WTI crude oil price chart 2018

WTI Crude Oil Prices, Feb 2017 – Feb 2018

Eric Garland DataLab

Since so much geopolitical shift happens because of fossil fuel prices, we keep a close watch on major indicators such as the West Texas Intermediate, or WTI Crude Oil price. The greatest geopolitical shift right now of course involves the declining fortunes of the Russian Federation, the economy of which is strictly tied to fossil fuel markets. This chart of …

solar PV renewable electricity production trend

Solar PV grew the fastest in adding electricity production to the grid

Eric Garland DataLab

Good news from the International Energy Agency: solar PV and renewables in general grew the most in 2016 in terms of adding to the electrical grid. Boosted by a strong solar PV market, renewables accounted for almost two-thirds of net new power capacity around the world last year, with almost 165 gigawatts (GW) coming online, according to the new report, Renewables …

Canada labour trends

Canadian labour trends strong, as well as wages

Eric Garland DataLab

While things are less cheery for their southern neighbors, Canada has just reported an increase in both labour participation and rising wages for the 10th straight month. This is particularly welcome news for Canada given two main threats to its economic stability. First, its reliance on raw materials – especially oil exports – means that low petroleum prices damage their …

west texas intermediate crude price chart

West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil price, 2012-2017

Eric Garland DataLab

Tracking West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) price is an essential element of understanding the global economy. As the world watches in mute horror at the interaction between the Russian Federation and the West, the price of oil is even more important in understanding the behavior of an economy based mainly on fossil fuels. Also, consider that in 2014, the United …