Macro Economy•18 May 2026•
1 min read

Trump Links Interest Rate Path to Iran Conflict, Re-evaluates Intel Stake

Key Facts

1President Trump stated that the war with Iran could delay his plans regarding interest rates.
2Trump expressed regret for only asking for a 10% stake in Intel.

President Trump has stated that the ongoing conflict with Iran could lead to a delay in his planned adjustments to interest rates, citing geopolitical instability as a primary concern. According to reports, Trump also expressed regret regarding the government's 10% stake in Intel, suggesting that he should have negotiated for a larger share in the semiconductor giant.

These comments emerge as U.S. inflation data (CPI) released on May 12, 2026, showed a year-over-year increase of 3.8%, surpassing the 3.7% forecast per market data. In the technology sector, Intel continues to navigate a competitive landscape against peers like Nvidia and AMD, while the President's remarks signal a potential shift toward more aggressive terms in federal corporate investments.

Traders are closely monitoring core inflation levels, which stood at 2.8% as of the May 12, 2026 close, as a key indicator for future Fed policy. Looking ahead, upcoming catalysts include speeches from Fed officials, such as Goolsbee, which will be scrutinized for any shifts in monetary outlook driven by the intersection of geopolitical risks and persistent price pressures.