US Federal Reserve

AI boom, oil’s ‘peace premium,’ and the Fed’s sticky inflation dilemma

AI rally: bubble or real earnings? We debate inflation's grip and future rates amid spiking oil and a tumbling Yen. Also, are South Korea and Taiwan the new tech leaders?

Having cleared the Senate Banking Committee on a 13-11 party-line vote, Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh is poised to succeed Jerome Powell after May 15.
THINKING ALOUD

Kevin Warsh’s Fed: Reform agenda or reputational risk?

His early actions would show if he is a disciplined reformer or a politically convenient appointment

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged last week.

Barclays becomes latest brokerage to bet on no Fed rate cuts in 2026

US inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2 per cent target

Goolsbee notes that inflation is rising even in service industries largely insulated from the impact of tariffs and rising oil prices due to the US-backed war with Iran.

Recent inflation data is ‘bad news’, US Fed official says

The central bank leaves the policy rate of interest unchanged in a divisive vote last week

Fed chair Jerome Powell leaves behind a solid but turbulent US economy with a stagnant jobs market, rising inflation and a board that is split.
NEWS ANALYSIS

As Fed holds rates steady, there are divisions over what the next moves will be

Outgoing chief Powell wants to stay on as a governor mainly as a guard dog for the central bank’s continued independence

Jerome Powell’s decision to stay will deny US President Donald Trump the opportunity to fill a new vacancy at the Fed and could complicate the job of Kevin Warsh.

Divided Fed officials hold rates; Powell to stay as governor

Fed chairs traditionally resign from the central bank altogether when their chair terms expire

In his hearing last week, Kevin Warsh blamed the Fed for allowing inflation to surge following the Covid-19 pandemic

Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh wins key Senate Committee vote

The vote makes real the prospect of a Warsh-led Fed that promises the biggest shake up of the US central bank in years

Fed officials have warned the conflict could further stoke inflation and even force consideration of hikes.

Bond traders eye packed week of rate decisions for sell signals

Markets will be alert to signs that officials are worried about the inflation threat posed by the US-Iran conflict

A TV station broadcasting Fed chair Jerome Powell at a press conference; he is expected to keep rates unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75% this week.
NEWS ANALYSIS

End of an era – Fed’s Powell set to oversee final policy meeting by keeping rates steady

His successor Kevin Warsh is viewed as more responsive to the Trump administration

Kevin Warsh, a Fed governor from 2006 to 2011, has promised to overhaul the Fed’s approach to monetary policy.

US Senator Tillis says he’s ready to advance confirmation of Warsh as Fed chair

REPUBLICAN Senator Thom Tillis on Sunday said he would allow Senate confirmation of Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh to go forward after the Department of Justice on Friday dropped an investi...