Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
Trump to Announce New Federal Reserve Chair Pick as Powell Replacement Looms 
Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
Federal Reserve Faces Subpoena Delay Amid Investigation Into Chair Jerome Powell 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
BTC Dips on Trade Tension Ease, But 450 BTC/Day Whale Says “Buy More” – Eyes $107K Glory 
BTC Flat at $89,300 Despite $1.02B ETF Exodus — Buy the Dip Toward $107K? 
U.S. Approves Over $6.5 Billion in Military Sales to Israel Across Three Defense Contracts 
Copper Prices Hit Record Highs as Metals Rally Gains Momentum on Geopolitical Tensions 
U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
U.S. and El Salvador Sign Landmark Critical Minerals Agreement to Boost Investment and Trade 
Trump Warns UK and Canada Against Deepening Business Ties With China 
Starmer’s China Visit Signals New Era in UK–China Economic Relations 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to inherit a strong economy, but his aggressive policies—tariffs, immigration restrictions, and tax cuts—might disrupt growth. With output above trend, near full employment, and persistent inflation, the economy may require stability over drastic reforms.
Experts, including Moody's Chief Economist Mark Zandi, warn that Trump's proposals could harm the economy, depending on their execution. Karen Dynan from Harvard University notes that inflation remains high, federal deficits are larger, and borrowing costs have surged since his last term. Immigration-driven labor force growth, which bolstered recent economic performance, contrasts with Trump’s restrictive stance.
During Trump’s first presidency, the economy benefited from tax cuts, despite global setbacks from tariffs. However, today’s landscape is different. Inflation exceeds the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, mortgage rates approach 7%, and 30-year Treasury yields climb, signaling market concerns over fiscal discipline. Fed Governor Christopher Waller highlights inflation and deficits as pressing issues, warning of market demands for higher premiums if fiscal policies don’t change.
Despite challenges, the U.S. economy is robust. December’s 4.1% unemployment rate and 256,000 job gains show resilience. Fed Chair Jerome Powell praises the economy’s performance but stresses cautious monetary policy to stabilize inflation.
The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s economic vision contrasts with the current strength. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin acknowledges optimism among businesses but advises flexibility to counter potential disruptions from tariffs or deportations.
Balancing reforms with economic stability will define Trump’s presidency as he navigates a high-performing yet delicate economic environment.
