world-economy
Freightwatch Reporter
Freightwatch.news
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Central banks from Seoul to Warsaw are bracing for persistent price pressures stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Officials are signaling a shift toward tighter monetary policy in coming weeks. South Korea's housing market has accelerated sharply, adding to inflation concerns that may prompt the Bank of Korea to raise rates later this month. Poland's central bank is expected to maintain its current stance while adopting more hawkish language around price risks. The three-month conflict has rattled confidence globally, with Chile's central bank flagging record uncertainty levels and investors divided on economic fallout. France's economy is showing early signs of strain, with company surveys reflecting both growth headwinds and mounting inflation pressures. Observers expect multiple central banks to shift toward rate increases as geopolitical tensions persist.