冲突再升级！美联储主席鲍威尔遭调查 特朗普祭出“房贷QE”、设信用卡上限

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell by U.S. federal prosecutors marks a renewed escalation in the conflict between President Trump and Powell, raising concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation and Political Pressure - The investigation includes analyzing Powell's public statements and reviewing expenditure records, approved by Trump's ally, prosecutor Jeanine Pirro [2]. - Powell has repeatedly rejected Trump's requests for interest rate cuts, leading to criticism from Trump, who has indicated he will soon announce a successor to Powell [2]. - Powell stated that the recent threats from the Trump administration are aimed at exerting greater pressure on him regarding interest rate disputes, framing the investigation as a pretext rather than a legitimate inquiry [2][3]. Group 2: Administrative Interventions - Trump has taken actions to directly influence interest rates, including instructing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS), viewed as an attempt to lower housing costs ahead of the midterm elections [4]. - Trump also proposed setting a cap on credit card interest rates at 10% starting January 20, 2026, which is seen as a direct intervention in interest rates [4]. - Goldman Sachs noted that this "quasi-QE" approach, while limited in short-term financial impact, signals a significant policy shift that could disrupt the valuation framework in the MBS market [4]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Implications - The actions taken by Trump have raised concerns among investors about the potential impact on the independence of the Federal Reserve, with some viewing it as a risk to the institution's credibility [5][6]. - Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager who previously supported Trump, criticized the pressure to lower interest rates, warning it could lead to significant negative consequences for banks and consumers [5]. - The potential for high inflation resulting from forced interest rate cuts could adversely affect the Republican Party in future elections, despite Trump not seeking re-election [6].