Inflation could cost Republicans the Senate — this chart shows how

Inflation could cost Republicans the Senate — this chart shows how Fewer stocks are carrying the market than at any time since the dot-com peak Opinion: Inflation could cost Republicans the Senate — this chart shows how Fallout from Trump administration’s decisions have pushed prices higher and pressured workers’ pay Republicans could see their Senate chances fly away with inflation. /iStock If Republicans lose control of the Senate as well as the House of Representatives in the midterm elections six weeks from now, they can thank President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and their decision to launch a war against Iran last February with little — or perhaps, no — advance planning. The price increases unleashed by this bungled adventure — or “little excursion” — as well as tariffs have sent inflation rocketing at an estimated annualized rate of 6.2%, more than three times the Federal Reserve’s official target rate. Copyright ©2026 MarketWatch, Inc.

All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 Palantir’s stock sees its highest close of the year, sealing a dramatic comeback Fewer stocks are carrying the market than at any time since the dot-com peak My friend grosses $300,000 a year with her pet-sitting business. She pays herself $50,000. Bond yields surge above 5% as Wall Street fears more Fed rate hikes Brett Arends is an award-winning financial writer with many years of experience in writing about markets, economics and personal finance.

He has received an individual award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers for his financial writing, and was part of the Boston Herald team that won two others. He has worked as an analyst at McKinsey Co., and is a Chartered Financial Consultant. His latest book, "Storm Proof Your Money," was published by John Wiley Co.

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