Core Viewpoint - President Trump is set to announce his choice for the chairman of the Federal Reserve, a decision that could impact the central bank's independence from political influence [1] Group 1: Announcement and Candidates - Trump plans to announce his Fed chair nominee on Friday morning, a decision that has been highly anticipated [1] - The search for the nominee was led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with four known finalists: Kevin Warsh, Christopher Waller, Rick Rieder, and Kevin Hassett [1] - Trump previously indicated that Hassett was the frontrunner but later suggested he wanted Hassett to remain in his current position [1] Group 2: Tensions with Jerome Powell - Tensions between Trump and current Fed Chair Jerome Powell have escalated, with Trump criticizing Powell for not cutting interest rates more aggressively [1] - Powell's term as chair ends in May, but he remains on the Fed's board of governors until 2028, which could limit Trump's ability to influence the board [1] - Powell has emphasized the importance of the Fed's independence and advised any successor to avoid getting involved in electoral politics [1] Group 3: Implications of the Nomination - The new Fed chair could influence interest rates, inflation, and job market stability, which are critical to the U.S. economy [1] - If Powell remains on the board, he could create procedural hurdles for Trump's nominee, potentially affecting the balance of power within the Fed [1] - Trump's nominee is expected to align with his views on monetary policy, particularly regarding interest rate cuts [1]

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) speaks to reporters as he leaves the Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on January 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.Sen. Thom Tillis said Friday that he will oppose the nomination of Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve by President Donald Trump until the federal criminal probe of the current chair, Jerome Powell, is "fully" resolved.Tillis, R-NC, earlier this month vowed to oppose any new nominee for the Fed until the Department of Justice's controversial investigation of P ...

Their otherwise recent moves higher track an extraordinary run in the underlying metals: gold has jumped roughly 95% over the past year while silver has soared more than 270%, making the two largest assets in the world by market value. Here’s what investors need to know.Newmont shares are retreating from recent levels. Why is NEM stock dropping?Historic Gold and Silver Moves Behind The RallyThe latest leg higher has been driven by fears over U.S. fiscal sustainability and the independence of the Federal Res ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's current situation is heavily influenced by political pressures, which limits its ability to make independent monetary policy decisions [3][4][10]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Independence - The Federal Reserve is facing a significant political assault that undermines its independence, making it difficult for officials to acknowledge economic data [3][4]. - There is uncertainty regarding the statements that Fed Chair Jay Powell will make during the press conference, especially in light of recent political scrutiny [2][3]. Group 2: Potential Leadership Changes - Discussions are ongoing about the next head of the Federal Reserve, with various candidates being considered, including Rick Reer and Christopher Waller [4][5][7]. - Christopher Waller is noted for not having made political donations, which aligns with the Fed's tradition of maintaining political neutrality [7][8]. Group 3: Economic Indicators - Consumer confidence has significantly declined, with a notable labor market differential reported, which historically indicates a recession [10]. - Inflation metrics, such as Trueflation TRU at 1.15%, suggest that inflation is not currently a pressing issue for corporations, despite ongoing cost-cutting measures [11][12]. Group 4: Employment and Cost Pressures - The labor market is experiencing challenges, with high-paying corporate jobs being lost, impacting middle-income workers [15]. - Rising costs in essentials, particularly grocery prices and gasoline, are straining consumers, although rents are beginning to fall [13][14]. Group 5: Future Rate Cuts - Expectations are that meaningful rate cuts may not occur until June, and there is speculation that Powell may not act decisively on monetary policy before his term ends [15][16]. - Powell's acknowledgment of labor market weaknesses could influence future policy decisions, as failing to address these issues may tarnish his legacy [17].

give us your read on the US economy right now because the economic data seem to suggest that um it's holding on pretty well. It's it's it's uh solid and the labor market is also not deteriorating even as inflation seems like it's on the right path. >> Well, hi Scarlet.Yes. Uh as we used to say during my time at the Fed, the US economy is in a good place and and it is. It's been remarkably uh resilient.uh growth for 2025 will probably come in north of two uh% finishing strong. Inflation's been basically flat ...

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the Federal Reserve for several ethical lapses and policy missteps, which he said have resulted in losses amounting to several billion dollars a year. Bessent Slams Fed’s ‘Mistimed Asset Purchases’ On Tuesday, Bessent said the Federal Reserve was losing $100 billion a year due to “mistimed asset purchases,” referring to the operating losses linked to bond purchases made during the pandemic and the sharp increase in interest rates that followed, during an i ...

Key Takeaways President Donald Trump's effort to remove a Federal Reserve governor faced scrutiny on Wednesday when Supreme Court justices questioned his authority to fire Governor Lisa Cook. What This Means For The Economy Should the Supreme Court rule in favor of Cook, it would bolster the Fed's ability to resist pressure from the White House to sharply lower interest rates. Kavanaugh, who Trump appointed during his first term, said allowing the firing could "weaken if not shatter" the Fed's independence. ...

Core Viewpoint - Six out of nine US Supreme Court justices support keeping Lisa Cook in her role at the Federal Reserve, opposing the Trump administration's attempt to remove her over unproven allegations of mortgage fraud [1][4]. Group 1: Legal and Political Context - The Trump administration's move to remove Cook is perceived as an effort to influence interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, challenging its independence [2]. - No president has ever fired a sitting governor in the 112-year history of the Federal Reserve, which is designed to operate independently from political pressures [4]. Group 2: Federal Reserve Dynamics - Fed Chair Jay Powell is under criminal investigation and is set to step down in May, with Trump expected to nominate a successor amid resistance from Senate Republicans [6]. - Economists and financial markets believe that strong economic growth may hinder the likelihood of US interest rate cuts this year, despite Trump's calls for more aggressive rate reductions [5]. Group 3: Supreme Court Proceedings - The Supreme Court heard arguments regarding Cook's ability to remain in her position while her legal challenge is ongoing, with justices expressing skepticism about the administration's efforts to dismiss her [3][4]. - Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that allowing Cook's removal could undermine the Federal Reserve's independence [4].

The optics are astounding. There is much more at stake this week in the U.S. Supreme Court hearing regarding whether President Donald Trump can fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook for cause over unsubstantiated allegations of mortgage fraud. The hearing also determines whether the world’s largest and most important central bank can become a political tool of the executive branch, rupturing its historical independence from partisan demands in a move that deeply worries investors and economists around ...

The Supreme Court will hear arguments this week on whether President Donald Trump has the authority to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, a case with broader implications for the central bank’s independence. The dispute stems from accusations by Trump administration officials last year that Cook committed mortgage fraud by misrepresenting her primary residence on loan applications. Trump sought to fire Cook over the allegations, but lower courts have so far blocked the move. A r ...