How Shielded Is the US Economy From the Iran War?

Sustained high fuel prices, weaker stock markets, and shortages would eventually crush consumer spending—especially among lower-income households already cutting back on road trips and extras.A farmer in southeast Nebraska, Ben Steffen, said he’s now spending $4,000 to $5,000 more on diesel this season than expected, and he’s already paid $50,000 extra for fertilizer. “Who can sustain this?” he asked. “How this doesn’t hit the broader economy is beyond me.”Some US energy companies might ramp up production for export, but those decisions take time. Executives want to be sure prices will stay high before investing.