(Drivebycuriosity) - Should the Fed fight the Iran war? Ok, the question is ridiculous and absurd. But many pundits - and even some members of the FOC - demand that the Fed hikes her interest rate to fight the stubborn inflation. Their pleads are synonymous.
Force Majeure
Let me explain that to you. The sticky inflation is the result of the oil price rise in the recent 12 months - almost up 40%. What can the Fed do against rising oil prices? Nothing. The high oil price is caused by the Iran war. And the war is the result of geopolitical stupidity and is force majeure for the Fed.
Inflation means CONTINUOUS PRICE RISES. If the oil price stays on today´s level the inflation effect goes away. Only when the oil price keeps climbing - fueled by worsening of the war - then inflation will stay - or even goes higher.
Would the Fed try to fight the oil-price induced price hikes the authority would cause additional headwinds for economy - and may even cause a recession.
