Douglas Rissing/iStock via Getty Images Listen below or on the go via Apple Podcasts and Spotify Fed holds rates with just two dissents. Powell stonewalls Fed independence questions. (0:16) Stocks finished mixed as gold keeps running. (1:59) Seagate Technology soars. (2:54) The following is an abridged transcript: The Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold as expected, while Chairman Jerome Powell stonewalled any controversial questions about central bank independence. Those hoping for firework ...

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday over President Donald Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Here are some takeaways from the arguments in the case, a crucial test for the central bank's independence. ...

By John Revill DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Central bank independence is crucial to controlling inflation, Swiss National Bank Chairman Martin Schlegel said on Wednesday, as the U.S. Federal Reserve chair faces a criminal probe and an onslaught of ​attacks from President Donald Trump. The SNB was one of several central banks that lined up in support of Jerome Powell ‌last week after Trump's Justice Department threatened him with a criminal indictment. Powell has called the investigation, whic ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to evaluate President Donald Trump's attempt to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, which raises questions about the extent to which the justices will go to maintain the independence of the central bank [1] Group 1 - The case represents an unprecedented challenge to the authority of the President over the Federal Reserve [1] - The outcome may have significant implications for the future governance and operational independence of the Federal Reserve [1] - The justices' decision could set a precedent regarding the limits of executive power in relation to independent regulatory agencies [1]

The US supreme court will hear oral arguments over Donald Trump’s bid to fire a Federal Reserve governor on Wednesday morning, as his administration continues its extraordinary campaign for control over the central bank.The US president tried to fire Lisa Cook in August over apparent discrepancies on mortgage applications Trump’s officials claim are evidence of fraud.Afederal court blocked Cook’s removal, and she remains on the Fed’s rate-setting board. The supreme court’s decision on the case will test the ...

Group 1 - President Trump has expanded his bond portfolio by purchasing at least $51 million in debt securities between mid-November and late December [1] - The new financial disclosure reveals 189 separate bond purchases, indicating a strategy of "doubling down" on previous investments [2] - The President is focusing on specific corporations, including Netflix, General Motors, and CoreWeave, with additional purchases made in December [2] Group 2 - These investments align with administration priorities, as Netflix faces an antitrust review and GM is praised for U.S. manufacturing [3] - JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warns that the administration's legal actions against Fed Chair Powell could lead to higher interest rates, countering the benefits of Trump's bond investments [3][4] - The DOJ is investigating the costs of a $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed's headquarters, which Powell has dismissed as politically motivated [5]

Core Insights - President Trump has significantly increased his bond portfolio, acquiring at least $51 million in debt securities from mid-November to late December [1] - The new financial disclosure reveals 189 bond purchases, indicating a strategy of "doubling down" on investments in specific corporations [2] - Investments align with administration priorities, including companies like Netflix, General Motors, and Boeing, which are under scrutiny or have received praise from the President [3] Market Implications - JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warns that the administration's legal actions against Fed Chair Powell could destabilize markets and lead to higher interest rates, countering the benefits of Trump's bond investments [4] - Dimon predicts that the DOJ's investigation into Powell may raise inflation expectations and increase rates over time, which could have adverse effects on the market [5] - The DOJ inquiry has sparked bipartisan backlash, with political figures questioning the independence of the Justice Department and blocking new Fed nominees until the matter is resolved [6]

Core Insights - Bitcoin is unique and valuable because it is not a fiat currency, making it resilient against government attempts to dilute its value or ban it [1] - Recent political developments, particularly comments from President Trump regarding the Federal Reserve, have implications for Bitcoin's appeal as a stable asset [2][4] Group 1: Bitcoin's Resilience - Bitcoin's design prevents it from being subject to political manipulation, unlike fiat currencies [1][8] - Authoritarian attempts to ban Bitcoin have proven ineffective, highlighting its robustness [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve Independence - The U.S. Federal Reserve's independence is being challenged by political pressures, which could undermine investor confidence [5][6] - The potential for a criminal indictment against the Fed Chairman raises concerns about the politicization of monetary policy, which could lead to higher inflation expectations [7][8]

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said anything that is infringing or attacking the independence of the central bank "is a mess.†...

Core Viewpoint - Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee cautioned that recent attacks on the central bank and Chair Jerome Powell could negatively impact inflation, emphasizing the importance of the central bank's independence [1]. Group 1: Central Bank Independence - Goolsbee stated that any infringement on the independence of the central bank could lead to a resurgence of inflation [1]. - He expressed concern that ongoing investigations into the Fed's renovation project could be perceived as politically motivated, particularly in relation to interest rate decisions [2]. Group 2: Legal Issues and Political Context - Powell has been subpoenaed by the Justice Department regarding a multibillion-dollar renovation project at the Fed's headquarters, with cost overruns causing tension between the Fed and the White House [1]. - Goolsbee supported Powell's assertion that the investigation might be a pretext for political influence over interest rate policies [2].