NFTs on Coinbase Wallet iOS anymore," the crypto exchange tweeted. Apple's mobile store can typically charge up to 30% commission on in-app purchases, but gas fees don't occur within the app. Gas fees, which are the charge a user pays to perform a function on a blockchain, keep its network running. "Apple's proprietary In-App Purchase system does not support crypto, so we couldn't comply even if we tried."

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