OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has published 'E&P Capex Trends and Oilfield Services Prospects'. The publication includes Fitch selected quotes from management's across the exploration and production (E&P) and oilfield services (OFS) industries to highlight current trends and expectations, as well as initiatives underway to improve E&P returns and oilfield services companies' competitive positioning.

Items highlighted include:

--The fourth quarter 2015 activity deceleration;
--Lower 2016 E&P budgets and activity;
--North American services pressure and its possible bottoming;
--Broader offshore capital rationalization coming, but economics improving;
--Diversified providers playing the customer and investment long game;
--Competitive OFS positioning towards the partnership model, while shedding the provider role;
--E&P financial strength remains the services recovery wildcard.