(Image credit: Getty Images) A slowing labor market was the Federal Reserve's main focus in mid- to late 2025. Attention has shifted to inflation in 2026 as energy prices spike amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Since late February, when the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran began, oil prices have spiked to their highest level in four years and gas prices have jumped above $4.50 per gallon. "No matter how long the Iran war goes on, the economy is bound to suffer from it," write David Payne and Matthew Housiaux of The Kiplinger Letter. "How much and how severely depends on just how long the conflict continues to crimp key energy exports." From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor.…