Mar. 21 at 8:36 PM
$SPY $QQQ $XLE $USO $CL_F US stocks are now entirely driven by oil price moves.
Historically, whenever crude oil prices surge more than +30%, stocks tend to follow with significant declines, as the correlation between the S&P 500 and oil turns deeply negative. The 40-day correlation is now at -0.22, meaning stocks & oil are moving in opposite directions, a pattern seen during every major oil shock.
This comes as 4 out of 5 oil shocks since the 1970s have led to a recession.
Meanwhile, each sustained +10% increase in oil prices could reduce US GDP growth by 15 to 20 basis points, according to JPMorgan.
If oil holds at current levels for the rest of the year, the S&P 500 earnings estimates could fall by -2% to -5%.
Put simply, if this market correction recovers, another one could come during the next earnings season.
The damage from elevated oil prices is not a short-term event. It will ripple through the economy and markets for months.
