The UP World LNG Shipping Index declined 1.05% to 160.72 points during Week 49. The index returned to its long-term support level, while the S&P 500 edged up 0.31%. Trading activity reached a record high. This signalled strong investor engagement at a key technical point.
Market Gains and Losses Across Constituents
Several companies recorded notable gains. One firm rose 29%, and another increased 14% on very high volume, breaking out of a summer sideways pattern. However, other companies moved lower. One major decline reached 5.3%, touching support levels. Natural gas prices also diverged. Asia’s JKM benchmark slipped to $10.66/mmBtu, while Henry Hub moved above $5/mmBtu. Despite these shifts, freight fundamentals remained firm, with Atlantic spot levels at $130,000 per day.
Index Movements and Broader Perspective
The index fell 1.70 points to close at 160.72. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 recorded a slight weekly gain. UPI now sits on the same long-term support area that held at the end of 2023. At that time, a year-end rebound pushed the index higher.
Natural gas prices moved unevenly across regions. Asia saw a slow decline, Europe a faster one, and the United States a clear rise. January deliveries into Asia fell to $10.66/mmBtu. Western Europe’s reference price came in at $8.787/mmBtu. Spot LNG tanker rates stood at $130,000 per day in the Atlantic and $87,500 per day in the Pacific.
The overall ratio of declining to rising index constituents reached 12:9. The median movement settled at –0.26%. Weekly trading volume hit a new record.
Company-Level Performance Trends
Most weekly declines remained below 2%. Many fell by less than half a percent. One notable company, however, dropped 5.3% on rising volume and reached a key support area. Another declined 2.4% but still held slightly above its support level.
Two additional companies posted nearly identical declines of around 1.37% to 1.38%. One of them showed signs of short-term momentum for the second week. The other continued to move sideways.
Several firms shifted toward support levels. This included operators in Asia, Japan, Europe, and the United States. These movements reinforced a broader downtrend among multiple index members.
Meanwhile, a number of firms posted sharp increases. One company rose nearly 29%. Another jumped close to 14% and pushed against the upper boundary of its summer trading range. One regional operator increased by nearly 5% as it attempted to maintain an upward trend. Others gained between 3% and 4% while testing earlier support zones. Additional companies posted smaller increases of around 2% or less.
Sector Positioning at Support Levels
Most constituents now sit near critical price areas. Many remain close to long-standing support, creating conditions that could drive movement in either direction. Trading patterns reflect an active but cautious market environment.
Index Background
The UP World LNG Shipping Index launched in 2020. It tracks the listed companies involved in transporting LNG by sea. The index includes 21 global companies and partnerships and covers more than 65% of the LNG carrier fleet measured in 2020. It provides both free and trial access to comparative market charts.
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Source: LNG Shipping Stocks
