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Bakken Rig Count Holds at 34 as Strong Prices Support Regional Stability
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 34, according to live Bakken data for Thursday, August 20, 2026. This operational tempo, supported by West Texas Intermediate crude trading at $86.48 per barrel, provides a baseline for the region's workforce and local economies. In the Bakken formation, the rig count is a leading indicator for direct and indirect employment. A count in the mid-30s suggests a stabilized industry posture, sustaining core oilfield jobs but without the rapid hiring surges or steep layoffs associated with more volatile periods. The current price environment, with WTI up $2.09 on the day, offers operators the economic confidence to maintain this pace of development. The relationship between drilling activity and community impact is direct. Steady rig counts support consistent demand for housing, from man-camps to rental units, helping to stabilize vacancy rates and prices in communities like Williston, Dickinson, and Watford...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 33 as Oil Prices Surge
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation remained at 33 on Thursday, according to live data, holding steady as oil prices posted significant gains. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $2.07 to $86.46 per barrel, a 2.45% increase. The international benchmark, Brent crude, also climbed to $93.57 per barrel. The current rig count reflects a stabilized level of drilling activity in the region. This figure, while substantially higher than the lows seen during industry downturns, remains far below the peak of over 200 rigs active in the Bakken during the early 2010s boom. The direct employment tied to drilling and completion crews is closely correlated to this rig count. Industry analysts note that the relationship between oil prices, rig activity, and local community impact in western North Dakota is direct. Sustained higher commodity prices, as seen with WTI holding above $86, provide the economic incentive for...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 33 Amid Stable Oil Prices
The active rig count in North Dakota held steady at 33 on Tuesday, as oil prices posted modest gains, indicating a period of sustained but moderate activity for the Bakken region's workforce and communities. West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $84.53 per barrel, according to midday data. The current rig level, while significantly below the peak boom years, represents a stable operational base for the state's primary oil-producing region. Analysts typically view rig count as a leading indicator for oilfield employment, with each active rig supporting a wide range of direct and indirect jobs. "For communities in the Williston Basin, the rig count is a pulse check," said a longtime Bakken industry observer. "Thirty-three rigs suggests a focused, efficient industry that supports local businesses and provides steady employment without the extreme boom-bust cycles of the past." The stability in activity is reflected in local housing and commercial real estate markets,...
Bakken Rig Count Steady at 31 as Workforce Pressures Persist
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held at 31 on Friday, as reported by Bakken Wire's live data, a level that continues to sustain robust workforce demand in the state's oil-producing region. With WTI crude trading at $81.51 per barrel, the economic conditions support steady operational activity for Bakken operators. A rig count in the low 30s represents a significant commitment by oil companies to ongoing development in the Williston Basin. This activity directly translates to sustained employment needs for skilled workers across drilling, completions, and production sectors. The consistent demand puts pressure on the available labor pool in western North Dakota communities like Williston, Watford City, and Dickinson. The persistent demand for workers underscores ongoing challenges with housing availability in the core Bakken region. While the frenzied construction pace of the previous boom has cooled, housing inventory remains tight relative to the current workforce population. Rental...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 30 as Oil Prices Retreat Slightly
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 30 this week, according to live Bakken Wire data. This count, a key indicator of oilfield employment and industrial activity, has remained in a narrow range through the summer, pointing to a period of consolidation for the region's workforce. The current rig count is significantly below the boom-era peaks but represents a stabilized level of operation for the modern, more efficient Bakken. Each active rig supports hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, from roughnecks and engineers to truck drivers and hospitality workers. A steady count suggests consistent demand for this core workforce in the Williston Basin. Meanwhile, crude oil prices saw a modest decline in midday trading. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $82.64 per barrel, down 0.76%, while the international Brent benchmark traded at $88.40. The Bakken crude differential—the discount at which local crude trades versus WTI—was...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 29 as Oil Prices Rally
The active rig count in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 29 this week, a level that suggests continued stability for the region's workforce and communities. The count has remained near 30 rigs for several months, reflecting a measured pace of drilling activity compared to previous boom cycles. Oil prices provided a supportive backdrop, with WTI crude rallying 1.62% to $83.46 per barrel and Brent crude rising 1.69% to $89.20. The Bakken crude differential narrowed to -$3.42 versus WTI, improving the netback for local producers. Higher sustained oil prices typically support employment levels and capital spending by operators, which in turn flows through to local economies. At 29 rigs, the Bakken workforce is operating at a fraction of the peak seen during the last boom, which topped out at over 200 active rigs. The current level supports a core of skilled oilfield workers and service company employees, but without...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 29 as Oil Prices Support Steady Activity
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 29 on Tuesday, according to Bakken Wire's midday data. This level of activity, supported by West Texas Intermediate crude trading at $83.06 per barrel, suggests a period of operational stability for the Bakken formation's workforce and regional economies. The current rig count, while significantly lower than historic boom-era peaks, represents a consolidated and efficient operational footprint. Industry analysts generally correlate rig count directly with direct oilfield employment, including drilling crews, rig hands, and related service company jobs. A stable count indicates a sustained, though modest, demand for skilled labor in the region. The midday price for Bakken crude, calculated at a $3.42 discount to WTI, equates to approximately $79.64 per barrel at the wellhead. This price level is widely considered sufficient to maintain production and complete drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs) from many operators, supporting existing jobs even...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 29 Amid Sharp Oil Price Rally
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota remained at 29 on Monday, a level indicative of a stable but measured pace of oilfield activity. The count, reported by Bakken Wire, comes alongside a significant rally in crude oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) surging $4.11 to $82.29 per barrel. Historically, the number of active drilling rigs is a leading indicator for oilfield employment and service company demand in the Bakken region. The current rig count, while far below the boom-era peaks, supports a consistent workforce focused on efficient production from existing wells and targeted new drilling. The sharp rise in oil prices provides a stronger revenue backdrop for operators. The Bakken crude differential was reported at -$3.42 versus WTI, meaning Bakken-priced crude is trading around $78.87 per barrel. Sustained prices at this level generally help maintain capital spending plans and discourage workforce reductions. For local communities across western...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 Amid Price Rally, Stabilizing Workforce
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 27 as oil prices rallied sharply on Monday, August 10, providing a stable, if reduced, level of activity for the region's workforce and local economies. The current rig count is a fraction of the boom-era peak but represents a consistent operational level that has persisted for several months, according to Bakken Wire data. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $80.97 per barrel, a daily gain of $2.79 or 3.57%. The global benchmark Brent crude rose to $86.56. The Bakken crude price differential narrowed to a discount of $3.42 below WTI. Natural gas prices were reported at $2.80 per MMBtu. This combination of firmer prices and a steady rig count supports a stabilized employment environment across the oilfield services, transportation, and wellsite operation sectors. The current activity level is sufficient to maintain core crews and specialized technical...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 30 as Oil Prices Surge
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 30 for the latest reporting period, according to Bakken Wire live data. This count continues to reflect a period of significantly reduced drilling activity compared to historical peaks, even as oil prices saw a sharp rally with WTI crude rising 3.36% to $77.75 per barrel. The stable, low rig count indicates a consolidated and disciplined operational pace among Bakken producers. This level of activity is a primary driver for direct oilfield employment, supporting a workforce that is a fraction of its former size but likely more stable. With fewer new wells being drilled, demand for drilling crews, fracking crews, and related field services remains contained. For local communities across the Williston Basin, this environment suggests a period of adjustment rather than rapid growth or decline. Housing markets, which experienced extreme volatility during previous boom-and-bust cycles, are likely seeing...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 28 as Oil Prices Provide Stability
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 28 on Wednesday, a level that has come to represent a stabilized operational baseline for the Bakken formation. According to Bakken Wire's live data, West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $75.75 per barrel, with the Bakken price at a differential of $-3.42 under that benchmark. Brent crude was slightly higher at $79.74. The current rig count, far below the boom-era peaks but consistent in recent quarters, indicates a mature phase of controlled activity. This equilibrium has significant implications for the region's workforce and communities. A stable rig count typically correlates with stable employment levels in both direct oilfield jobs and the extensive network of supporting services, from logistics and housing to retail and hospitality. For local economies in western North Dakota, the sustained mid-$70s oil price environment provides a foundation for municipal budgets and business planning. Prices at...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 28 Amid Sharp Oil Price Decline
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 28 on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, even as global oil prices experienced a significant sell-off. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded at $75.96, down $4.38 or 5.45% for the day, according to live Bakken data. The current rig count, a key indicator of oilfield activity, reflects a sustained but historically modest level of drilling operations in the Bakken formation. The direct relationship between rig count, employment, and local economic health means this stability is a critical factor for western North Dakota communities. However, the sharp drop in oil prices introduces uncertainty for future activity levels. Historically, the Bakken region's workforce, housing market, and municipal revenues are tightly coupled to the pace of oil and gas development. A higher rig count typically translates to increased demand for oilfield service workers, truck drivers, and support staff, bolstering employment and putting...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 28 Amid Sharp Oil Price Drop
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota held steady at 28 for the week, according to Bakken Wire's live data. This level of activity provides a key indicator of employment and economic activity for the region's oilfield workforce and service companies. The stability comes despite a significant drop in oil prices. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $4.62 to settle at $80.05 per barrel, a decline of 5.46%. The international Brent benchmark also fell 5.03% to $83.51. The price for Bakken crude at the wellhead is typically discounted against WTI; the current differential is -$3.42. Historically, the number of active drilling rigs is a leading indicator for direct oilfield employment. A stable rig count suggests a consistent demand for drilling crews, rig operators, and related service personnel. The current count of 28 rigs represents a fraction of the peak activity seen during previous boom cycles but indicates sustained, moderate operations....
Bakken Workforce Braces for Pressure as Oil Prices Plunge, Rig Count Holds
The workforce and communities in North Dakota's Bakken region face ongoing economic headwinds as crude oil prices experienced a significant midday sell-off on Monday, August 3, while drilling activity remained at a depressed level. The current rig count of 27 underscores a prolonged period of restrained operational tempo. According to live Bakken data, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $79.66 per barrel, down $5.01 or 5.92% for the day. The international benchmark Brent crude fell to $83.76, a drop of $4.17. The Bakken crude differential was $-3.42 versus WTI. Natural gas held at $2.77. The relationship between oil prices, rig activity, and community impact in the Bakken is direct. The current rig count of 27 is a fraction of the historic peaks seen during previous boom cycles. This low level of drilling activity translates to reduced demand for field personnel, including roughnecks, roustabouts, and other service company employees....
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 Amid Flat Oil Prices
The active rig count in North Dakota held steady at 27 on Sunday, August 2, 2026, according to Bakken Wire data. This stability in drilling activity comes as benchmark oil prices showed little movement, with WTI crude trading at $84.67 per barrel. The current rig count, while significantly lower than the boom-era peaks, represents a sustained level of operational activity in the Williston Basin. Historically, the number of active drilling rigs is a leading indicator for direct and indirect employment in the region's oilfields. Steady rig activity supports a consistent demand for field personnel, including drilling crews, completion teams, and maintenance workers. This provides a degree of predictability for the local workforce and reduces the volatility that has characterized previous market cycles. Sustained production from existing wells also requires a permanent operations workforce, which contributes to community stability. For local economies in western North Dakota, a stable rig count helps...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 as Oil Prices Rise
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota held steady at 27 this week, according to midday data from Bakken Wire. This level of activity, combined with rising crude oil benchmarks, points to continued, measured support for employment and local economies in the Bakken formation. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $84.67, up $1.08 or 1.29%, while the international Brent benchmark rose to $90.12. The Bakken crude differential was at a discount of $3.42 per barrel versus WTI. Natural gas was priced at $2.75 per MMBtu. In the Bakken region, the rig count is a primary indicator of direct oilfield employment and a leading signal for service company demand. A count in the mid-to-high 20s, as seen currently, reflects a stable but conservative level of development compared to previous boom cycles. This steadiness typically translates into consistent, rather than volatile, demand for workers across drilling, completion, and production...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 as Oil Prices Rise Above $84
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 27 as oil prices strengthened in midday trading Saturday, August 1, according to live Bakken Wire data. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.08 to $84.67 per barrel, while the global Brent benchmark traded at $90.12. A rig count in the high-20s represents a period of stable, moderate activity for the Bakken formation. This level is significantly below the peak boom years but sustains a core level of operations that supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the region's oilfield service, transportation, and logistics sectors. The current price environment is a key factor supporting this activity. With WTI above $84 and the Bakken crude differential at a discount of $3.42 per barrel, the wellhead price for local producers remains economically viable for continued drilling and well completion work. This price stability helps companies maintain consistent workforce levels,...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 as Oil Prices Push Higher
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota held steady at 27 on Friday, a figure that underscores a period of measured activity in the Bakken formation. The stability comes as crude oil prices posted gains, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) trading at $84.55 per barrel, according to live Bakken data. The current rig count, a key indicator of oilfield employment and industrial demand, reflects a significantly smaller footprint than during the boom years but represents a stable plateau for the region. For local communities and the oilfield workforce, this level of activity suggests a sustained, if modest, demand for labor across drilling, completion, and production services. Higher oil prices, with WTI up over a dollar on the day, generally support continued capital spending by operators. However, the persistent discount for Bakken crude, currently at a $3.42 differential below WTI, can temper some of that price incentive. The net effect...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 as Oil Prices Offer Stability
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held at 27 on Friday, a level that reflects a mature and measured pace of development in the Bakken formation. This operational tempo, supported by oil prices holding above $84 per barrel, provides a baseline for regional workforce stability and local economic activity. The current rig count is a key indicator of direct oilfield employment for drilling crews, roustabouts, and related service companies. A count in the high 20s represents a significant consolidation from the boom-era highs of over 200 rigs but suggests a sustained core of high-paying jobs. According to general industry analysis, each active rig typically supports dozens of direct and indirect jobs across the supply chain. Commodity prices on Friday offered supportive signals for maintaining this activity. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $84.30 per barrel, up 0.85% for the day. The global benchmark, Brent crude, traded at $89.93....
Bakken Workforce Stability Tested as Rig Count Holds at 27
The North Dakota oil industry continues to operate at a stable but historically reduced pace, with the state's active rig count holding at 27 on Thursday, July 30, 2026. This level of drilling activity, sustained amid modestly lower oil prices, is a key indicator for employment and economic vitality in the Bakken region's workforce and communities. According to live Bakken data, WTI crude was trading at $84.03 per barrel, down 51 cents for the session, while the local Bakken crude differential was $3.42 below the WTI benchmark. The current rig count, a fraction of the boom-era highs that surpassed 200, points to a mature phase of development focused on efficiency and existing well pads. This sustained lower activity level directly shapes the labor market, likely maintaining a workforce that is leaner and more specialized than in previous years. For local communities, the steady rig count suggests a period of equilibrium....
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 Amid Sharp Oil Price Rally
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 27 this week, according to live Bakken Wire data, as a sharp rally in oil prices provided a stronger revenue backdrop for operators. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude surged $5.40 to settle at $84.66 per barrel, a gain of 6.81%, while the global Brent benchmark rose 7.8% to $90.65. The current rig count, a key indicator of industry activity and employment demand, remains at a level consistent with modest, sustained operations in the Bakken formation. Historically, rig counts directly correlate with oilfield employment, with each active rig supporting a wide range of jobs including drillers, field technicians, truck drivers, and support staff. A steady count suggests a stabilized demand for this workforce after periods of volatility. For local communities in western North Dakota, the stability in activity, coupled with higher oil prices, supports key economic indicators. Municipal budgets...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 24 as Surging Oil Prices Boost Outlook
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 24 on Wednesday, a baseline of activity that continues to define the current scale of operations in the Bakken formation. The figure comes amid a sharp rally in oil markets, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude surging $5.87 to settle at $85.13 per barrel, a gain of 7.41%. The sustained rig count reflects a period of disciplined capital spending by operators, even as commodity prices provide a stronger revenue backdrop. Brent crude also saw a significant increase, rising $6.81 to $90.90 per barrel. The local Bakken crude price differential stood at a discount of $3.42 versus WTI. Historically, rig count is a leading indicator for oilfield employment and service company demand in western North Dakota. The current level of two dozen active rigs supports a core workforce but is far below the boom-era peaks that strained regional housing and infrastructure. Community...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 24 Amid Sharp Oil Price Decline
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota's Bakken formation remained steady at 24 on Tuesday, a level that has defined a new baseline of reduced field activity in the region. The stability comes despite a sharp sell-off in crude oil markets, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closing at $79.22 per barrel, down 4.1% for the day. The current rig count, while unchanged from recent reports, represents a fraction of the historic highs seen during previous boom cycles. This sustained lower level of drilling activity has led to a stabilized, though diminished, demand for oilfield labor compared to the peaks of the last decade. Employment in core extraction and support sectors is likely concentrated around maintaining existing production from the basin's vast inventory of wells. For local communities, the extended period of modest activity has allowed housing markets and municipal services to adjust. The frenetic pressure on housing, infrastructure, and...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 23 as Oil Price Slide Tests Workforce Stability
The active rig count in North Dakota held steady at 23 on Tuesday, a level indicative of subdued drilling activity that continues to shape workforce and community dynamics across the Bakken region. The stability in rigs comes amid a sharp midday sell-off in oil markets, with West Texas Intermediate crude trading at $78.43, down $4.18 or 5.06% for the day, according to live Bakken Wire data. The current rig count, a primary driver of direct oilfield employment, remains near multi-year lows, suggesting a tight labor market for drilling and completion crews. Historically, rig counts below 30 correlate with reduced demand for field workers, decreased man-camp occupancy, and less pressure on local housing markets in oil-producing counties like McKenzie, Williams, and Mountrail. "Rig activity is the heartbeat of the Bakken economy," said a longtime Williston business owner, speaking on background about the broader trends. "When it's low and stable like this,...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 23 as Oil Prices Retreat Sharply
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota held steady at 23 on Monday, July 27, 2026, according to live Bakken Wire data. This level of activity, while stable in the short term, operates against a backdrop of sharply declining crude oil prices, which directly influence hiring, housing demand, and economic vitality in the state's western oil-producing counties. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was trading at $83.22 per barrel, down $6.09 or 6.82% for the day. The international benchmark Brent crude fell 7.39% to $89.63. The price for Bakken crude at the wellhead is effectively lower, with the Bakken differential sitting at a discount of $3.42 per barrel versus WTI. Natural gas prices remained weak at $2.80 per MMBtu. The rig count is a leading indicator for oilfield employment, encompassing jobs for drilling crews, hydraulic fracturing teams, and associated services. A count in the low 20s suggests a relatively...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 24 as Oil Prices Retreat Sharply
The active drilling rig count in North Dakota held steady at 24 on Saturday, July 25, 2026, according to live Bakken data, providing a measure of stability for regional employment even as crude oil prices saw a significant sell-off. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $2.88 to settle at $89.31 per barrel, a drop of 3.12%. The global benchmark Brent crude declined 3.88% to $96.78. The current rig level, while stable week-to-week, reflects a historically moderated pace of activity for the Bakken formation. Direct oilfield employment, including drilling, completion, and production crews, is closely tied to this rig count. A sustained count in the mid-20s suggests a core level of operational jobs is being maintained, but offers limited prospects for the large-scale hiring booms seen during previous high-price cycles. The sharp midday price drop for crude, with WTI falling below the $90 threshold, introduces renewed uncertainty for local economies in...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 25 Amid Oil Price Retreat
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 25 on Friday, July 24, 2026, providing a key indicator of operational activity as crude oil prices experienced a significant sell-off. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) benchmark was trading at $88.40 per barrel, down $3.79 or 4.11% for the day, according to live Bakken data. The Brent crude price also fell sharply to $96.05. The stable rig count, a primary driver of direct oilfield employment, suggests a near-term floor for workforce demand in the region. Historically, the number of active rigs correlates closely with hiring for drilling, completions, and related well services. A count in the mid-20s represents a fraction of the boom-era activity but supports a core level of jobs essential for maintaining production from the Bakken formation. The sharp drop in oil prices, however, introduces uncertainty for future hiring and capital spending plans by operators. The...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 24 as Higher Oil Prices Support Stability
The North Dakota oil and gas workforce is operating against a backdrop of stable, moderate activity, with the state's active rig count holding at 24 on Tuesday. The current count represents a consolidation of operational footprint compared to previous boom cycles, according to general industry analysis. Elevated crude oil prices are providing underlying support for this level of activity. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded at $84.31 per barrel at midday, a gain of $2.22% on the day. The international Brent benchmark was at $91.15. Bakken crude traded at a discount of $3.42 per barrel to WTI, for a wellhead price of approximately $80.89. Historically, rig counts serve as a leading indicator for employment and service demand in oil-producing regions like the Bakken. A stable rig count in the mid-20s suggests a corresponding steadiness in direct oilfield employment for roles including drillers, rig hands, and company personnel. This level is...
Bakken Workforce, Communities Stabilize Amid Moderate Rig Count
The North Dakota oil industry is operating at a steady, moderate pace with 24 rigs actively drilling, a level that typically supports a stable workforce and predictable demand for housing and services in the Bakken region, according to live Bakken data. The current rig count, far below historic boom peaks, reflects a mature phase of development focused on efficiency. Supporting this activity, oil prices provide a favorable backdrop. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $82.50 per barrel on Monday, July 20, 2026, an increase of 88 cents. Bakken crude was priced at a differential of $3.42 below WTI, putting local crude at approximately $79.08. Brent crude, the international benchmark, traded at $88.96. In the Bakken, the direct link between rig count, commodity prices, and community economic health is well-established. Higher rig counts translate directly into more drilling, completion, and production jobs, which in turn drive demand for housing,...
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 25 as Oil Prices Retreat from Highs
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 25 on Monday, as benchmark oil prices saw a slight pullback, according to live Bakken market data. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded at $81.33 per barrel, down 55 cents for the day. The current rig count, a key indicator of oilfield employment and service company demand, remains significantly below the boom-era peaks but represents a baseline of sustained activity. Industry analysts typically correlate rig levels with direct and indirect jobs, with each active rig supporting a wide range of positions from drill crews to truck drivers and support services. For communities across the Bakken formation, this stability at a moderate level suggests a continuation of current economic conditions. Housing markets, which experienced extreme volatility during previous boom-and-bust cycles, are likely under less acute pressure than a decade ago but remain sensitive to any sustained increase in activity....