What Does It Mean When WTI Is Above Brent in 2026? The Alarming Signal Behind the Spread

What does it mean when WTI is above Brent? In 2026, the signal is less about benchmark supremacy and more about immediate scarcity. When WTI is above Brent, the market is often pricing short-term supply tightness, steep backwardation, and a premium for prompt physical barrels, with broader effects on inflation, yields, and risk assets.