Citadel CEO warns US retirees may pay ‘steep’ price for Trump’s Fed attacks. How to protect your nest egg

Economic Concerns - Economists warn that interference with the Federal Reserve's autonomy could lead to dangerously low interest rates, negatively impacting economic growth and potentially causing skyrocketing inflation and substantial stock market losses [1][3] - Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, has labeled Trump's attacks on the Fed's independence as a "very serious danger" to the global economy [1] Critique of Political Pressure - Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, argues that it is in Trump's best interest to allow the Fed to operate independently to make necessary decisions to control inflation, warning that undermining this independence could lead to severe economic damage and political repercussions for the GOP [3] - Griffin's critique highlights the potential consequences for senior voters who may suffer from diminished savings if inflation rises unchecked due to political pressure on the Fed [2][3] Inflation Data - The U.S. consumer price index has increased by 25% over the past five years, indicating a significant erosion of purchasing power [6] - Historical data shows that $100 in 2025 will only have the purchasing power equivalent to $12.05 in 1970, emphasizing the long-term impact of inflation [6] Gold as an Investment - Gold has historically been a reliable asset for preserving wealth, with its price surging by over 35% in the past 12 months, making it a popular choice among investors during economic uncertainty [8] - Ray Dalio emphasizes the importance of including gold in investment portfolios as a diversifier during challenging economic times [8] Real Estate as a Hedge - Real estate has proven to be a powerful hedge against inflation, with the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index rising by over 50% in the past five years due to strong demand and limited supply [11] - Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow investors to gain exposure to real estate without the burdens of traditional property ownership, making it easier to invest in this asset class [12][13]