We begin with the latest on the drama surrounding President Trump's decision to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The Fed saying it would abide by any court decision on whether the president has the legal authority to make that move. Let's bring in Steve Leeman who spoke with another Fed member this morning, Steve, and uh he offered his thoughts on it.>> Yeah, I'm going to start off with what investors are most focused on, which is interest rates. New York Fed President John Williams in an exclusive CNBC intervi ...

Market & Economic Outlook - The market's muted response to Fed actions may change, particularly concerning the president's ability to fire Lisa Cook [2][3] - Markets anticipate lower short-term rates, expecting it to benefit risk assets [4] - Potential for a stagflation scenario, characterized by recession and rising inflation, similar to the Nixon era [7] Interest Rate Dynamics - A 1 percentage point cumulative decline in the federal funds rate from September to December 2024 saw a 90 basis points increase in the 10-year yield [4][5] - If markets perceive a Fed rate cut as unjustified by inflation expectations, long-term yields may rise, diverging from short-term yields [10][11] - A 50 basis points interest rate cut by Jerome Powell in September of last year was perceived as politically motivated, leading to market skepticism [11][12] Potential Triggers for Yield Increases - Firing of Lisa Cook and replacement with a nominee favoring rate cuts could trigger yield increases due to potential dissents from Jerome Powell [15] - A higher-than-expected PCE inflation report, such as 3.1% instead of the anticipated 2.9%, could cause yields to surge [16] - Presidential stacking of the Fed with favorable nominees, undermining its independence, could also lead to yield increases [17] Timing - The period between September and the end of the year is identified as a potential timeframe for significant market events [18]

This is Bill Puly, Trump's director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency or FHFA. Now, if you don't know what the FHFA is, and you probably do, but if you don't know, don't worry, you're not alone. It was created in the wake of the 2008 housing crisis to help regulate the mortgage market.It's a very important regulatory agency and is supposed to be focused on big picture stuff like making sure the home mortgage industry doesn't collapse again given the impact that could have on millions and millions of Ame ...

NBC News White House correspondent Yamish Elsyner joins me now along with NBC News business and data correspondent Brian Shan. Glad to have both of you here. Yamich, let me begin with you. Lisa Cook says she has no intention of leaving the Fed. What comes next in what looks like a standoff. >> What comes next, Kelly, is a legal battle. Lisa Cook has made it very clear that she's not walking away and her attorney says that she believes that he believes that the president doesn't have the authority to fire he ...

Interest Rate & Fed Policy - Potential changes in the Federal Reserve leadership, including the possibility of Lisa Cook being replaced, could influence the market's perception of interest rate policies [1] - The market anticipates that President Trump will appoint someone who favors lower interest rates when Powell's term ends next year [2] - The yield curve is steepening due to expectations of short-term rate cuts, which ironically could increase inflationary pressure in the long run [3] - The focus is on whether inflation is under control, given that governments globally have significant debt and desire lower yields to reduce debt servicing costs [8] - Rate cutting cycles have historically been negative for the equity market, with major corrections or bear markets occurring in six out of the last eight instances [9][10] Inflation & Bond Market - Despite pressure to lower rates, inflation may persist and could become a long-term issue [4] - The gap between the 2-year and 30-year Treasury yields has widened to its largest in several years [4] - If rate cuts stimulate inflation, long-term yields are expected to rise [7] - The bond market may challenge the Fed's policies by selling off, leading to higher yields [13] Global Economic Context - The trend of focusing on inflation being not under control and governments having massive debt piles is happening globally [8] - The Bank of England cut rates, but now they have inflation at an 18-month high, and bond yields have been rising [11] - There is a good chance that a rate-cutting cycle could be initiated because things are breaking down globally [12]

We can't breach fraud in America. And you surely can't have it for your leaders. I mean, imagine anyone in the cabinet who did this.You guys would be calling for their head. This woman should go away if she's committed the mortgage fraud. And those signatures sure as heck look like hers.Irony is >> Mhm. dead. >> Yeah.Dead. like bring the flowers, put it on the grave. I mean, really.>> Yes. And this is this concept of mortgage fraud is what the they have done for Leticia James, the Attorney General of New Yo ...

Interest Rate Outlook - The Fed's Barkin anticipates a modest adjustment in interest rates [1] - This forecast is based on the expectation of little variation in economic activity for the rest of the year [1]

The Dow off by 60 points. And welcome back to Money Movers on CNBC. President Trump moving to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.It's his latest threat against Fed independence. Joining us now, former Fed Governor Frederick Mishkin and former acting chairman of the Council of Economic Adviserss Toamas Phillips. Gentlemen, good to see you today.The chief economist for New Century Adviserss, Claudia S, uh sent out a pretty attention getting post on X. She says, if we could pull this, pull this up now. Do ...

Manufacturing & Supply Chain - Ethan Allen manufactures approximately 45% of its products in the US and 75% in North America [1][4] - The company also has manufacturing operations in Mexico and Honduras [1][3] - Ethan Allen's Mexican manufacturing benefits from the USMCA trade agreement, potentially shielding it from tariffs faced by competitors [1] - Maintaining a consistent level of quality across all manufacturing locations, including Mexico and Honduras, is crucial [6] Business Strategy & Brand - Ethan Allen has repositioned its business over the past 20-25 years, reducing the number of manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and retail service centers [2][3] - The company emphasizes its brand promise of classic American furniture and its US-based heritage [4] - Ethan Allen focuses on providing the right products, service, and quality, which are considered more important than just price [5] Market & Economic Factors - Consumer concern over economic conditions and interest rates is acknowledged as a potential impact on the business [7][8][9] - Ethan Allen's strong interior design network and customer relationships help to mitigate the impact of economic concerns [8]

If the president wants lower interest rates, he should stop trying to force the Fed's hand (via @opinion) https://t.co/PGQJGnpf4Q ...