Investing Topics: Rig Count

What’s Behind the Recovery in the Midcontinent Rig Count?

By Peter Staas on Oct. 21, 2016

These emerging shale plays are driving the recent recovery in Midcontinent drilling activity.

US Shale Plays: Separate and Unequal

By Elliott H. Gue on Oct. 13, 2016

US oil production appears to be bottoming, but investors seeking to profit in an environment where prices will likely range between $40 and $60 per barrel must pay attention to basin-specific trends as well as companies’ balance sheets and acreage quality.

North American Oil-Field Services: Near-Term and Longer-Term Outlook

By Elliott H. Gue on May. 3, 2016

Activity levels and pricing for oil-field services and equipment will likely remain under pressure in the US onshore market this year, with early 2017 bringing a bit of a recovery on both scores. But a return to the levels witnessed during the boom years appears unlikely, especially if Saudi Arabia opts to tap some of its spare capacity to take market share and keep oil prices in check.

Rig Count Rundown

By Peter Staas on Jul. 8, 2015

The US-oil-directed rig count ticked up last week, but investors shouldn’t overlook the reduction in international drilling activity.

3 Reasons to Be Skeptical of Near-Term Rallies in Oil Prices

By Elliott H. Gue on Apr. 7, 2015

Investors are overly eager to spin even minor developments into the first signs of a V-shaped recovery in crude oil.

Profitable Trend: Horizontal Drilling Picks up Steam in Permian Basin

By Peter Staas on Jun. 4, 2014

The Bakken Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Marcellus Shale may get all the press, as output from these plays continues to grow. But the Permian Basin–an area in west Texas that’s been in production for more than a century–appears poised for a breakout this year.

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