The Supply Chain Index

A real-time measure of global trade friction. Are physical goods moving freely across the oceans, or is the system breaking down?

SEVERE BOTTLENECKS

Why it matters: The Globalization Fracture In a stable world, shipping is cheap and energy is abundant. Geopolitical tension in major oceanic choke points (like the Taiwan Strait or the Red Sea) causes these costs to spike, driving inflation directly to your wallet.

UPDATED: 19 Feb 2026

1. The Shipping Bottleneck 32.1%

How hard is it to move goods? This tracks the market cost of booking a massive dry-bulk cargo ship. When conflict, blockades, or tariffs threaten global waters, these freight rates explode upwards.

Metric: Freight Rate Variance (3mo)

2. The Energy Anxiety 12.0%

Is fuel getting too expensive? This tracks the volatility of crude oil prices. Everything you buy requires energy to produce and transport. If oil spikes due to geopolitical conflict, the entire supply chain suffers.

Metric: Crude Oil Variance (3mo)