Oil Price Shock: Will It Push the Fed to Cut or Hike Rates? | Fed Watch

This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Lauren Saidel-Baker examines how rising oil prices are complicating the Federal Reserve’s next move and what it means for businesses trying to plan in an uncertain environment. As energy costs climb, companies face margin pressure while consumers feel the strain at the pump. But does this inflationary shock justify higher interest rates, or could it slow growth enough to force rate cuts? Lauren also breaks down the latest retail sales data, revealing why strong headlines may be masking underlying weakness in consumer demand and what that signals for the months ahead. If you are navigating pricing pressure, demand uncertainty, or planning for the second half of 2026, this episode highlights the key signals you need to watch. Will rising costs force a shift in Fed policy, or will the economy absorb the shock?