BlackRock strategists have forecasted that the ongoing Middle East conflict will contribute to a rise in U.S. inflation for March, driven by increased energy prices. The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, set to be released on Friday, is anticipated to show a year-over-year increase from 2.4% in February to 3.3%, according to economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal. The strategists highlighted that supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict are expected to further exacerbate inflationary pressures.