Natural Gas Spikes Lower after Storage Data

On Thursday morning at 10:30 ET, the U.S. Energy Information Administration released its weekly report on natural gas stockpiles. Natural gas stockpiles increased 42 bcf, which was more than expected, as analysts' anticipated an inventory build of 34 bcf. The commodity spiked lower on heavy volume after the data was reported as inventories increased more than anticipated. From the

, "Working gas in storage was 2,479 Bcf as of Friday, March 30, 2012, according to EIA estimates. This represents a net increase of 42 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 887 Bcf higher than last year at this time and 934 Bcf above the 5-year average of 1,545 Bcf. In the East Region, stocks were 425 Bcf above the 5-year average following net injections of 11 Bcf. Stocks in the Producing Region were 401 Bcf above the 5-year average of 644 Bcf after a net injection of 26 Bcf. Stocks in the West Region were 108 Bcf above the 5-year average after a net addition of 5 Bcf. At 2,479 Bcf, total working gas is above the 5-year historical range." Natural Gas has been a very volatile commodity over the last number of years. The commodity that helps heat our homes has seen lows of under $2.00 and highs of over $15.00. However, within the last few years, natural gas has not traded above $10.00. The commodity has been in a downtrend ever since 2008. Currently, natural gas futures are trading over 1.5% lower on the session at $2.11.