Skip to main content
Grafa
Trump backs lower rates as markets eye Fed
Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Trump backs lower rates as markets eye Fed

Share

President Donald Trump used a contentious interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker to deliver a clear message to financial markets, arguing that the Federal Reserve should not raise interest rates despite strong economic data.

Trump's comments come ahead of the Federal Reserve's June 16-17 policy meeting, the first chaired by Kevin Warsh following his Senate confirmation in May, with benchmark interest rates currently set between 3.50% and 3.75%.

“There’s no reason to raise interest rates,”

Said President Donald Trump.

The president pointed to May payroll growth of 172,000 jobs and a 4.3% unemployment rate as evidence that the economy can continue expanding without triggering higher inflation, rejecting the traditional view that strong labour markets inevitably fuel price pressures.

Trump also linked the outlook for inflation to developments in the Iran conflict, saying oil and gasoline prices could decline significantly if a diplomatic agreement is reached or once military operations conclude, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical route for global energy supplies.

The comments arrive as markets continue to expect no change in rates this month, with investors assessing whether Warsh, who previously opposed quantitative easing as a Federal Reserve governor, will maintain a hawkish stance despite political pressure for lower borrowing costs.

Trump additionally signalled support for higher military spending as the federal deficit is projected to exceed $2 trillion, a combination that could increase Treasury issuance and liquidity in financial markets, a factor closely watched by Bitcoin investors seeking signs of looser monetary conditions.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $63,236.80.

Frequently asked questions