Sep 17, 2026 · 15 min
Rate hikes, oil shocks and Canada’s European pivot
Fed Raises Interest Rates, Iran War and Oil Prices, EU-Canada Alliance
The episode connects central-bank independence, energy disruption and shifting alliances as economic and geopolitical pressures converge.
- 1The Federal Reserve raises rates to contain persistent inflation while defending its independence from presidential pressure.
- 2Iran-related conflict disrupts energy supplies and shipping, driving fuel-price protests and deepening humanitarian crises.
- 3Canada explores associate membership in the European Union as tensions with the United States reshape strategic ties.
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The episode links attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and disrupted shipping to fuel-price protests and electricity rationing worldwide.
The brief
The Federal Reserve raises its benchmark rate for the first time in three years, seeking to cool inflation while resisting pressure from Donald John Trump.
Alina Selyukh explains the Fed’s expected path, including one more possible hike, and Kevin Maxwell Warsh insists monetary policy must remain independent.
Aya Batrawy reports how attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure, disrupted shipping chokepoints and reduced oil output are driving fuel protests and electricity rationing.
The Iran conflict’s civilian toll and Yemen’s continuing humanitarian crisis sharpen the stakes, while Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United States and the Houthis pursue diplomacy.
Mark Carney addresses the European Parliament as Canada considers becoming the European Union’s first associate member, signaling closer economic and strategic ties.
Alina Selyukh
Aya Batrawy
Donald John Trump
European Union
Mark Carney
Kevin Maxwell WarshListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.