Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Prohibits Vessel Passage Amid Tensions with US

US Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that he understood the US Fed's approach of waiting before cutting interest rates based on its own considerations. However, once core inflation pulled back significantly, the US Fed would be capable of taking more action. Meanwhile, the US Fed's Hammack said there was no urgent reason to adjust interest rates at present, but the possibility of future interest rate cuts or hikes had not been ruled out.

US President Trump stated explicitly that he would dismiss Fed Chairman Powell if Powell remained in his position after his term expired. Meanwhile, Trump also said he had no intention of ending the investigation into Powell. Currently, Trump's nominated successor, Warsh, has not yet been confirmed by the Senate, suggesting that during the transition period, Powell may continue to fulfill his duties in the capacity of "interim chairman."

US Fed Governor Waller noted that the energy shock caused by the Iran war had made him cautious in judging whether an interest rate cut was needed. However, if oil supply could be restored quickly, the US Fed would not need to consider the impact of this shock. Meanwhile, San Francisco Fed President Daly said she was currently taking a wait-and-see approach on interest rates, and that the future direction of interest rates would depend on the duration of the Iran conflict and whether high energy prices would further broadly permeate and affect inflation.