A recent Federal Reserve study indicates that tariffs implemented by the Trump administration are solely responsible for the observed increase in consumer and household goods prices. The study found these tariffs have raised core goods prices by 3.1 percent, with retailers passing the costs along the supply chain. This suggests that without these tariffs, price increases would have fallen below pre-pandemic trends, contradicting claims that foreign entities would bear the burden of these duties.
Read More
France has completed a long-term plan to bring its gold reserves home by selling its remaining holdings from the U.S. Federal Reserve. This strategic move involved upgrading 129 tonnes of gold between July 2025 and January 2026, replacing older bars with new, internationally compliant ones stored in Paris. The Banque de France generated nearly 13 billion euros from this operation, highlighting its practical financial decision to enhance the safety and tradability of its gold reserves while capitalizing on favorable market conditions. This upgrade aligns with France’s ongoing efforts since 2005 to modernize its gold stock and ensure it meets contemporary global standards.
Read More
Despite subpoenas related to a costly renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, federal prosecutors acknowledged in a court hearing that they currently lacked evidence of any crimes committed by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The investigation, which began following political pressure from the President, was questioned by a judge who found the justifications for the probe to be “thin and unsubstantiated.” Ultimately, the judge quashed the subpoenas, stating the government had presented “essentially zero evidence to suspect Chair Powell of a crime.”
Read More
A newly revealed email directly contradicts Donald Trump’s assertion that he expelled Jeffrey Epstein from Mar-a-Lago in 2004. This document, which was allegedly unredacted for Congress but not the public, disputes Trump’s account of their relationship. The withholding of this information by the Department of Justice, according to claims, violates transparency laws and raises questions about potential cover-ups regarding Trump’s involvement with Epstein.
Read More
The Federal Reserve recently held its ground, keeping interest rates unchanged while also forecasting higher inflation. This decision has stirred quite a bit of commentary, particularly around the phrasing of headlines that suggest the Fed is acting “despite” inflation. Many observers point out that this framing misses the crucial connection: it’s precisely *because* of higher inflation that the Fed *must* keep rates steady, or even consider raising them. Lowering rates, in this context, would only fuel the inflationary fire further.
It’s almost as if the public is peering into the Fed’s operations expecting precise control, like pilots in a cockpit. However, the reality feels more like individuals adjusting a thermostat that isn’t actually connected to the heating system.… Continue reading
Stocks experienced a significant sell-off following concerning U.S. economic data and statements from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which amplified fears of persistent inflation. The producer price index exceeded expectations, indicating underlying inflationary pressures exacerbated by rising oil prices due to international conflict. Despite the Federal Reserve maintaining current interest rates, the outlook suggests limited progress on inflation and a challenging environment for monetary policy.
Read More
The Federal Reserve is poised to make its first interest rate decision since the recent geopolitical tensions, specifically the escalation involving Iran, began to send ripples through global oil prices. This upcoming decision carries a particular weight because it occurs against a backdrop of renewed concerns about inflation, which, as we know, has been a persistent challenge. The conflict, characterized by its evolving nature and complex interpretations of its immediate impact, is now exerting upward pressure on inflation within the United States, making the Fed’s deliberations all the more crucial.
Considering the current economic climate, which includes inflation hovering above the 3% mark, a drastic cut in interest rates would indeed seem like an incredibly bold, if not frankly insane, move.… Continue reading
Economic growth significantly decelerated in the final quarter of 2025, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rising at a mere 0.7% annual rate, a downward revision from previous estimates and a sharp decline from the prior period. This slowdown was exacerbated by a substantial decrease in government spending due to a prolonged shutdown. Concurrently, the start of 2026 saw core inflation accelerate, with the personal consumption expenditures price index for January indicating price increases at a 2.8% annual rate, remaining a concern for the Federal Reserve. Revisions to consumer and government spending, alongside adjustments in exports, contributed to the weaker GDP performance for the quarter and the full year.
Read More
A federal judge has blocked subpoenas served to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, citing that the Justice Department’s efforts to obtain evidence were a pretext for political pressure. The judge found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Powell and concluded the subpoenas were issued for an improper purpose, stating that such actions were an attempt to influence interest rate decisions or force resignation. This ruling comes amid ongoing criticism from the administration regarding the Fed’s interest rate policies and follows previous unsuccessful attempts by the U.S. Attorney’s office to pursue high-profile cases. Despite the judge’s decision, the Justice Department intends to appeal, asserting that no one is above the law.
Read More
The recent decision by a federal judge to quash subpoenas issued against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is a significant development, and it’s been met with a range of reactions, some quite impassioned. At its core, the ruling reinforces a fundamental principle of legal process: that legal proceedings must have a solid basis and not be initiated simply on a fishing expedition. The judge’s action suggests a commitment to upholding established legal standards, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the justice system.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the contrast drawn between the judge’s adherence to legal precedent and what some perceive as a less rigorous approach to prosecution.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood