U.S. Gas Inventories Hit Highest Levels in a Decade
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects natural gas inventories to reach 3,872 billion cubic feet by the end of October,
marking the largest storage pace in ten years.
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Gas
U.S. Natural Gas Inventories at Highest Level in a Decade
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected that domestic natural gas inventories will reach 3,872 billion cubic feet
by the end of October — about 2% above the five-year average —
at a time when storage facilities are recording the fastest injection pace in ten years.
The agency noted that inventories rose significantly between late April and early June,
as the U.S. recorded seven consecutive weeks of injections exceeding 100 billion cubic feet per week,
an unprecedented level since 2014.
According to weekly inventory data, storage levels as of August 8 were 7% above the 2020–2024 average,
compared to being 4% below that average at the start of the storage season (April–October), which precedes peak winter demand.
The report highlighted that such a gap between injections and withdrawals typically occurs only three times a year,
but its repetition for seven straight weeks in 2025 reflects abundant production relative to demand.
However, the EIA expects the pace of injections to slow in the remainder of the season,
as gas consumption rises for power generation and LNG exports increase.
United Kingdom
UK Delays Release of July Retail Sales Data to September
The UK’s Office for National Statistics announced a two-week delay in publishing July retail sales figures to allow additional time for quality reviews
and ensure accuracy before release.
According to Tuesday’s statement, the new release date is set for September 5, instead of the originally scheduled date this coming Friday.
The retail sales report is one of the most closely watched economic indicators by markets to gauge consumer spending strength in the UK. Amid ongoing economic challenges, expectations suggest July sales growth may slow to just 0.4%, compared to 0.9% in June.
SoftBank
SoftBank Plans $2 Billion Stake in Intel to Boost U.S. Semiconductor Presence
Japan’s SoftBank Group is planning to acquire a $2 billion stake in Intel at a share price of $23,
reflecting its ambition to strengthen its role in the U.S. semiconductor industry and advanced technologies linked to it.
The move comes as part of SoftBank’s accelerating investment push in the U.S. since Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term, with the group seeking to add Intel to a portfolio that already includes giants like Nvidia and TSMC,
leaders in artificial intelligence.
The announcement coincided with unconfirmed reports that the U.S. government is considering acquiring a stake in Intel as part of efforts to secure semiconductor supply chains.
CEO Masayoshi Son said in a statement: “Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry,
and this strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced chip manufacturing and supply will expand further in the U.S.,
with Intel playing a pivotal role in this transformation.”
On the market front, SoftBank Group shares fell 3.02% in Tuesday’s Tokyo session,
while Intel shares closed on Wall Street down 3.66% at $23.66, before rising about 5.41% in after-hours trading.
U.S. Gas Inventories Hit Highest Levels in a Decade