Skip to main content

Featured

Markets Digest Iran Peace Progress and Fed Rate-Hike Risk — June 22, 2026

  Markets are easing into a cautious start this Monday as investors return from a long weekend — U.S. markets were closed Friday for Juneteenth — and assess a mixed backdrop: tentative optimism over U.S.–Iran peace talks, a newly hawkish Federal Reserve, and a key week of economic data and earnings ahead. Oil is steadying, the Canadian dollar is under modest pressure, and Asian markets rallied while European and U.S. futures drifted slightly lower in early trading. 🍁 Canada — TSX & the Loonie The S&P/TSX Composite Index heads into Monday trading with a cautious tone, sitting near the 34,857 level after slipping 0.32% on Thursday — the last day Canadian markets were open. Energy stocks will be in focus as oil prices stabilize following weeks of volatility tied to the U.S.–Iran conflict and the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Canadian dollar is trading at approximately 70.52 cents U.S. (CAD/USD: 0.7052), down about 0.22% on the session. The loonie remains und...

article

Trump Criticizes Federal Reserve Chair Powell Over Tariff Remarks

 **Title:** 

President Donald Trump has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, hinting at his removal following Powell's comments on the economic impact of tariffs. Powell, in a recent speech, highlighted the potential for increased inflation and slowed economic growth due to the tariffs, which he described as larger than anticipated.

Trump, in a social media post, criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates aggressively, comparing the Federal Reserve's approach unfavorably to the European Central Bank. He stated that Powell's "termination cannot come fast enough," despite legal protections that prevent the president from firing the Federal Reserve Chair without cause.

Powell, who was initially appointed by Trump in 2018 and reappointed in 2022, has emphasized the Federal Reserve's independence and commitment to making decisions based on economic analysis rather than political pressure. This clash underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and the central bank over monetary policy and economic strategy.

Comments