Vishnu Varathan of Mizuho Securities said the Federal Reserve faces “extremely low visibility” on the rate path amid the Iran war. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a rate hike was discussed but is not the base case. The conflict sharpens the Fed’s dilemma, as energy shocks could lift inflation while squeezing demand, growth and jobs. With risks pulling in opposite directions, Varathan said the Fed is likely to pause and assess for now.

2026-03-19

Vishnu Varathan of Mizuho Securities said the Federal Reserve faces “extremely low visibility” on the rate path amid the Iran war. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a rate hike was discussed but is not the base case. The conflict sharpens the Fed’s dilemma, as energy shocks could lift inflation while squeezing demand, growth and jobs. With risks pulling in opposite directions, Varathan said the Fed is likely to pause and assess for now.