Markets Face Sticky Inflation And Gulf Conflict

This week markets swung lower as the Federal Reserve revised its 2026 rate-cut outlook to a single reduction, citing 2.7% core inflation, while US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel. The combination has driven risk assets down—S&P 500's fourth straight weekly decline and crypto Fear and Greed at 11—raising the odds of sustained volatility for investors.