[Survey Prediction: The Federal Reserve May Still Plan to Cut Interest Rates Later This Year] Jin10 Data, March 26 – According to a Reuters survey, economists believe the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged until September. However, despite ongoing concerns about inflation triggered by the Middle East war, these economists still anticipate at least one rate cut later this year. In contrast, financial markets have completely ruled out the possibility of a rate cut this year and estimate nearly a 30% chance of a rate hike. This is due to the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which has lasted for four weeks and caused crude oil prices to surge by more than 40%. Economists predict that the impact of this energy shock will be more limited and shorter in duration. In the Reuters survey, economists showed significant divergence in their forecasts for interest rate levels by the end of 2026. Broadly, they can be categorized into four groups: 28 expect one rate cut, 37 predict two rate cuts, 13 believe rates will remain unchanged this year, and 4 forecast three rate cuts.