The worst recession since 1931 continues this Spring-Summer 2009. Energy markets have recovered somewhat from crude oil prices falling into the upper 30 dollar range per barrel several months ago. On June 15, 2009, the energy markets showed the following:

Natural Gas : Natural gas for July delivery jumped 32.5 cents to settle at $4.182 per 1,000 cubic feet. For June 16, natural gas for July delivery fell 7 cents to settle at $4.312 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Crude Oil : Gas prices rose for the 48th straight day, matching a record going back to at least the 1970s, with prices now up nearly two-thirds since the beginning of the year even as demand from motorists remains weak. Benchmark crude for July delivery falling $1.42 to settle at $70.62 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Crude prices have fallen nearly 3 percent over the past two trading days. On June 16, benchmark crude for July delivery declined Tuesday, June 16, for the third straight day, falling 15 cents to settle at $70.47 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. This fall represents oil closing above $70 for a full week, the first time that has happened since October.