As 2026 unfolds, market concerns over accelerating inflation have intensified, with fund managers warning that rising metal prices and AI-driven cost increases in energy and infrastructure could push inflation beyond expectations. The Federal Reserve's inflation target of 2% remains unmet, and uncertainty looms over the independence of the Fed Chair, set to be replaced by Trump in May. The prospect of two anticipated 25 basis point rate cuts in 2026 is now uncertain, with the possibility of no cuts at all if inflationary pressures persist. While U.S. equity and bond markets have yet to fully account for this risk, some institutions are adopting defensive strategies. Investors highlight that a 10-year U.S. Treasury yield surpassing 4.3% could signal heightened inflationary pressures and financial market stress.