Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 
 
Blog Home
Bob Carey
Chief Market Strategist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 

  U.S. Crude Oil & Natural Gas Rig Counts Are Trending Higher
Posted Under: Sectors
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
View from the Observation Deck 
  1. Today's blog post illustrates the dramatic reduction in the number of active U.S. crude oil and natural gas rigs since energy prices peaked in 2014, as well as a bit of a rebound in the counts in the second half of 2016.
  2. Rig count cuts are generally done in an effort to curb production in response to declining energy prices. Rig counts tend to rise when energy producers sense that higher prices are not only coming, but are sustainable.   
  3. Since the beginning of 2014, the peak (6/20/14) in the price of crude oil was $107.26 per barrel, while the peak (2/19/14) in the price of natural gas was $6.15 per million British thermal units (BTUs), according to Bloomberg.
  4. As of 11/25/16, the price of a barrel of crude oil stood at $46.06 per barrel, down 57.06% from its peak in 2014, while the price of natural gas stood at $3.09 per million BTUs, down 49.76% from its peak in 2014. From 5/31/16 through 11/25/16, however, the price of natural gas rose by 34.93%.  
  5. With respect to the period depicted in the charts, the 118 active natural gas rigs registered on 11/25/16 was notably higher than the period low of 81, which was posted on 8/5/16. The 474 active crude oil rigs registered on 11/25/16 was up from the period low of 316, posted on 5/27/16.
  6. Rig counts are just one barometer investors can use to assess both the crude oil and natural gas markets. U.S. investors should keep in mind that the crude oil market is more global in scope (foreign competition), while the natural gas market tends to be more domestic in scope, in our opinion.

The charts and performance data referenced are for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment.

To Download a PDF of this post, please click here.

Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 @ 2:07 PM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
Search Posts
MARKET ANALYSIS
Market Commentary and Analysis
Market Commentary Video
Monthly Talking Points
Quarterly Newsletter
Market Observations
Subscribe To Receive Email
 


 PREVIOUS POSTS
2017 and The Priority of Allocation
The U.S. Dollar Is Once Again Testing The Upper Limits Of Its Recent Range
Now That The Election Is Over
Investor Sentiment In Equities Shifted After Midyear
The Market is Risk On
A Snapshot of S&P 500 Breadth
Fog is Lifting for Individual Investors
A Snapshot of Bond Valuations
This Sentiment Index Could Be Signaling A Buying Opportunity In Stocks
A Snapshot of Micro-Cap Stocks vs. Small-Cap Stocks
Archive
Skip Navigation Links.
Search by Topic
Skip Navigation Links.

 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.