HSBC: Maintaining Expectation of Fed Standstill Over Next Two Years

On March 21, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Brad Cooper stated in a video that U.S. forces have targeted Iranian coastal facilities threatening passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes hit Iran’s underground sites, anti-ship missiles, plus intelligence support systems and radar equipment. (Source: FXStreet)

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March 21 — Per The Times of Israel, Israeli official Katz told military brass during an assessment meeting that Israel and the U.S. will “significantly escalate” strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the coming week. Katz added Israel is “determined to keep leading” military actions against Iran, targeting its command structure and eroding its strategic capabilities until all threats to Israel’s national security and U.S. interests in the region are eliminated. He also stated Israel will not “stop operations” until all war objectives are met.

March 21 – Per CCTV, U.S. officials announced March 20 local time that the U.S. military is deploying three warships and roughly 2,500 Marines to the Middle East. Earlier, U.S. informed sources noted the reinforcement would give President Trump additional military options, including launching an operation to "open" the Strait of Hormuz—an effort requiring U.S. air and naval forces to deploy near Iran’s coastline. Insiders add the Trump administration is also weighing deploying ground troops to Khark Island, Iran’s "oil export lifeline." The plan aims to seize the island as leverage to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Located in the northwestern Persian Gulf, over 20 kilometers from Iran’s coast, Khark is Iran’s largest crude oil export hub, handling roughly 90% of the country’s oil exports.

March 21: With the Iran conflict entering its fourth week and no clear signs of easing, markets are in turmoil. The conflict and its impact on energy prices remain Wall Street’s near-term focus. Additionally, upcoming U.S. and European macro data next week will let markets gauge whether recent energy price surges are starting to feed into consumer prices and the broader economy. Below are key market focus points for the coming week (all times in Beijing time): - **Monday, 22:00**: U.S. January construction spending (month-over-month) - **Tuesday, 7:30**: Japan February core consumer price index (year-over-year) - **Wednesday, 8:30**: Australia February non-seasonally adjusted consumer price index (year-over-year) - **Wednesday, 15:00**: U.K. February consumer price index (month-over-month); U.K. February retail price index (month-over-month) - **Wednesday, 20:30**: U.S. Q4 current account; U.S. February import price index (month-over-month) - **Wednesday, 22:30**: U.S. EIA

March 21 — An Indian LPG tanker was guided through the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian Navy over the past week, a senior official aboard the vessel confirmed Wednesday (March 21). The ship was cleared to transit via a pre-approved route following diplomatic mediation in New Delhi, the official added. The statement appears to back analysts’ assessments that Tehran is seeking to enforce traffic control in the strait: allowing friendly vessels safe passage while leaving others fearing potential attacks. During the crossing, the official’s vessel maintained radio contact with the Iranian Navy. Iranian forces documented the tanker’s flag, name, origin/destination ports, and crew nationality (all Indian nationals), then guided it along the agreed-upon route. (Jinse)