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Trump–Powell Showdown Intensifies as White House Floats Criminal Charges

                                                       Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell A dramatic escalation in the long‑running tension between President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has thrust the independence of the U.S. central bank into the spotlight. The conflict deepened after Powell disclosed that the Department of Justice had issued grand jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve—an action he suggested was politically motivated. The inquiry centers on Powell’s congressional testimony about cost overruns tied to a Federal Reserve building renovation. Powell has dismissed the investigation as a pretext, arguing that the administration’s real aim is to pressure the Fed into cutting interest rates more aggressively, a move Trump has repeatedly demanded. The threat of potential...

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Bank of Canada’s Rate Decision Hangs in the Balance Amid Trade Turmoil and Election Uncertainty

The Bank of Canada is facing a tough call on its latest interest rate decision, with market expectations nearly split between a rate cut and a pause. The central bank has already made seven consecutive cuts since June 2024, bringing its policy rate to 2.75%. However, ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming federal election have complicated the outlook.

Recent inflation data showed a slowdown, with March’s annual inflation rate cooling to 2.3%. This has given policymakers more room to consider another rate cut, but concerns remain about the broader economic impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian businesses and consumers. Some economists argue that a cut is necessary to cushion the economy, while others warn that holding steady might be the safer move.

Governor Tiff Macklem has acknowledged the “pervasive uncertainty” created by shifting trade policies, stating that multiple economic outcomes remain plausible. With consumer confidence shaken and the housing market struggling, the Bank’s decision today could have significant ripple effects across the economy.

Will the Bank of Canada opt for another cut, or will it hold firm in the face of uncertainty? The answer will shape Canada’s economic trajectory in the months ahead.

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