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Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
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Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
U.S. President Donald Trump once again urged the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates sharply, while intensifying his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Speaking after the release of second-quarter GDP data, Trump praised the economy’s performance but argued that monetary policy remains too tight.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “If it weren’t for Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell, we would be at 2% right now, and in the process of balancing our budget. The good news is that we’re powering through his incompetence.” His remarks came just a week after the Fed lowered its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4% to 4.25%, a move Powell described as cautious in light of persistent inflation and a cooling labor market.
The U.S. economy showed resilience in the second quarter, supported by strong GDP growth. However, analysts warn that lingering effects from Trump’s trade tariffs and labor market weakness could weigh more heavily on third-quarter performance. Powell has emphasized that there is no “risk-free path” for monetary policy, underscoring the Fed’s measured approach.
Trump has consistently demanded steeper cuts, arguing that delaying aggressive action could trigger broader economic risks. His nominee for the Fed board, Stephan Miran, echoed these calls during last week’s meeting, supporting immediate and deeper reductions in borrowing costs.
Despite Trump’s pressure, most Fed officials have pushed back against rapid easing, citing concerns over inflation stability and long-term growth risks. Still, financial markets appear to expect further cuts this year. According to CME FedWatch, traders are pricing in a 93% chance of another 25-basis-point cut in October and nearly a 60% chance of an additional cut in December.
The clash highlights an ongoing debate between political pressure for stimulus and the Fed’s cautious stance in managing inflation and economic stability, leaving investors closely watching the central bank’s next moves.
