Shares of energy companies rose as a selloff in oil futures slowed.
Oil futures closed 1% higher at $73.67 a barrel after a lackluster kickoff to the year.
Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas signed a $540 million deal with Afghanistan to develop an oil-and-gas field, part of Beijing's effort to secure access to the country's vast mineral wealth after the withdrawal of American forces.
Natural gas futures plunged by 11% to close at the lowest level in a year, as mild weather prevails in much of the U.S.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
01-05-23 1700ET
