Overview
- President Donald Trump's public criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, including calls for rate cuts and labeling Powell a 'major loser,' has raised concerns about Fed independence.
- The Dow Jones fell over 1,000 points on Monday, with major U.S. indexes declining 2–3%, while gold surged to record highs above $3,500 as investors sought safe-haven assets.
- Global markets displayed mixed reactions, with European stocks dipping, Asian markets trading cautiously, and U.S. stock futures rebounding slightly on Tuesday morning.
- Uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies, including reciprocal tariffs and ongoing negotiations, continues to amplify investor anxiety and market volatility.
- Corporate earnings reports, including those from Tesla and Lockheed Martin, are being closely watched for insights into how companies are navigating economic and policy challenges.