The Business Times

Rob Curran

emailbtnews@sph.com.sg
(FILES) Lisa Cook (R) takes the oath of office as she is sworn-in to become a member of the Federal Reserve Board by Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell, at the Federal Reserve Building in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2022. US Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook filed a lawsuit on August 28, 2025, to challenge Donald Trump's move to fire her -- as the president intensified pressure on the independent central bank. Cook also asked for a temporary restraining order declaring that Trump's attempt to fire her is unlawful and preventing the Fed from removing her for now. A hearing on that motion has been set for August 29. Trump had published a letter on his Truth Social platform on August 25, stating that he was removing Cook from her role and citing accusations of false statements on her mortgage agreements. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP)
NEWS ANALYSIS

Fed’s independence still in jeopardy even as governor Lisa Cook stays in job for now

When the US Federal Reserve cut rates on Wednesday, the Russell 2000 index of small caps – the most closely tied to the fortunes of the US economy – surged by over 2%.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Fed’s rate-cut plans pre-empt a recession, rather than reacting to one

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speak during a tour of the Federal Reserve Board building, which is currently undergoing renovations, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 24, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo
NEWS ANALYSIS

Whether it’s one rate cut or more, Fed’s Powell likely to act with caution as inflation stays high

Powell treads fine line between fighting inflation and pivoting to rate cuts
NEWS ANALYSIS

Powell treads fine line between fighting inflation and pivoting to rate cuts

"If we cut rates too soon, maybe we didn’t finish the job with inflation. If we cut too late, we might do unnecessary damage to the labour market,” says the Fed chair.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Dealing with inflation, not cutting rates, remains the Fed chief’s priority for now

The markets will be focused on whether Jerome Powell underscores the Fed's desire to cut rates this year, or if he remains non-committal.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Defiant Fed chief to send clear signal he calls the shots on US monetary policy

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as Jerome Powell, his nominee to lead the U.S. Federal Reserve moves to the podium at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 2, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
NEWS ANALYSIS

As Trump and Powell saga plays out, it’s the Fed’s independence that gives it credibility

Fed still in wait-and-see mode, as impact of tariff war is not yet fully felt
NEWS ANALYSIS

Fed still in wait-and-see mode, as impact of tariff war is not yet fully felt

A Wall Street sign near the New York Stock Exchange. The Fed is almost certain to leave interest rates unchanged in a range of between 4.25 and 4.5 per cent this week.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Fed’s rate-cut pause may stretch into 2026 after Israel’s attack on Iran

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus smartphones at an Apple store in New York. President Trump has vowed to a slap a 25 per cent duty on iPhones unless production is brought back to the US from China.
NEWS ANALYSIS

After briefest of respites, global trade war fears return with a vengeance

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