Natural gas futures rose about 6.2% to near $2.60 per mmBtu on Tuesday, and the UNG fund gained 2.6%. Models showed colder weather ahead, with the GFS adding more than 15 heating degree days.
Analysts said a large speculative short position could be forced to cover if the heating-demand outlook held.
Stronger heating-demand forecasts and short covering can push gas prices higher in the near term. Higher gas prices also raise power and fuel costs for feed producers.
After 221 past bullish weather events, Natural Gas moved a median +3.3% over 5 sessions (61% higher; middle half -5.2% to +14.0%), and -0.3% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.
Colder weather model runs (GFS adding 15+ heating degree days) boosted the demand outlook and a large speculative short position risked covering, amplifying the price jump.
Colder weather model runs (GFS adding 15+ heating degree days) lifted prices about 6% and raised the prospect of a large speculative short position covering, amplifying the rally.