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Bitunix Analyst: Iran Impasse Raises Energy Risks as Fed Rate-Hike Expectations Intersect with U.S. Election Pressure

BlockBeats reported that October 21, the policy challenge facing the United States extends beyond inflation to Middle East energy supplies and domestic political pressure. Iran has refused to resume negotiations until the United States meets conditions, demanding the lifting of port blockades and oil sanctions, an end to regional hostilities, and retention of control over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran intends to prolong the impasse until before the U.S.November 3 midterm elections, using high oil prices and shipping disruptions to increase the White House's political costs. Meanwhile, Trump envoy Barrack said that the United States would no longer provide unlimited security guarantees for the Gulf; even as U.S. forces continue to deploy additional resources, this means regional allies may need to shoulder more defense responsibilities. Energy-supply risks therefore involve not only a short-term conflict premium, but also long-term changes in the Middle East security order.

Interest-rate expectations have likewise turned more hawkish. In a Reuters survey, 94 economists expected the Federal Reserve to October 27 to 28 meeting to keep rates at 3.75%to 4.00%, but all 100 respondents expected December another rate hike, with nearly further forecasting that rates could rise to 4.00%to 4.25%. U.S. economic growth remains resilient,AI investment supports demand, while energy and tariff costs could extend the time needed for inflation to decline. A pause in rate hikes therefore does not mean that policy is turning accommodative. Trump's proposed 8000000000 USD farmer aid and cash-subsidy plan, while attempting to ease cost-of-living pressures, also faces questions over whether fiscal spending and demand stimulus could affect inflation.

However, equity-market signals are not uniformly pessimistic. The S&P 500 Index remains only about 1.6%below its historical high, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index has fallen about October 6 since 14%; contrarian buy signals from Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo reflect a clear cooling in market sentiment, but do not mean risks have been eliminated. The focus going forward is whether the energy shock will continue to push up prices, whether the Federal Reserve will therefore maintain higher interest rates, and whether AI capital expenditures can translate into sustainable profitability. If these conditions come under pressure simultaneously, the market may face not merely a valuation correction, but a rebalancing of growth expectations, financing costs, and capital allocation.

Original link https://m.theblockbeats.info/flash/372890