The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released August jobs numbers indicating a disappointing increase of only 22,000 nonfarm payrolls, far below the projected 75,000. While healthcare saw gains, losses in federal government employment, mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction offset those gains. This follows the firing of the previous BLS commissioner by President Trump due to weak employment data from the previous month. Furthermore, analysts are noting a possible rate cut by the Federal Reserve.
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Justice Department opens criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook: Sources. It appears the news of a Justice Department investigation into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has ignited a firestorm of commentary, and I’m here to sort through the reactions. The central point, the spark that ignited this discussion, is the launching of a criminal probe into Cook. The subsequent debate immediately centers around the application of consistent standards of accountability and raises questions about fairness and potential political motivations.
Justice Department opens criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook: Sources. A core concern is the argument that if someone commits fraud, they should face consequences, regardless of their position.… Continue reading
In August, U.S. private sector hiring saw a smaller-than-expected increase, with only 54,000 jobs added, a significant drop from the previous month. This slowdown was attributed to factors such as consumer worries, labor shortages, and AI-related disruptions, particularly impacting trade, transportation, utilities, and education/health services. The leisure and hospitality industry showed gains, but overall, the ADP report contributes to an already concerning labor market picture, further evidenced by rising jobless claims and a decline in job openings. Consequently, market observers are now more convinced that the Federal Reserve will cut rates at its upcoming meeting.
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During a discussion on MSNBC, Rep. Maxine Waters urged for the 25th Amendment to be invoked against President Trump due to his actions, specifically his removal of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board. Waters emphasized the urgency of addressing the situation, asserting that Trump’s actions pose a danger to the country and democracy. The conversation was spurred by Trump’s removal of Cook, leading to a lawsuit and escalating tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve. Waters’ remarks followed the firing of Cook by Trump, which was challenged by Cook.
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July’s inflation, as measured by the Federal Reserve’s preferred personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, edged higher, with core inflation reaching a 2.9% annual rate, the highest since February. The all-items index also hit the consensus outlook at a 2.6% annual rate. While the Fed targets a 2% inflation rate, markets still anticipate the Fed to resume lowering its benchmark interest rate, with experts like Ellen Zentner emphasizing the importance of labor market data. Despite rising prices, consumer spending increased 0.5%, alongside a 0.4% rise in personal income, indicating economic strength.
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Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is suing former President Donald Trump over his attempt to remove her from her position, sparking a legal challenge regarding the Fed’s autonomy. Trump cited “sufficient reason” to believe Cook made false statements regarding her mortgage, which he says allows him to remove her. Cook’s lawsuit seeks to invalidate Trump’s firing order and names Fed Chairman Jerome Powell as a defendant. This legal battle highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and the Fed, particularly concerning interest rate policy.
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Following President Trump’s announcement of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s removal, Cook stated she would not resign, disputing the “for cause” reasoning cited in the termination. Trump’s claims of mortgage-related misconduct, originating from a criminal referral by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, have been denied by Cook, who was appointed by President Biden. The unprecedented move has sparked debate about presidential authority to remove a Fed governor, raising concerns about the Fed’s political independence and signaling a potential court challenge. Legal experts suggest this could potentially reach the Supreme Court, with implications for monetary policy and markets.
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Former President Donald Trump sought to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a move that raised investor concerns. Trump cited allegations of falsified mortgage documents as the basis for her dismissal, escalating his efforts to exert greater influence over the US central bank. This action follows accusations from a White House ally regarding Cook’s mortgage loan documentation. The letter was published on Truth Social, outlining Trump’s justification for firing Cook.
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Lisa Cook Says She Will Not Step Down From the Fed Board
It appears the news is out: Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board, has made it unequivocally clear that she will not be resigning from her position. The announcement has generated a lot of buzz, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a surge of admiration for her resolve. It’s not often we see such a firm stance against what many perceive as an attempt at political maneuvering.
From what I can gather, the backdrop to all this involves allegations of misconduct, specifically concerning some mortgage-related matters.… Continue reading
In an unprecedented move, former President Donald Trump announced the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations of mortgage fraud as the cause. This action marks the first time a president has fired a central bank governor in the Fed’s history, raising questions about the legality and implications of such a decision. The dismissal has sparked concern over the Fed’s independence, as Trump has previously criticized the central bank’s interest rate decisions, potentially aiming to exert political influence over monetary policy. The firing’s legality is uncertain, as the law only allows removal “for cause”, a term whose boundaries are undefined, but the move has already impacted the US dollar index, which dropped in value following the announcement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood