The Federal Reserve is set to make a decision on interest rates next week, which could have a significant impact on consumer borrowing and savings rates. However, experts predict that the central bank will stay on hold due to ongoing war in Iran, inflation pressures, a weakening job market, and uncertain outlook for tariff policy. Futures market pricing indicates there is almost no chance of a rate cut. The Iran war has caused energy prices to spike, leading to longer-term inflation fears. The national average gasoline price has risen to $3.59 a gallon, up 22% from a month ago, according to AAA. The inflation rate rose 2.4% in February from a year earlier, but that was before the war. The high cost of living and a softening labor market have contributed to an affordability crunch for many U.S. households.