Power and gas prices settle lower amid peace talk optimism.
Gas and power
Power and gas prices closed lower yesterday as the absence of further US–Iran attacks following the blockade, alongside comments from President Trump, fuelled optimism around a potential resumption of peace talks. The President suggested that extending the ceasefire, currently due to expire next week, may not be necessary, indicating that discussions could resume in the coming days, though he provided no further detail. Meanwhile, broader market fundamentals remained largely stable and positive.
Adjacent markets
Oil prices fell on Wednesday but remain close to recent lows as the US and Iran work towards a new round of ceasefire talks. US equities gained, outperforming other regions with the UK FTSE 100 falling on weaker commodity prices. The closely watched Empire State manufacturing survey showed that manufacturing activity in New York reached a six-month high.
| NBP (p/therm) | UK Base (£/MWh) | |||
| Close | Day on Day | Close | Day on Day | |
| May-26 | 103.54 | -4.68 | 84.74 | -2.52 |
| Jun-26 | 101.82 | -4.30 | 87.92 | -2.97 |
| Jul-26 | 100.25 | -4.17 | 87.29 | -2.27 |
| Q3-26 | 100.77 | -4.12 | 87.15 | -2.22 |
| Q4-26 | 104.24 | -3.54 | 89.72 | -1.61 |
| Q1-27 | 103.34 | -3.25 | 88.98 | -1.78 |
| Win-26 | 103.79 | -3.39 | 89.13 | -1.87 |
| Sum-27 | 79.64 | -1.25 | 70.16 | -0.70 |
| Win-27 | 80.35 | -0.76 | 74.88 | -0.12 |
| Sum-28 | 62.29 | 0.25 | 62.26 | -0.01 |
| Win-28 | 69.24 | 0.09 | 71.15 | -0.17 |