Recent May CPI data showing a 4.2% year-over-year rise—the highest in three years, fueled by a 23.5% surge in energy prices amid Middle East tensions—has reinforced the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold the federal funds rate at 3.50%-3.75% at the June 17 FOMC meeting. This outcome, consistent with the pause that began in January, has driven the 79% market-implied probability of Pause–Pause–Pause across the April-July sequence by underscoring sticky inflation and a hawkish policy tilt. The Fed’s updated dot plot, with a median end-2026 projection of 3.8%, further signals limited room for cuts, while upcoming July 28-29 deliberations and June CPI data will test whether the energy-driven inflation shock eases enough to shift expectations. These factors collectively embed trader consensus for continued restraint over near-term easing.