What are oil futures? From a market correlation standpoint, the S&P 500 energy index rose 1.2% alongside WTI front-month gains to $78. Natural gas prices are steadily rising, but the US has been expanding its exports of the product, keeping production largely flat . Andy Lipow, a Houston analyst covering oil markets for 45 years, said countries are not always rational actors and that he wouldn’t be surprised if Tehran lashed out for political or emotional reasons. What are oil futures? Market consensus pegs a $79.50 average for WTI in Q