Fed Chair Powell Under Criminal Investigation

Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose on Monday as investors weighed a possible U.S. intervention in Iran amid ongoing protests. South Korea's Kospi closed at an all-time high, while oil prices fell due to concerns over global economic growth. Other markets, including Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index and mainland China's CSI 300, also saw gains. The Japanese yen weakened sharply, and U.S. equity futures declined after a report that the Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

European stocks began the new trading week in negative territory as investors weighed geopolitical developments in Iran and renewed pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was down 0.2%, with major bourses and sectors mainly in the red. The U.K.'s FTSE index opened 0.26% lower, while Germany's DAX was down almost 0.1%. Market watchers are monitoring developments in Iran after widespread protests were met with a violent crackdown by the Iranian authorities. U.S. President Donald Trump is considering options to take action against Iran, and there are reports of a potential criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is under a federal criminal investigation related to the $2.5 billion renovation of the central bank's headquarters and his congressional testimony about it. Powell attributes the probe to President Donald Trump's frustration with the Fed's refusal to cut interest rates as demanded. The investigation is being overseen by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, appointed by Trump. Powell stated that the threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Fed setting interest rates based on economic conditions rather than political pressure. Sen. Thom Tillis said he would oppose any nominee by Trump to replace Powell until the legal matter is resolved, citing concerns about the Fed's independence.

The stock market experienced a downturn after the Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and the central bank. Stock futures fell, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dipping 199 points, S&P 500 futures shedding 0.5%, and Nasdaq-100 futures losing 0.7%. Powell confirmed the investigation in a video statement, asserting that it was an attempt to influence the Fed's monetary policy. The market's reaction was driven by concerns over the independence of the Fed and potential political pressure on monetary policy. Gold futures jumped 2% as investors sought safe havens. The S&P 500 and Dow had reached record highs on Friday, but the news sparked a sell-off. Traders are also preparing for the upcoming earnings season, with major banks set to report results.

The article profiles Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, as he nears the end of his term. It highlights his cautious yet bold leadership style, navigating the central bank through significant economic turbulence. Powell faces one major monetary task and one significant political concern on the horizon. The article praises Powell's ability to remain calm under pressure, despite market volatility and political criticism from figures like Donald Trump. It underscores his careful communication style, chosen to avoid causing unnecessary market fluctuations. The profile suggests that while Powell's rhetorical restraint might be misinterpreted as a lack of courage, it actually reflects his thoughtful and considered approach to monetary policy.

The article reports on the escalating conflict between the Federal Reserve and the White House, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell accusing former President Donald Trump of launching a criminal investigation against the Fed. Trump denies any knowledge of the investigation. The conflict has been ongoing for nearly a year, with Trump criticizing the Fed and making legal threats. Powell had maintained public silence until this weekend, when he spoke out against Trump's actions.

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over his testimony about the Fed's $2.5 billion renovation of its headquarters. Powell linked the investigation to the Fed's independence and its ability to set interest rates without political interference. The probe is seen as a continuation of President Donald Trump's pressure campaign on the Fed to lower interest rates. The investigation has sparked concerns about the Fed's independence and the potential impact on the economy.

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the Federal Reserve's $2.5 billion renovation of its headquarters in Washington, DC. Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, has responded to the investigation. The article discusses the investigation and Powell's response, amidst other news videos on the CNN website.

The U.S. attorney's office in the District of Columbia has opened a criminal investigation into Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, over the central bank's renovation of its Washington headquarters and whether Mr. Powell lied to Congress about the scope of the project. The investigation, approved by Jeanine Pirro, a longtime ally of President Trump, escalates Mr. Trump's long-running feud with Mr. Powell. Mr. Powell has acknowledged the investigation, describing it as 'unprecedented' and questioning its motivation. Lawmakers from both parties have questioned the premise of the investigation, citing concerns about the Fed's independence. The renovation project, estimated to be $700 million over budget, involves expanding and modernizing the Fed's buildings.