Economists don't foresee a recession until oil hits what price and stays there for weeks?

• A. 100
• B. 120
• C. 150
• D. 138

Answer: (D)

When oil prices rise and stay high for several weeks, the economy faces a persistent energy-cost shock. That sustained burden pushes up production and transportation costs, squeezes consumer spending, and can slow hiring and investment. Crossing and staying around a price of 138 dollars per barrel signals that the shock is durable enough to weigh on growth and fuel inflationary pressure, which together raise the risk of a recession. The other numbers are lower thresholds or less indicative of a continued, broad economic slowdown, so 138 is the best indicator under these conditions.