EJ Antoni said the U.S. economy is not strong enough to withstand oil at $100 per barrel, warning that higher energy prices will push inflation higher. “The economy is weaker than we thought it was, and inflation is worse than we thought it was,” Antoni said. Data show GDP growth was revised to 0.7% in Q4 2025, wholesale prices rose faster than expected, and employment fell by 92,000. Rising fuel costs have intensified concerns over consumer pressure and midterm election risks.