US President Donald Trump reiterated his call for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, saying the US should have the lowest interest rates in the world. Accusing members of the Fed’s board of governors of acting “politically,” Trump stated that Kevin Warsh also had to work with other board members in the decision-making process.
Trump’s remarks come at a time when debates over monetary policy have intensified ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision this week. The US President argued that lower interest rates would support economic activity and investment, while continuing to criticize the Fed’s current policy.
In his statements regarding foreign policy, Trump stated that talks with Iran were continuing. Claiming that Iran had requested negotiations, Trump announced that the parties were currently in contact. However, the US President said that the time allotted for the talks was limited, and warned that if the diplomatic process failed, Washington could restart a “very powerful” military operation.
Trump also said he had some disagreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Iran. He stated he would ask Russian President Vladimir Putin for information about alleged satellite imagery supplied to Iran, and added that the US produces a large number of Patriot air defense missiles.
On the other hand, Goldman Sachs reported that increased volatility in the oil market has shifted investors’ focus from corporate balance sheets to broader macroeconomic risks such as inflation, interest rates, and economic growth.
The bank stated that while it expects the Fed to keep interest rates unchanged at this week’s meeting, markets are beginning to price in a more hawkish monetary policy outlook.
*This is not investment advice.