Are interest rates on the way up again?
Rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are fueling expectations that the US Federal Reserve and other central banks may raise interest rates. Despite pressure from political figures to lower rates, economic indicators suggest a shift toward tightening monetary policy.
Why it matters
Impacts global borrowing costs, household budgets, and economic stability in the face of persistent inflation.
Image source, Getty Images By Michael Race Business reporter , Reporting from New York Published 1 hour ago There's nothing like talk of energy prices and potential higher borrowing costs to remind us that the summer holidays are well and truly over.
Surging oil prices have been pushing up what drivers pay at the fuel pumps and eating away at household budgets for months, and concerns remain over whether the economic impact of the US-Iran war will drive the cost of living higher.
Citing the Middle East conflict and warning inflation was "set to remain well above" its 2% target for some time, the European Central Bank recently raised interest rates to 2.5%.
Other central banks are also responding, with the US and the UK poised to make interest-rate decisions next week.
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