Eroding Gulf Coast Crack Spreads--Bearish for refiners like VLO

Brent vs. WTI spread continues to remain strong and pulling up the value of Gulf Coast crude, which in turn is driving erosion in Gulf Coast crack margins (represent by blue line on the chart). Valero stock price (candlesticks on the chart) is reacting to deteriorating refined products margins. Bearish until crack spreads reverse course.