Gains in first quarter activity in North America were offset somewhat by declines in Russia and parts of Europe, oilfield services company Schlumberger said. Most first quarter indicators for the largest company of its kind in the world were lower, both when compared to the fourth quarter and year-over-year. First quarter revenue of $6.9 billion was down 3 percent compared to the previous term, but up 6 percent from first quarter 2016. The market downturn characterized by historically low crude oil prices last year sidelined companies like Schlumberger as investments in exploration and production dwindled. Crude oil prices pulled out of a historic slump last year after members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to curb production in an effort […]