Crude Oil, Market Cap & Inflation

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.