Core Viewpoint - The investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell regarding the $2.5 billion renovation of the Eccles Building has escalated into a significant political issue, highlighting the tension between the Federal Reserve's independence and political pressures from former President Trump [1][3][5]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation focuses on allegations of false statements made by Powell during congressional testimony related to the renovation project [1]. - The renovation project has a budget of $2.5 billion (approximately 180 billion RMB), raising concerns about cost overruns [1]. - Powell has characterized the investigation as a product of "White House interest in interest rates," indicating a broader challenge to the Federal Reserve's independence [3]. Group 2: Political Context - The investigation reflects a significant shift in the long-standing consensus that central bank decisions should not be influenced by short-term political interests, particularly under Trump's administration [5]. - Trump's ongoing criticism of Powell since his appointment has intensified, particularly regarding the pace and extent of interest rate cuts [5]. - The investigation serves as a warning to future central bank leaders about the increasing political pressures they may face [5]. Group 3: Market Implications - Investors are beginning to reassess the future policy direction of the Federal Reserve, with concerns that political preferences may influence interest rate decisions [7]. - If the Federal Reserve's decisions are swayed by political pressures, the safety of dollar-denominated assets could be fundamentally questioned, leading to market volatility [7]. - The investigation may also serve as a political maneuver for Trump, diverting public attention from economic challenges while reinforcing his anti-establishment image [7][8]. Group 4: Potential Outcomes - There are implications that the investigation could lead to a change in leadership at the Federal Reserve, allowing Trump to appoint allies who align with his policy preferences [8]. - This potential shift could further align monetary policy with Trump's political agenda, impacting trade and infrastructure initiatives [8]. - The investigation underscores the intense competition between political and economic power within the U.S., with possible repercussions for the global economic landscape [8].

Group 1 - The dollar is trading steadily as investors remain cautious ahead of upcoming U.S. economic data and concerns regarding the Federal Reserve's independence [1] - Delayed U.S. retail sales and producer prices data for November will be released at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time, following inflation data that showed U.S. inflation held at 2.7% in December as expected [1] Group 2 - The independence of the Federal Reserve is at risk due to a criminal investigation opened by the Justice Department into Chair Jerome Powell, amid criticism from President Donald Trump regarding his cautious approach to interest rate cuts [2]

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Janina Pirro, aims to assert that no one is above the law, and it should not be perceived as an attack on the Federal Reserve's independence [2][4]. Group 1 - The investigation focuses on cost overruns related to the renovation of the Federal Reserve building and whether Powell lied during congressional testimony [4]. - The inquiry began in November 2025, with initial emails sent to the Federal Reserve on December 19, 2025, which went unanswered, prompting further action from Pirro's office [4]. - Powell has claimed that the criminal investigation is an attempt to exert greater influence over the Federal Reserve and its monetary policy [6]. Group 2 - Former President Trump criticized Powell as a "bad Federal Reserve Chairman" for maintaining high interest rates and commented on the investigation's appearance of political retribution [6]. - Trump expressed dissatisfaction with federal prosecutors, suggesting they are not investigating targets quickly enough, which coincided with the issuance of the subpoena to the Federal Reserve [6].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the criminal investigation initiated by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Janine Pirro, against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, emphasizing that no one is above the law [1] - The investigation focuses on the cost overruns related to the renovation of the Federal Reserve building and whether Powell lied during congressional testimony [1] - Pirro stated that the investigation began in November 2025, and her office's attempts to communicate with the Federal Reserve went unanswered, prompting further action [1] Group 2 - Powell released a video statement claiming that the criminal investigation is an attempt to exert greater influence over the Federal Reserve and its monetary policy [2] - Former President Trump criticized Powell as a "bad Federal Reserve Chairman" for maintaining high interest rates and commented on the investigation's appearance of political retribution [2] - The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had previously criticized federal prosecutors for being slow in their investigations, coinciding with the issuance of the subpoena to the Federal Reserve [2]

Core Viewpoint - The criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell by the Trump administration has raised concerns on Wall Street, leading to strong protests from former officials and investors regarding the independence of the Federal Reserve [1][2]. Group 1: Federal Reserve Independence - Former officials, including Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernanke, and Janet Yellen, have defended Powell and the Federal Reserve's ability to set monetary policy free from political influence, labeling the investigation as an unprecedented attempt to undermine this independence [2]. - The investigation is perceived as an effort to coerce the Federal Reserve into aligning with government preferences, which could negatively impact inflation and the broader economy [2]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement of Powell's criminal investigation, there was a significant "Sell America" trend, with the dollar declining and gold prices surging to historical highs [3][4]. - The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 500 points, and the dollar index fell by 0.2%, while gold and silver prices reached record levels during the trading session [5]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Investors are demanding higher risk premiums for U.S. assets due to the political pressures surrounding the Federal Reserve, leading to a shift towards safe-haven assets like gold [5]. - The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, known as the "fear index," increased during the trading session, indicating market uncertainty regarding the long-term implications of the investigation [7]. Group 4: White House Response - The White House has denied that President Trump ordered the investigation into Powell, asserting that the President has the right to criticize the Federal Reserve Chairman [9]. - Concerns have been raised about the future independence of the Federal Reserve, especially with Trump's comments regarding the qualifications of potential successors to Powell [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cautious sentiment among investors regarding the stability of the US dollar, particularly in light of upcoming economic data releases and concerns over the independence of the Federal Reserve [1] Group 1: Economic Data - The US retail sales and producer price index data for November, which were delayed, are set to be released at 1330 GMT [1] - The inflation rate in the US for December remained steady at 2.7%, aligning with expectations [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve Independence - Concerns regarding the independence of the Federal Reserve have intensified following a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice into Chairman Jerome Powell, prompted by President Trump's repeated criticisms of Powell's cautious stance on interest rate cuts [1] - Despite the investigation, the impact on the dollar has been minimal so far, largely due to opposition from several Republican lawmakers [1] Group 3: Market Indicators - The DXY dollar index is reported at 99.122, indicating the current strength of the dollar amidst the prevailing uncertainties [1]

Core Viewpoint - Concerns regarding potential criminal charges against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell due to cost overruns at the Fed are seen as a significant threat to current market sentiment [1] Group 1 - Anthony Willis, a senior economist at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, highlights that any worries about the independence of the Federal Reserve can lead to negative reactions in financial markets [1] - Powell has strongly rebutted the allegations, suggesting that the issues are not related to cost overruns or potential fraud, but rather an attempt to exert pressure for further interest rate cuts [1] - The perceived loss of independence of the Federal Reserve is identified as a major risk for financial markets [1]

Group 1 - The largest gold ETF, SPDR Gold Trust, reported a holding of 1,074.23 tons of gold as of January 13, with an increase of 3.43 tons from the previous trading day [1] - On January 13, the spot gold price closed at $4,594.90 per ounce, reflecting a decline of 0.18%, with an intraday high of $4,644.00 and a low of $4,576.70 [1] - The outlook for gold and silver remains optimistic through 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions, concerns over the independence of the Federal Reserve, and a lack of fiscal discipline in the U.S. [3] Group 2 - The expectation is that gold trading prices will exceed $5,000 per ounce in the second half of the year [3]

Wangdaizi(wangdaizi@sohu.com) 2026年1月14日，美联储主席鲍威尔突遭刑事调查，司法部大陪审团传票引发市场地震。特朗普政府与 美联储的独立战争全面爆发，前主席格林斯潘、伯南克联名痛批"史无前例政治干预"，而"影子主席"暗 战已悄然启动——哈塞特、贝森特等热门人选浮出水面，鲍威尔或留任理事形成双重权力中心，美联储 将迎40年来最大治理危机。 华盛顿时间1月11日深夜，美联储官网发布一段由主席杰罗姆·鲍威尔亲自录制的视频声明，瞬间引爆全 球金融市场。这位68岁的律师出身的美联储掌门人面色严峻地宣布："我绝不会向任何政治压力屈服， 包括来自白宫的威胁。"此番强硬表态背后，是司法部9日向美联储发出的刑事调查传票——这场调查直 接指向鲍威尔本人，成为美国历史上首次针对在任美联储主席的刑事调查。 而市场的担忧，远不止于调查本身。特朗普将于15日结束对美联储新主席候选人的面试，热门人选包括 现任国家经济委员会主席哈塞特。哈塞特12日在CNBC节目中的言论引发轩然大波——他公开支持特朗 普"美联储受政治驱动"的指控，并具体点出2016年12月加息和2024年11月降息"都对民主党有利"。这种 ...

Core Viewpoint - Republican senators are rapidly supporting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in response to a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, asserting that the investigation is politically motivated and aims to undermine the Fed's independence [1][3]. Group 1: Political Support for Powell - Five Republican senators voted in favor of a resolution prohibiting President Trump from taking military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization, while also questioning the investigation against Powell [3]. - Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina issued a strong warning to the White House, accusing Trump's advisors of intentionally undermining the Fed's independence and threatening to block any Fed nominee until the investigation is resolved [3]. - Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana expressed frustration over the investigation, warning that the conflict between the government and the Fed could lead to increased borrowing costs [5]. Group 2: Implications of the Investigation - Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska joined the criticism of the DOJ, calling for an investigation into whether the Trump administration attempted to pressure the Fed to lower interest rates significantly [5]. - Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the need for a serious and factual investigation to avoid impacting investor confidence in U.S. Treasury securities [7]. - The investigation into Powell's testimony regarding a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Fed's headquarters has raised questions about the independence and credibility of the DOJ [3][5]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Broader Context - The renovation project at the Fed's headquarters has been ongoing for three years and reportedly exceeded its budget by approximately $700 million [9]. - Powell publicly accused the Trump administration of retaliating against him for not lowering interest rates quickly and significantly, linking the threat of criminal charges to the Fed's commitment to setting rates based on public interest rather than presidential preferences [9]. - The investigation has sparked a political battle, with Democrats accusing Trump of bullying Powell, while Republican senators signal a resistance to politicizing the Fed [11].