[International Monetary Fund: Markets Have Begun Betting on Fed Rate Hikes] Odaily Planet Daily News - The International Monetary Fund stated that the timeline for the Federal Reserve's return to its 2% inflation target is now expected to be the end of 2027, previously forecasted for mid-2027. Markets have begun betting on rate hikes. Due to the continued rise in inflation risks, the Federal Reserve should act cautiously in its interest rate policy. Observations include inflation transmission caused by U.S. tariff increases and the renewed pressure of energy prices on overall inflation. Global oil inventories are expected to drop to 7.5 billion barrels in July, the lowest level in five years; prior to the Iran war, it was approximately 8 billion barrels. The Iran war has suppressed about 14 million barrels of global daily oil production. Future oil price trends will depend on whether the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened. (Jin10)