Markets are entering a crucial week, with the U.S. Federal Reserve, Big Tech earnings and rising oil prices all in focus.

Fed meet, AI earnings & $100 oil: Markets face crucial week

The American stock market isn't just an investment vehicle anymore,
It's becoming the country's de-facto pension system.
In this next report, we decode how that changes everything on Washington's response to the next equity market crash.

Wall Street becomes America's retirement fund

The Federal Reserve is showing rare public cracks. Governor Christopher Waller says forward guidance still matters — that telling markets where rates may go helps policy work faster. But Chair Kevin Warsh has already removed guidance language from statements and is taking a quieter approach. With inflation and jobs pulling officials in different directions, the split couldn’t come at a worse time. Markets are now bracing for Wednesday’s meeting minutes to see just how far Warsh wants to dial back Fed communication. Less clarity could mean more volatility.

Fed split deepens: Waller backs guidance as Warsh strips it from statements 

Inflation rose above 2% in March 2021 and has persisted above target ever since. It has not come back down, not once. 63 consecutive months and counting. That is how long US Inflation has stayed above the Federal Reserve's 2 percent target.


The Fed's Broken Promise: 63 Months and Counting 

The US labour market delivered another upside surprise in may. Stock markets crashed following the news, with gold falling to 3-month low.


US Labour Market Defies Slowdown, FED on Edge

Financial market bets directly contradict what president Donald trump spent the last year demanding. Interest rate futures are flashing a startling signal.
The BASE case among traders now shows incoming federal reserve chair Kevin Warsh hiking rates as his very first policy move. Not rate cuts or pause, but a hike.


New Fed Chair Warsh Faces Pressure For Immediate Hike

US Federal Reserve chief, Jerome Powell's final press conference did not rock the boat. But he and a majority of FED policymakers erred a bit on the hawkish side given the lack of progress in the gulf. So, at his swan song meeting as fed boss, Powell once again carried an anti-Trump crescendo.


Powell's Last Dance Carries Anti-Trump Crescendo

Jerome Powell has effectively signed off as Chair of the Federal Reserve, announcing he will not seek another term after his tenure expires on May 15, 2026, following his final policy meeting.


Powell Signs Off as FED Boss By Defying Trump's Call For Cuts

Kevin Warsh, seen as Donald Trump’s choice for a key Federal Reserve role, has sparked debate by calling for a “regime change” at the Fed. He outlined a fresh approach to tackling inflation, signalling a potential shift in US monetary policy. During his confirmation process, Warsh also faced tough questions over alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein and past political positions. The hearing highlights how economics, politics, and controversy are intersecting at a crucial moment for the US economy.


Trump’s Fed Pick Kevin Warsh Pushes ‘Regime Change’

Kevin Warsh, nominated by Donald Trump for a key Federal Reserve role, is set to face a Senate confirmation hearing next week. His financial disclosures reveal assets exceeding $100 million, with investments spanning crypto and AI sectors, though exact valuations remain unclear. The hearing is expected to focus on transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and how his financial background could shape future monetary policy decisions.


Trump's Fed Chair Nominee to Face Senate Confirmation Hearing Next Week

U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday. With the Dow up 47 points, the S&P-500 gaining a quarter per cent, and The Nasdaq is climbing nearly half a per cent. Ahead of the Fed's policy decision, futures were mostly flat. While airlines, travel companies, and tech stocks like Uber saw notable gains amid high oil prices and West Asian conflict.

US Stocks Rise Ahead of Fed Meeting | World Business Watch

The West Asia conflict will push up prices, but it will also likely harm US growth and job prospects. Analysts now see this as a fed rate-cut delayed rather than a hike story.


Risks Still Skewed Towards Lower Rates on Growth Worries

The US national debt, which reached $38.6 trillion in February 2026, is fundamentally tied to foreign capital inflows, which help finance the country's persistent budget deficits and investment needs. As of 2025, foreign investors—including foreign governments, central banks, and private entities—hold approximately 29-32% of US Treasury securities, totalling nearly $9.1 to $9.4 trillion. This reliance on foreign capital allows the US to maintain lower interest rates than would otherwise be possible and funds both public spending and private investment. 


US Debt: How US Growth Is Tied To Foreign Inflows

The latest minutes from the Federal Reserve January 27–28 policy meeting reveal a growing divide among officials over the future direction of U.S. interest rates. While policymakers unanimously agreed to keep rates steady, the internal debate signals mounting uncertainty about inflation, economic resilience, and the timing of potential rate cuts.


US Fed Holds Rates, but Debate Intensifies

The federal reserve hit a pause on rates on Wednesday after cutting rates for three straight meetings late last year. Fed chair Jerome Powell says inflation is still too high to declare victory, even as the U.S. Economy continues to show surprising strength heading into 2026.


FED Hits Pause on Rates as Inflation Lingers

Fed Chair Jerome Powell held interest rates steady at 3.50%-3.75%, defying President Trump's pressure for cuts amid persistent inflation fueled by new tariffs. The decision signals caution as price pressures linger, delaying anticipated rate relief.



Powell Snubs Trump: Fed Pauses Rates Amid Tariff Surge

US President Donald Trump has said he will announce his nominee to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell within the next few weeks, intensifying a growing standoff between the White House and the central bank. The comments come after Powell revealed that the Department of Justice has issued grand jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve, raising fears of political pressure on the institution despite easing inflation data.


Global Central Bank Leaders Rally Behind Fed Chair Jerome Powell Amid Pressure From Trump

USA FED: Concerns Rise Over Central Bank Independence Under Trump 

As the Fed continues to cut rates, corporates are becoming more enamoured with swapping from paying fixed to paying floating rates, to get exposure to the rate-cutting process. Should the Fed morph ultra-dovish, all the better, it seems. But how could that outcome evolve? And what then?

Will The FED Morph Into ' MAGA Dovish' Group? How Could That Outcome Evolve?

President Donald Trump has stated that he expects the next Federal Reserve Chair to strongly support lower interest rates, signaling his continued push for monetary easing to stimulate the economy. Trump has long advocated for rate cuts, arguing they will help fuel growth and support businesses. His remarks come amid ongoing debates over the direction of U.S. monetary policy and speculation about potential candidates for the Fed Chair position.


Trump Expects Next Fed Chair to Strongly Support Lower Rates

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering his options for the next Federal Reserve chair, with a strong interest in influencing future interest rate decisions. Sources indicate that Trump wants a nominee who will align more closely with his economic priorities, reflecting his ongoing desire for greater presidential control over monetary policy. 

Trump Weighs Next Fed Chair Pick, Seeks Influence on Rates

President Donald Trump has indicated that a new Federal Reserve Chair will be announced soon, as speculation grows about who will succeed the current chair. The announcement is expected to come in the coming days, with several names under consideration for the influential position. 


Trump Announces Upcoming Fed Chair Selection

Market analysts and traders are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory for 2026, as expectations shift amid evolving economic data and inflation trends. 

What Markets Expect from the Fed in 2026 

President Trump has publicly acknowledged meeting with several individuals being considered for the position of Federal Reserve Chair. The meetings highlight his active involvement in the selection process, with growing speculation about who will succeed the current chair and how the next Fed leader might shape U.S. economic policy.

Donald Trump Confirms Meetings With Potential Fed Chair Picks

Fed, News on Fed, stories on Fed, articles on Fed, Fed stories at Wion, Fed news, Fed latest news