News Brief: English
Summary
US federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, escalating a long-running conflict with former President Donald Trump. Powell asserts the threat is due to the Fed setting interest rates based on economic analysis, not political pressure.
Key Points
- Criminal Inquiry: The US Attorney’s office in D.C. has served grand jury subpoenas, investigating Powell’s 2023 Senate testimony and spending records related to Fed building renovations.
- Powell’s Stance: Powell calls the action an “unprecedented” threat to Fed independence, stating charges are threatened because the Fed sets rates to serve the public, not presidential preferences.
- Trump’s Response: Former President Trump denied knowledge of the inquiry but has previously criticized Powell’s competence and hinted at legal action.
- Expert Analysis: Economists warn this undermines trust in the US financial system and central bank independence, calling it an “unprecedented” move in a major economy.
- Global Impact: Analysts suggest the controversy could indirectly affect longer-term Australian interest rates and government borrowing costs.
- Market Reaction: Immediate financial market reaction has been muted, with a brief uptick in the Australian dollar.
新闻简报：中文
摘要
美国联邦检察官已对美联储主席杰罗姆·鲍威尔展开刑事调查，此举升级了其与前总统唐纳德·特朗普之间的长期冲突。鲍威尔声称，此威胁源于美联储依据经济分析而非政治压力制定利率。
关键点
- 刑事调查：华盛顿特区的美国检察官办公室已发出大陪审团传票，调查鲍威尔2023年在参议院的证词以及与美联储大楼翻修相关的支出记录。
- 鲍威尔的立场：鲍威尔称此举是对美联储独立性的”前所未有”的威胁，并表示被威胁指控是因为美联储根据公共利益而非总统偏好设定利率。
- 特朗普的回应：前总统特朗普否认对此调查知情，但此前曾批评鲍威尔能力不足并暗示可能采取法律行动。
- 专家分析：经济学家警告这破坏了美国金融体系和央行独立性的信任，称这是主要经济体中的”前所未有”之举。
- 全球影响：分析人士认为，此争议可能间接影响澳大利亚的长期利率和政府借贷成本。
- 市场反应：金融市场的即时反应平淡，澳元仅短暂上涨。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-12/criminal-investigation-opens-into-us-federal-reserve-chair/106220038