鲍威尔遭刑事调查，美政府与美联储矛盾“空前升级”

Core Viewpoint - The criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell by the U.S. Attorney's Office is linked to the renovation project of the Fed's headquarters and allegations of false statements made to Congress regarding the project's scale, raising concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve and its ability to set interest rates without political pressure [1][4][5]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation focuses on the renovation of two main Federal Reserve buildings, which began in 2022 with an initial budget of approximately $1.9 billion, later increased to nearly $2.5 billion due to rising material costs [4]. - Powell described the investigation as unprecedented and questioned its motives, suggesting it reflects a broader struggle over the Fed's independence and its adherence to public interest rather than presidential wishes [4][5]. Group 2: Political Context - The investigation has intensified the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, with Trump criticizing Powell's performance and suggesting that the investigation may aim to undermine public trust in him [5][6]. - Analysts suggest that the investigation could either weaken Powell's position or force him to resign, indicating a significant escalation in the relationship between the government and the Fed [5][6]. Group 3: Market Reactions - The investigation has led to concerns about the Fed's independence, potentially affecting investor confidence in U.S. Treasury securities and increasing borrowing costs for mortgages and other loans [8][9]. - Market sentiment has shifted, with fears of a "sell-off" in U.S. assets as investors seek alternatives, leading to a decline in U.S. stock futures, the dollar, and U.S. bonds, while gold and silver prices reached historical highs [9].