Briefs

A fracking-created boom in U.S. natural gas production has energy companies looking to sell overseas, setting up a potentially sensitive election year issue. More than half a dozen companies, including Dominion Resources, Sempra Energy, and Freeport LNG, have applied to the Energy Dept. for permission to sell abroad, where gas prices are higher. Some congressmen, including Edward Markey (D-Mass.), ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, say they’re concerned that exporting would raise U.S. energy prices and hamper efforts to achieve energy independence. The gas companies say there is more than enough supply to satisfy the domestic market.

Charles Schwab is offering employers a new, low-cost 401(k) plan. The new retirement package lets employees invest in mutual funds that track a market index and don’t have the fees typically associated with actively managed funds. Schwab plans to combine the index funds with investment advice to help workers boost their returns. Retirement plan fees have come under increased scrutiny from regulators and plan sponsors. Schwab is also working on a 401(k) package made up of index-based exchanged traded funds.