ConocoPhilips Finalizes Deal With Burlington Resources

ConocoPhilips, the third largest integrated Energy Company in the US and the fifth largest refiner in the world, has finalized a deal to purchase oil and natural gas producer Burlington Resources Inc. for $35.6 Billion. The world's major oil companies are showing a willingness to pay top dollar to secure interests in what is turning out to be an increasingly scarce resource. Natural gas prices have soared over the past year, with the January contract is currently trading above 15 and half dollars. XPRESSTRADE offers trading in all the NYMEX energy futures, including natural gas. Volume and open interest in the NYMEX energies has increased exponentially over the past year as well, in both the options and the futures themselves. With the introduction of the NYMEX Clearport system, Emini Natural gas contracts-exactly one half the contract size of the big contract have gained popularity with traders as well. The mini contract has the added advantage of being day trade eligible, allowing traders the benefit of added leverage.