Financial TimesWednesday, 13 May 2026

The paper connects geopolitical instability directly to domestic macroeconomic data, framing the Middle East conflict primarily through its tangible financial impact on US consumers and the resulting political pressure on the administration.

Following sustained conflict involving Iran that has disrupted global energy markets, rising fuel costs have filtered through to broader consumer prices in the US economy, complicating domestic politics ahead of elections.

“propels cost of living crisis”