11:28 - 18.09.2026

---

September 18, Fineko/abc.az. Surging energy costs and rising global borrowing rates resulting from escalating conflicts in the Middle East are pushing economies and financial markets toward a damaging period of high inflation and slowing economic growth. Brent crude futures have surged past $100 per barrel, while diesel, jet fuel, and European natural gas prices continue to trade near multi-year highs, sharply driving up operational costs.

Renewed inflationary pressures are forcing major central banks, including the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, to abandon easing paths and consider further interest rate hikes. Simultaneously, the sell-off in global government bonds has driven yields to financial crisis-era highs, significantly raising borrowing costs for households and corporations.

Analysts warn that if elevated energy prices persist, the combination of squeezed consumer spending and tight monetary policy could stall broader global economic expansion.