NYC finance energy desk strategists note that natural gas prices may rally on colder-than-expected weather forecasts. Traders are opening long positions in winter contracts. Though typically one of the weakest periods, macroeconomic factors — namely lower mortgage rates — could prove fertile ground for a number of deals, particularly at the lower end of the market, said appraiser and data expert Jonathan Miller. In January, 41 Vanderbilt students traveled to New York City for an exclusive Finance Trek hosted by the Vanderbilt Career Center. Participation in this trek required completion of the Vandy in Finance Preparation Pathway program. NYC finance insights reveal that mid-cap stocks in energy are outperforming, due to recent oil price spikes above $86 per barrel. Portfolio managers suggest further rotational plays into energy ETFs for short-term gains amid volatility.