The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged in March and projected higher inflation as policymakers assessed the impact of the war between the US and Israel and Iran. Furthermore, Iran's retaliatory attacks on energy facilities across the Middle East have escalated the conflict, causing oil prices to continue rising. Phillip Nova analyst Priyanka Sahdwa stated that the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the targeted strikes on oil infrastructure, and the deaths of Iranian leaders all indicate continued disruptions to oil supplies. Adding fuel to the fire, the Fed maintained interest rates but adopted hawkish rhetoric, highlighting economic concerns arising from the conflict. Tina Teng, market strategist at Moomoo ANZ under Futu, stated that oil prices will continue to be supported as Iran's latest attacks on Middle Eastern energy infrastructure exacerbate regional tensions, the conflict shows no signs of abating, and the Strait of Hormuz appears unlikely to reopen in the short term. (Jinshi)