Fed Keeps Interest Rates in Tie Vote The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted July 30 to hold interest rates between 4.25% and 4.50%. The move, anticipated by market commentators, comes following consistent employment data and continued inflation concerns. Nevertheless, the vote was not unanimous internally. Trump-appointed governors Michelle W. Bowman and Christopher J. Waller supported the lowering of interest rates because of decreasing momentum within areas of the economy. Despite the divide, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized caution. “The committee is mindful of the risks of inflation,” Powell said during the press conference. Small Market Gains Trail Fed News Investors received the news quietly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by a minuscule 0.03%, the S&P 500 gained 0.22%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.46%. While no rate reduction was in the offing immediately, markets were reassured by the Fed’s dovish tone and steady 3% GDP—enough to get Trump later to use this figure as a weapon against his ongoing campaign against Powell. Trump Ramps Up Pressure on Powell In his Truth Social venue, President Trump lambasted the Fed for inaction, stating inflation was “no longer a threat” and that the time to ease rates has come. “‘Too Late,’ MUST NOW SLOW THE RATE,’ Trump posted. ‘No Inflation! Let people buy, and refinance, homes.’ They appear to be calculated to stimulate consumer spending and housing demand in the run-up to the U.S. election cycle. Trade Tensions Ratchet Up: India Thrown into Tariff Uncertainty Trump’s denunciation of policy did not stop at monetary policy. He repeated threats of retaliatory trade measures against India and promised to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods from Aug. 1.”. The reason includes India’s Russian arms acquisitions and so-called unfair trade practices by Trump. “ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY,” he warned online. Market Outlook: Resilience Amid Volatility With Trump’s aggressive approach on monetary and trade fronts, markets have so far held firm. His previous trade triumph over the EU has reduced investor anxiety, and market attention now is on U.S.-China negotiations. Additional market volatility is expected by analysts if Trump follows his threats or increases pressure on the Fed before the next FOMC meeting.
