China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Japan’s Finance Minister Signals Alignment With BOJ as Rate Hike Speculation Grows 
Oil Prices Slip as Russia-Ukraine Peace Hopes Fade and Oversupply Fears Grow 
Senators Warn Trump Against Unauthorized Venezuela Strike, Vow War Powers Push 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Investors Await Fed Rate Decision and Monitor Market Shifts 
BOJ Governor Ueda and PM Takaichi Set for Key Meeting Amid Yen Slide and Rate-Hike Debate 
FOMC Minutes Expected to Reveal Deep Policy Divide as Markets Eye December Rate Cut 
RBA Reassesses Pricing Behaviors and Policy Impact Amid Inflation Pressures 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
U.S. Soybean Shipments to China Gain Momentum as Trade Tensions Ease 
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.
