US Federal Reserve

Powell says Fed can ‘wait and see’ how Iran war affects inflation

US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaking at a dialogue at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on March 30, 2026.

Commentary

How to navigate the fog of war

With shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz grinding to a halt, Brent crude prices have already soared by nearly 50 per cent since late February.

Fed officials voice growing concern over fallout from Iran war

Fed governor Lisa Cook said the spike in oil prices had shifted the balance of risks for now, leaving inflation as a bigger concern than employment.

Wait it out, hold on to gold? What investors in S’pore can do as ‘stagflation’ risk mounts

Stagflation hits when there is inflation, like with rising oil prices, but the economy's slowing down, jobs are tight, and growth is stagnant.

Wall Street ends down as traders see no rate cuts before 2027

Traders working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 19, in New York City.

News analysis

Investors face cloudier Fed rate view as Iran war grips markets

The nearly 50 per cent surge in crude prices since the conflict began on Feb 28, and the extent to which it will force the Fed to dial back rate cuts, have been top of mind for investors.

Fed chief Powell confirms Trump is stuck with him until criminal probe is ‘well and truly’ over

Mr Powell also said he plans to remain at the helm of the Fed even after his leadership term ends until his nominated successor - Kevin Warsh - is confirmed by the Senate, a process already effectively placed in limbo.

US Fed holds rates unchanged, raises inflation outlook over ‘uncertain’ Iran war impact

US Federal Reserve officials flagged one expected rate cut by the end of the year.

Trump says he has ‘absolute right’ to charge tariffs in another form

US President Donald Trump imposed a 10 per cent tariff on US imports via executive order shortly after the Supreme Court ruling.

Judge blocks subpoenas against Fed chair Powell, DOJ to appeal

Mr Jerome Powell, a frequent target of Mr Donald Trump’s ire, disclosed the investigation on Jan 11, denouncing it as a threat to the Fed’s independence.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.