ENERGY

Rig Count Sinks to Record Low 653: The nation’s rig count plunged by 33 this week to a record low of 653 as the domestic drilling industry continued to suffer from weak natural gas prices and a seasonal decline, Baker Hughes Inc. said. Texas led the decline in the number of working oil and gas rigs, cutting 28 from its count. Ike Kerridge, who keeps track of the count for the Houston-based company, said it is “mainly due to gas prices and the seasonal decline.” Last week, the count dropped to 686--the lowest point since 1986. California added three rigs last week.