= recessions
( HINT: Click-and-drag left-to-right on a chart to zoom in to a specific date range. Double-click on a chart to zoom back out. )
Spot Oil Price vs. S&P500
This chart shows the year-over-year change in the West Texas Intermediate Crude Spot Oil Price and the Core Inflation Rate (CPI excluding food and energy costs), in relation to the S&P 500. Spot Oil Price is an important component of both consumer and producer costs, and can be a leading indictor in measurements of inflation. Rising energy costs act like a tax on consumers, and can lead to reduced sales, spending, and economic growth. Rising Oils Prices can cause recessions, which act to reduce demand, thereby causing Oil Prices to fall again. Same market timers use Oil Prices as a leading indicator of the economy and stock market.NOTE: Use the Legend link above the Spot Oil Price chart to display hidden headline CPI values.