Friday's weekly (8.1.25) Active U.S. Drilling count posted another week of improved natural gas development/spending. Operators added two more units to reach 124 gas rigs. Strong international LNG demand remains the driving force for domestic natural gas development.

Friday's (8.1.25) U.S. Total Rig Count turned over and downward to 540 units. Operators are continuing to trim oil basin drilling (-5 in last week) in favor of natural gas development (+2 in last week). WTI crude oil prices posted a slight price increase with HH natural gas pricing about the same. Expect continued U.S. natural gas investment.
 
The week's news was economic data. U.S. GDP posted 3% Q2 gain on Wednesday morning (7.30.25) followed by afternoon's no interest rate reduction statement from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. July jobs report released Friday (8.1.25) was disappointingly weak at 73,000 new hires. Investors reacted with an equity sell-off. DJI Average lost -542.40 points at market close (8.1.25).