As exports have "ground to a halt" for most Illinois Basin producers and domestic markets 

remain  uncertain, Foresight  Energy  is one of the "best-positioned" producers to sustain 

exports at current prices, investment bank FBR said Monday. 

That analysis echoes the sentiment of the St. Louis-based company, which boosted its tot

al sales guidance through the end of the year to 22 million tons from 20.5 million st, largel

y due to the strength of its exports. 

"The  company  remains  optimistic  on  the export market, as Foresight believes Chinese 

and Indian demand will drive prices," FBR said in a note.