Unprecedented Presidential Power Play: Trump Attempts First-Ever Firing of Fed Governor

At the Jackson Hole conference, Fed Chair Powell outlined major challenges reshaping the U.S. economy. He highlighted that higher tariffs are already lifting prices in some goods categories, with core goods up 1.1% year-over-year after declining through 2024. Immigration restrictions have caused labor force growth to plummet, with payroll growth averaging just 35,000 monthly over three months. GDP growth slowed to 1.2% annualized in the first half of 2025, half of 2024’s pace. Powell warned these aren’t temporary fluctuations but structural changes that monetary policy can’t easily fix. The Fed unveiled its revised five-year framework, returning to flexible inflation targeting

Comex gold for August delivery settled marginally lower at $3,373.80, declining 60 cents or 0.02%, marking the fourth decline in six sessions. Despite the minor pullback, gold remains in strong position with a 27.87% gain from its 2025 low of $2,638.40 set in early January. The metal successfully shrugged off dollar strength, with analysts noting that Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole remarks about potential September rate cuts and labor market risks have reinforced gold’s appeal. XS.com analyst Rania Gule suggests the downside pressures appear limited and temporary, with the broader bullish trend intact. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost