Trump’s Iran action and new tariffs push U.S. inflation to 4.2% in May 2026, raising rate-hike risks
The article says President Donald Trump approved military operations against Iran, after which Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted the daily flow of about 20 million barrels of petroleum liquids. It says gasoline prices rose at the fastest pace in more than three decades and diesel climbed even more, helping lift U.S. inflation to a three-year high of 4.2% in May. Although oil prices pulled back in June and June inflation is projected to ease, core PCE continues to climb, raising the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike by the end of 2026. The article argues higher rates could pressure the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite after record highs fueled by AI enthusiasm.