Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller (referred to as Hammack in the article) stated in an interview with The New York Times that the central bank is likely to maintain current interest rates at upcoming meetings. He emphasized that the economic impact of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran remains uncertain, making it premature to assess its effects on inflation or growth. Waller also reiterated the Fed’s focus on achieving a 'soft landing' by balancing inflation control with economic stability. This statement reinforces market expectations of a pause in rate hikes, which could stabilize the USD and reduce volatility in global forex markets. Traders are now closely monitoring upcoming employment data and inflation reports for clearer signals on the Fed’s policy trajectory. The uncertainty around the Iran conflict also adds a layer of risk to energy markets, particularly oil prices, which could influence broader economic conditions. For Gulf investors, the Fed’s cautious stance suggests limited immediate pressure on capital outflows from emerging markets. However, the prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may indirectly affect regional trade and energy sectors. Key indicators to watch include the Fed’s next policy statement, OPEC+ production decisions, and real-time data on oil price fluctuations.
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