After a dark winter for Canadian coal producers, spring supply contract negotiations halfway around the world are providing a glimmer of light at the end of the mine shaft. As news of the pricing agreement filtered through the market last week, Canadian coal stocks have reaped the benefits.
We are into the second half of the second month of 2009 and pressure on coal prices have not eased. While the long-term outlook in this sector remains strong, thanks to strong fundamentals, spot prices continue to be under pressure. The reasons are being cited as high utility coal inventories, lower demand for electricity and competition from natural gas.
Obama stated: "So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can; it's just that it will bankrupt them because they're going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that's being emitted."
Get our independent commentary on coal trends and companies delivered to your inbox.
