Financial News Brief
Summary
The global financial system faces uncertainty as the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve comes under direct challenge. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is subject to a criminal probe, which he and analysts describe as a politically motivated attack threatening the central bank’s credibility and, by extension, trust in the U.S. dollar.
Key Points
- Criminal Probe: The U.S. Department of Justice served grand jury subpoenas to the Fed, related to Powell’s June testimony about a building renovation project.
- Powell’s Defense: Powell issued a video statement calling the investigation a “new threat” and a “pretext,” arguing it’s an attack on the Fed’s ability to set interest rates independently of political pressure.
- Trust at Stake: Analysts warn that undermining Fed independence risks global trust in the U.S. economy and could jeopardize the dollar’s reserve currency status.
- Political Context: The probe is widely seen as part of former President Trump’s ongoing pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates. Powell’s term as Chair ends in May, but his term on the rate-setting FOMC runs until 2028.
- Market Reactions: Gold prices hit a record high as investors sought safety. Experts warn that perceived political interference could push long-term U.S. interest rates higher, damaging the economy.
- Condemnation: Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen condemned the investigation, calling it “extremely chilling” for central bank independence.
- Global Ripple Effect: A loss of Fed credibility could lead to U.S. economic downturn, dollar volatility, and global financial chaos, impacting economies like Australia’s.
财经新闻简报
摘要
随着美联储的独立性受到直接挑战，全球金融体系面临不确定性。美联储主席杰罗姆·鲍威尔成为刑事调查的对象，他和分析人士认为这是一次出于政治动机的攻击，威胁着央行的信誉，进而威胁到对美元的信任。
关键点
- 刑事调查：美国司法部向美联储发出大陪审团传票，涉及鲍威尔六月就办公楼装修项目所作的证词。
- 鲍威尔的辩护：鲍威尔发布视频声明，称此次调查是一个”新威胁”和”借口”，认为这是对美联储独立于政治压力设定利率能力的攻击。
- 信任危机：分析人士警告，削弱美联储独立性将危及全球对美国经济的信任，并可能损害美元作为储备货币的地位。
- 政治背景：该调查被广泛视为前总统特朗普持续向美联储施压要求降息的一部分。鲍威尔的主席任期将于五月结束，但其在利率制定机构FOMC的任期将持续到2028年。
- 市场反应：随着投资者寻求避险，黄金价格创下历史新高。专家警告，政治干预的迹象可能推高美国长期利率，损害经济。
- 谴责之声：前美联储主席珍妮特·耶伦谴责此次调查，称其对央行独立性是”极其令人不寒而栗的”。
- 全球连锁反应：美联储信誉的丧失可能导致美国经济衰退、美元波动和全球金融混乱，影响澳大利亚等经济体。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-13/us-federal-reserve-interest-rates-trump/106222076