Trump calls for lower interest rates to go 'hand-in-hand' with tariffs: 'Lets rock and roll, America'

Published On Feb 12, 2025, 9:05 AM

Former President Trump called for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, suggesting that such a move should complement upcoming tariffs. This statement follows the Fed's decision to keep interest rates steady at its recent January meeting. Trump believes that reducing interest rates is necessary alongside actions directed towards tariffs to enhance economic activity, particularly in response to falling oil prices. However, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank is cautious about rushing into rate cuts due to ongoing inflation concerns.

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Trump's call for lower interest rates could indicate a shift in monetary policy expectations which often generates speculation about the broader economy. If the market perceives a chance of upcoming rate cuts, it could boost equity markets as cheaper borrowing costs generally support business investments and consumer spending.

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Investors are keenly eyeing the CPI, which is due for release on Wednesday. Tariffs and earnings continue to set market expectations.

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President Donald Trump is taking additional action to upset the world trade system, with plans to sign an order as soon as Wednesday that would require that U.S. tariffs on imports match the tax rates charged by other countries. “It’s time to be reciprocal,” Trump told reporters earlier this week. As Trump has unleashed a series of tariffs after being in power for less than a month, he has fully taken ownership of the path of the U.S. economy.

January's Consumer Price Index will serve as the latest test of whether inflation pressures have eased further.