Analysts

The declining rig count trend continues, but the pace has slowed in recent weeks. Meanwhile, producers have learned to economize, doing more with less, and natural gas market rebalancing could be around the corner, analysts said.

Many U.S. onshore areas may no longer be viable to exploit at today’s oil price, but there are a few select onshore areas, led by the Permian Basin, where it’s still possible to make money, Raymond James & Associates Inc. analysts said Monday.

For the oil market, the start to 2016 represents a vicious cycle fed by “apparent market misconceptions and momentum,” analysts with Raymond James & Associates Inc. said Monday. Other analysts also have chimed in, noting that oil supply has begun to tighten up, which should lead to better pricing later this year.

U.S. natural gas prices look terrible again this year and could decline another 25% from 2015 as the structural oversupply continues, Raymond James & Associates Inc. said Monday.

The U.S. natural gas market, struggling with continuing oversupply, finally registered a slight production decline year/year in November, but industry watchers are discouraged that 2016 will prove much better for those longing for higher prices.

Mild temperatures may leave a lot of one-horse open sleighs idling this winter season and dash chances of higher natural gas prices for as long as 2017, energy analysts are predicting.

November natural gas is set to open flat Thursday morning at $2.40 as prices consolidate ahead of government inventory figures and early snow is in the forecast for higher elevations in the West. Overnight oil markets gained.

These days, no one could accuse U.S. land drilling rigs of sticking around where they’re not wanted. Rigs keep departing, and analysts say more need to go. Only some of them will return — and not for a while, they say.

These days, no one could accuse U.S. land drilling rigs of sticking around where they’re not wanted. Rigs keep departing, and analysts say more need to go. Only some of them will return — and not for a while, they say.