Inflation Risks Flare Up Ahead of Crucial Week for Wall Street

Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes are back in focus this week, thanks to rising inflation concerns following another surge in crude-oil prices. The U.S. and Iran traded fresh strikes over the weekend, and continued to dispute control of oil and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, after the breakdown of peace talks aimed at ending a conflict that has simmered for more than 4½ months. U.S. Central Command said around 140 Iranian targets were hit, while military officials from Tehran launched strikes on U.S. bases in the Gulf region, as well as a Kuwait-owned drilling installation.