In the midst of a pandemic it may seem a ridiculous question. But financial markets are starting to ask whether, as we emerge from the pandemic, inflation – and thus long-term interest rates – may pick up. On Wednesday, the US Congress passed a massive $1.9 trillion (€1.6 trillion) stimulus plan to respond to the pandemic. Debate is raging on whether this is a vital support, or risks setting off inflation and eventually higher interest rates. On Wall Street, long-term interest rates on the bond market have risen sharply.

Source: The Irish Times March 11, 2021 09:03 UTC