Is the oil market the next canary in the coal mine? Well, according to George Gammon, the answer is yes.
In a recent video, Gammon argues that the oil market is a sophisticated indicator of economic health, and right now, it's telling us that we're in for a rough ride.
Gammon begins by pointing to a chart of the oil market, which has been in freefall over the past several weeks.
As of writing, oil is trading at $67.92 a barrel, down from a recent high of around $83.
What's more, the market appears to be signaling that this decline isn't going to reverse anytime soon.
So why is this such a big deal? According to Gammon, the oil market is telling us that future oil demand will fall off a cliff. This is because the market is pricing in the probability of a recession, both in the United States and globally.
To understand why this is significant, we need to look at the supply and demand dynamics of the oil market.
On the supply side, there isn't much that's changed recently. We're still in a period of tight supply, and it's unlikely that there will be any significant increases in supply anytime soon.
However, on the demand side, things are different. According to Gammon, the market is anticipating a sharp drop in future demand for oil. This is due to several factors, including a slowing global economy, tightening credit conditions, and rising trade tensions.
In short, the oil market is a canary in the coal mine. It tells us that the broader economy is not as healthy as many believe. And, as with all canaries, we should be paying attention.
Of course, other indicators suggest the economy is doing just fine. For instance, unemployment remains low, and the stock market continues to rise. However, Gammon argues that these indicators lag and may not tell us the full story.
So what should investors do in this environment? According to Gammon, the best action is to be cautious and conservative. Avoid taking on too much risk, and consider hedging your portfolio with assets like gold and silver.
Above all, watch the oil market like a hawk. If prices continue to fall, it could be a sign that we're in for a hard landing. But if prices stabilize or rebound, it could be a sign that the economy is stronger than we think.
In conclusion, while nobody knows for certain what the future holds, it's clear that the oil market is a key indicator of economic health. For those who are paying attention, it's telling us that we need to be cautious and careful in the months ahead.