# Crude Oil, Market Cap & Inflation

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This chart synthesizes three important economic metrics: crude oil prices, the total market cap as per the Wilshire 5000 Index, and an inflation-adjusted crude oil price index.

1. **Crude Oil Prices - West Texas Intermediate (WTI), Cushing, Oklahoma:** This measures the price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, a benchmark for oil prices.
2. **Wilshire 5000 Total Market Full Cap Index:** This index represents the total market capitalization of all U.S. equity securities, serving as a comprehensive indicator of overall stock market performance.
3. **Inflation-Adjusted Crude Oil Price Index:** This indicator adjusts the WTI crude oil price for inflation, providing a measure of 'real' oil prices relative to overall consumer prices. A higher index value implies that oil prices are increasing faster than general consumer prices.

The chart offers a broad view of how oil prices interact with the stock market and overall price levels in the economy.

**Potential Interpretations:**

**Positive Scenario:** If the Wilshire 5000 Index is rising and the inflation-adjusted crude oil price index is steady or falling, it could suggest a robust stock market performance accompanied by stable or declining real oil prices.

**Negative Scenario:** If the Wilshire 5000 Index is declining and the inflation-adjusted crude oil price index is rising, it might indicate a weakening stock market coupled with increasing real oil prices, potentially exerting inflationary pressure on the economy.