Growing number of brokerages see July Fed decision as ‘a close call’ - BNN Bloomberg

A growing number of major brokerages believe there is a real risk of the U.S. Federal Reserve delivering a rate hike at its meeting this week, given this month’s surge in oil prices and the escalation in tensions in the Middle East. Most brokerages, including BofA Global Research and Deutsche Bank, still expect Fed policymakers to keep rates unchanged, but limited guidance from Chair Kevin Warsh, combined with the re-escalation of conflict in the Gulf and rising oil prices, has turned the July rate decision into a close call. Brent crude hit US$100 a barrel last week, fanning fears that poli…