Thursday, April 23, 2009

Crude Oil Closes Slightly Higher, Florida OK's Drilling Bill, NOV Reports It's largestDecline


"Oil Rises as Dollar Drops, Bolstering Demand for Commodities"
Crude oil rose for a third day in New York as the dollar dropped against the euro, bolstering the appeal of commodities. Oil climbed as much as 2.2 percent as the falling U.S. currency increased demand for crude and precious metals as a hedge against inflation. The U.S. Energy Department reported yesterday that crude stockpiles rose for a seventh week to the highest since September 1990. “There’s a hard asset play due to dollar weakness,” said John Kilduff, senior vice president of energy at MF Global Inc. in New York. “Until there is firm evidence that the stimulus package is working and the economy is growing....Complete Story

"Florida House Oks Bill to Drill Off Coast"
State lawmakers gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill that could allow offshore drillers a chance to set up rigs within sight of Florida's Gulf of Mexico beaches. A surprise introduction of legislation by Dean Cannon, R- Winter Park, slated to be House leader next year, calls for lifting the state's decades-old ban on rigs and giving the governor and Cabinet authority over proposals for drilling between 3 to 10 miles from shore. Lucrative move or 'pure insanity'? Industry boosters and legislators praised the concept in a meeting of the House Policy Council, calling it potentially lucrative for an economically depressed state and a needed step toward energy independence....Complete Story

"National Oilwell Varco Drops After Pace of New Orders Slumps"
National Oilwell Varco Inc., the largest U.S. maker of oilfield equipment, had its biggest decline this year in New York trading after its pace of new business slowed by more than half for a second straight quarter. The company’s order backlog, which began the year at $11.1 billion, shrank to $9.6 billion in the first quarter, according to a statement today by the Houston-based manufacturer. National Oilwell Varco booked $240 million in new orders, net of $32 million in work that was canceled, down 67 percent from its fourth-quarter pace. Net income rose 18 percent from a year earlier on the strength of past bookings....Complete Story


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1 comment:

Imee said...

This whole oil thing bothers me. It's like we're walking 2 steps forward then falling three steps back again each and every single time... Oil prices become okay, then goes back up even higher than before. It's a vicious cycle.

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