Here’s the big risk facing markets — besides inflation — as the Iran conflict drags on

The chances of accelerating U.S. inflation are growing with each passing day as the war in the Middle East continues, with the average price of gasoline nationwide spiking to almost $4 a gallon as of Thursday. But there’…

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

The chances of accelerating U.S.
inflation are growing with each passing day as the war in the Middle East continues, with the average price of gasoline nationwide spiking to almost $4 a gallon as of Thursday.
But there’s another thing American consumers and investors should feel nervous about: the prospect of deflation.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

inflation are growing with each passing day as the war in the Middle East continues, with the average price of gasoline nationwide spiking to almost $4 a gallon as of Thursday.
But there’s another thing American consumers and investors should feel nervous about: the prospect of deflation.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

But there’s another thing American consumers and investors should feel nervous about: the prospect of deflation.
The chances of accelerating U.S.
inflation are growing with each passing day as the war in the Middle East continues, with the average price of gasoline nationwide spiking to almost $4 a gallon as of Thursday.