Persistent inflation and resilient economic growth are increasing the risk of further interest-rate increases among major central banks, as energy prices rise and Middle East tensions show little sign of easing. The European Central Bank raised rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, while meetings by the U.S. Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan next week could bring additional tightening. Across the Group of 10 developed economies, Australia has the highest listed policy rate at 4.35%, followed by Norway at 4.25% and Britain at 3.75%. New Zealand, the euro zone, Canada, Sweden, Japan and Switzerland occupy lower positions in the ranking, with market expectations varying from further hikes to extended pauses.