New Delhi, March 16 -- The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is scheduled for March 17-18 amid a raging war in West Asia, or the Middle East.

Just a month ago, most market participants were almost certain that the US Federal Reserve would cut interest rates at least three times this year, with reductions beginning in the second half.

However, the US-Iran war and concerns over its impact on the growth-inflation trajectory have clouded expectations of rate cuts.

The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) may keep rates unchanged not only in March but throughout the year.

If the US-Iran war drags on for more than two months and keeps crude oil prices above the $100-per-barrel mark, even an interest rate hike later this yea...