CARNEGIE - The United States generates one-fifth of its electricity using one hundred nuclear power reactors. That’s more reactors than in any other country, but until 2013 the last construction start in the United States was in 1977.

U.S. Rig Count is up 490 rigs from last year's count of 464, with oil rigs up 384, gas rigs up 108, and miscellaneous rigs down 2 to 0. Canadian Rig Count is up 95 rigs from last year's count of 122, with oil rigs up 64, gas rigs up 33, and miscellaneous rigs down 2 to 0.

“It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary.”

Real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 2.6 percent in the second quarter of 2017 (table 1), according to the "advance" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the first quarter, real GDP increased 1.2 percent (revised).

U.S. Rig Count is up 495 rigs from last year's count of 463, with oil rigs up 392, gas rigs up 106, and miscellaneous rigs down 3 to 0. Canadian Rig Count is up 101 rigs from last year's count of 119, with oil rigs up 69, gas rigs up 33, and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 0.

China's import of US crude oil crossed 1 million mt for the first time in June, an eight-fold rise year on year, as elevated Dubai prices prompted both state and independent refiners to use it as an opportunity to diversify supplies, a trend that could add to the headache of OPEC suppliers.

In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 1 to 1-1/4 percent. The stance of monetary policy remains accommodative, thereby supporting some further strengthening in labor market conditions and a sustained return to 2 percent inflation.

"The legislation, if enacted, is a big political win for members of Congress who want to take a strong stance on Russia," Elizabeth Rosenberg, a senior fellow and director of the energy, economics and security program at the Center for a New American Security, said Sunday. "It will rearrange the way the global energy industry does business with Russia and significantly increase the risk around dealings with Russia."

U.S. Rig Count is up 488 rigs from last year's count of 462, with oil rigs up 393, gas rigs up 98, and miscellaneous rigs down 3 to 0. Canadian Rig Count is up 104 rigs from last year's count of 102, with oil rigs up 70, gas rigs up 35, and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 0.

Fitch Ratings anticipates most investment-grade and 'BB' category U.S. E&P companies will see minimal ratings changes in a steady $45 per barrel environment as the realization of further production efficiency gains and lower costs per barrel of oil equivalent (boe) should contribute to resilient margins and cash flow.