WTI $99.29 -$1.03, Brent $111.21 -97c, Differential $11.92 +8c, NG $4.43 +6c

Oil price

Oil prices eased off yesterday in unsurprisingly thin trade, on the year Brent was almost unchanged – again whilst WTI gained 8%. Physical was fine with usual pressures this week and the stats show that hedge funds and punters have increased their exposure to crude oil as we end the year.

A train crash in Casselton, North Dakota with one train carrying crude oil has again raised the spectre of so much oil being transported by rail, in this case by Warren Buffet.

The talks regarding sanctions against Iran resume next Monday with optimism high that further ground can be made on both sides.

And finally…

A huge football fixture programme tomorrow and the pick may be Chelski at the Saints or Spurs at the theatre of dreams or disappointments, this year the red devils have been better on the road. Stand by for FA Cup watch in Fridays blog.

Also racing from Cheltenham, over Christmas the hurdlers came out in force, watch Hurricane Fly and Jedzki add to the mix.

Tomorrow sees the darts final, last night saw van Gerwin destroy Lewis to play Peter Wright of funny hair in the final.

Nothing much else today, I would really like to thank you very much for following the blog and particularly since all the changes in the last month, despite it being a quiet month, the blog, and the website have gone from strength to strength. Anyone can now get the daily by checking out the website www.malcysblog.com and I hope to build the platform and add more info as 2014 unfolds.

In the meantime I would just like to wish you all a very peaceful and prosperous New Year and please, keep the feedback coming!

Malcy