Earnings Focus - Major companies reporting earnings this week include Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, all of which are currently trading below their recent all-time highs, indicating potential investment opportunities [2][3] - Other significant earnings reports will come from US consumer stocks such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, providing insights into the US consumer market [2][3] Federal Reserve Meeting - The Federal Reserve meeting is anticipated to have a 97% chance of maintaining current interest rates, with the press conference expected to cover various topics including Fed independence and future interest rate outlooks [4][5][6] - Market reactions may be influenced by discussions surrounding the dollar and Japanese yen, particularly in relation to potential interventions by the Japanese bank [7][9] Precious Metals Market - Gold prices have surged above $5,000, with a notable increase of $85, reflecting its status as a safe haven asset amid a declining US dollar [8][10] - The relationship between a lower US dollar and higher precious metals prices is highlighted, with the Japanese yen also showing a 1.2% increase [9][10] Weather Impact - Severe winter weather is affecting various regions, including record low temperatures and power outages impacting hundreds of thousands of people, which may have economic implications [11][12][13]

- It isn't looking great for President Trump in his efforts to remove a sitting Fed Governor, Lisa Cook, from the Federal Reserve Board. That much became clear today after about a two-hour argument before the justices of the US Supreme Court. All of the justices played a very active role in the questioning of both sides, really.However, I think the justices saved a lot of their toughest questions for the government and its lawyer, John Sauer. - [Justice Sotomayor] And the question becomes: Is it grossly neg ...

Core Viewpoint - The attendance of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Supreme Court oral arguments signifies a rare public display of institutional support as the court deliberates on the president's authority to dismiss Fed Governor Lisa Cook, which could impact the independence of the Federal Reserve [1] Group 1 - The Supreme Court is considering whether President Trump has the power to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, which raises questions about the balance of power between the presidency and the Federal Reserve [1] - The case will examine if the president's removal authority supersedes the longstanding protections of Federal Reserve independence [1] - Cook's defense is based on the argument of "for cause," which will be a critical factor in the court's decision [1]

Group 1 - The head of Picton Investments warns that bond markets will react quickly if President Trump appoints a Federal Reserve chair perceived as too compliant, indicating that precious metals are a reliable hedge against political instability [1][5] - David Picton highlights a correlation between the activity on Truth Social and trends in the debasement trade, which includes gold and silver as commodity-based hedges [2] - Recent market sentiment has shifted towards "Sell America," with gold and silver prices rising following Trump's intensified criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and his aggressive stance on Greenland [3][4] Group 2 - Picton, managing approximately C$16.6 billion ($11.9 billion), expresses confidence that the Fed will maintain its independence despite Trump's attacks on Powell, but warns that a Fed chair who capitulates to presidential pressure could face swift market repercussions [5] - The investment outlook for the year suggests a strong possibility of global economic acceleration driven by stimulus measures, with major economies implementing monetary and fiscal policies, including infrastructure projects and increased defense spending [6]

Core Viewpoint - US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., regarding claims that Dimon was offered the position of US Federal Reserve chairman and subsequently turned it down. Trump has also threatened legal action against the bank, alleging he was debanked following the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021 [1][2][12]. Group 1: Allegations and Responses - Trump refuted claims that Dimon was offered the Fed chair position, stating on social media that "this statement is totally untrue" and announcing plans to sue JPMorgan for allegedly debanking him [2][4]. - Dimon has denied any job offers from Trump and expressed respect for the current Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, stating he believes Bessent is doing an excellent job [10][12]. - JPMorgan responded to Trump's allegations by emphasizing that no accounts should be closed due to political or religious beliefs, indicating their commitment to addressing political debanking [8][12]. Group 2: Context of Debanking - The term "debanking" refers to banks terminating or limiting relationships with customers due to perceived risks, which can include regulatory concerns, money laundering, or being a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) [6][7]. - Trump previously claimed that JPMorgan discriminated against him by closing accounts he had maintained for decades after the Capitol riot [6]. Group 3: Dimon's Position on Fed Independence - Dimon has publicly stated that undermining the independence of the Federal Reserve is "not a great idea," warning it could lead to higher inflation and interest rates over time [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - President Donald Trump is threatening to sue JPMorgan Chase & Co. over claims of being debanked following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which he alleges was discriminatory behavior by the bank [1][2][3]. Group 1: Trump's Allegations and Legal Actions - Trump claims that JPMorgan Chase discriminated against him by asking him to close long-held accounts, linking this action to the Capitol riot [3]. - He announced intentions to sue JPMorgan Chase for what he describes as incorrect and inappropriate debanking [2]. - The bank is reportedly facing reviews and investigations related to its actions during the Trump administration concerning debanking [3]. Group 2: Jamie Dimon's Responses and Statements - Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has publicly stated he would not consider the role of Federal Reserve chair, emphasizing a firm "no" to the idea [4]. - Dimon has previously defended the bank against accusations of biased customer decisions, asserting that the bank does not debank individuals based on their political or religious affiliations [6]. - Dimon expressed concerns about undermining the independence of the Federal Reserve, warning that it could lead to higher inflation and interest rates [5].

Group 1 - President Trump is threatening to sue JPMorgan Chase & Co. over claims of being debanked after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot [1][2] - Trump alleges that JPMorgan discriminated against him by asking him to close long-held accounts, linking this action to the Capitol riot [3] - JPMorgan is currently facing reviews, investigations, and legal proceedings related to the Trump administration's fight against "debanking" [3] Group 2 - Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, has publicly stated he would not consider the role of Federal Reserve chair, emphasizing his commitment to Fed independence [4][5] - Dimon has previously countered claims that JPMorgan's customer decisions are politically biased, asserting that the bank does not debank individuals based on their political or religious affiliations [5][6] - Trump has indicated he has a candidate in mind to succeed Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May, but has not disclosed the name [4]

Market Performance - Major equity indexes have climbed to start the new year following robust performance in 2025, despite a slight dip this week and increased volatility measures [1][8] - The S&P 500 fell slightly on the week but remained close to record-high levels, with expectations for a strong corporate earnings season to support the market [2][8] Corporate Earnings - Companies that can meet or exceed expectations and raise guidance for 2026 are likely to be rewarded, providing a much-needed tailwind for markets [2][8] - S&P 500 companies are expected to increase earnings by more than 15% in 2026, indicating strong growth potential [9] Banking Sector - Shares of major banks, including JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, pulled back following their results, influenced by President Trump's proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates [2][9] - The banking sector is facing pressure from unexpected policy changes, which could impact future performance [2] Geopolitical and Domestic Developments - Trump's aggressive international stance, particularly regarding Iran, has kept investors on edge, although major stock indexes have largely remained unaffected by geopolitical news [5][9] - Domestic political issues, including Trump's criticism of the Federal Reserve and proposed tariffs, are contributing to market uncertainty [6][7][9] Federal Reserve Independence - Investors are closely watching the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the legality of Trump's global tariffs and the potential implications for asset price volatility [7][9] - Concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve have intensified following a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, with implications for inflation and U.S. debt financing [7][8][9]

分组1 - The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate three times in 2025, while inflation remains elevated at 5% despite cooling from its 2022 peak [1] - Jamie Dimon expressed concerns about political interference in the Fed's operations, emphasizing the importance of the central bank's independence [2][4] - The Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which could lead to charges related to his congressional testimony [3] 分组2 - Inflation has significantly impacted purchasing power, with the U.S. consumer price index increasing by 26% since 2020 [6] - Gold prices have surged over 60% in the past year, with Dimon predicting that gold could reach $10,000 an ounce in the current economic environment [8] - Real estate has also proven to be a strong hedge against inflation, with the S&P Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index rising by 43% over the past five years [11] 分组3 - Alternative assets, including art, are gaining attention as they provide diversification and have shown low correlation with traditional assets since 1995 [18] - Platforms like Masterworks are making investments in blue-chip artwork accessible to a broader audience, allowing investors to buy shares in high-value art pieces [20]

Bankless Nation, it's the third week of January. It's time for the Bankless Weekly roll up, the clarity bill. It took front and center.It was in the Senate. It was a big conversation this week. It's probably the most important bill for crypto.I would say, David, even above the Genius Bill, which was much more straightforward, much more simple, but the clarity bill is supposed to do what we hope, which is provide clarity to crypto on what's legal in the US and what's not. There's some horse trading going on ...