Federal Judge Dismisses Subpoenas Targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Justice’s subpoenas directed at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell should be dismissed, according to a court filing unsealed on Friday. The decision, issued by Judge James Boasberg, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C., criticized the Trump administration for using the criminal investigation as a tool to pressure Powell into altering monetary policy. The judge’s opinion described the subpoenas as an attempt to coerce Powell, the head of the world’s most influential central bank, into lowering interest rates to align with the administration’s economic agenda. Boasberg accused the government of failing to present any evidence that Powell had committed a crime, stating that the sole purpose of the subpoenas was to “harass and pressure” Powell to either comply with the president’s demands or resign to make way for a more favorable Fed chair. In his ruling, Boasberg emphasized that the DOJ had provided “no evidence whatsoever” that Powell had engaged in any illegal activity beyond “displeasing the President.” The judge’s scathing language underscored his view that the investigation was politically motivated rather than grounded in legal merit. The Department of Justice has announced plans to appeal the decision, which could prolong the legal battle between the government and the Federal Reserve. This development also risks delaying the confirmation of Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee to lead the Fed, as the ongoing dispute casts uncertainty over the confirmation process. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who represents the District of Columbia, condemned the ruling as “outrageous” and vowed to pursue an appeal.#department_of_justice #federal_reserve #jerome_powell #judge_james_boasberg #kevin_warsh
Will the Trump Fed Nominee Kevin Warsh Push Bitcoin Toward $80,000? On March 4, U.S. President Donald Trump formally nominated Kevin Warsh as the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. Once confirmed by the Senate, Warsh will replace Jerome Powell, whose current term ends on May 15, 2026. The announcement has triggered renewed speculation about the potential impact of Warsh’s policies on financial markets, particularly cryptocurrency. Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor and longtime advocate for Bitcoin, has frequently likened the digital asset to gold. In recent years, he has described Bitcoin as a “sustainable store of value, like gold” and remarked that it serves as a “good policeman” for federal policy. His past statements have positioned him as a proponent of cryptocurrencies, which has fueled optimism among investors. The market reaction to Warsh’s nomination has been mixed. Bitcoin’s price surged to $73,599 as of the latest data, marking a 7.54% increase over the previous 24 hours. This rise has coincided with a significant inflow into crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which saw $1 billion in net inflows over the past week. This contrasts with a five-week streak of outflows totaling $4 billion. Meanwhile, traditional equity markets also showed strength, with the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 rising 1.5% and 0.9%, respectively. Warsh’s nomination has also reignited discussions about his potential influence on monetary policy. In January, his earlier remarks about tightening monetary policies had caused a market downturn, often referred to as the “Warsh Shock.” However, recent market trends suggest a recovery, as his advocacy for interest rate cuts has eased investor concerns. Critics, however, have raised questions about Warsh’s qualifications and political ties.#bitcoin #donald_trump #federal_reserve #nasdaq_composite #kevin_warsh
Schroders Investment: Expectations for Further Interest Rate Cuts and Bond Market Outlook Schroders Investment has expressed its belief that Kevin Warsh, the newly nominated Federal Reserve Chairman, is both willing and capable of pushing for additional interest rate cuts. The firm suggests that any sell-off in bonds is likely to remain limited, given the anticipated direction of monetary policy. However, the bank notes that its current stance on U.S. duration remains cautious, as market expectations for rate cuts in the remainder of 2026 have not yet reached the threshold that would warrant a more positive outlook. James Bilson, Fixed Income Strategist at Schroders Investment, highlighted the significance of Warsh’s nomination in a recent commentary. The Trump administration’s announcement of Warsh’s potential appointment as Fed Chairman has sparked discussions about the future trajectory of U.S. monetary policy. Schroders emphasizes that Warsh’s background as someone familiar with the Fed’s internal operations and his political acumen position him as a candidate who could achieve a moderate easing of monetary policy, rather than advocating for aggressive rate cuts beyond what is necessary. The firm’s analysis underscores the gap between what the U.S. economy may require and what policymakers are likely to deliver. While Warsh has appeared as an independent thinker, his chances of securing confirmation depend on his ability to articulate a clear rationale for further rate cuts during his Federal Reserve Chair interview. Schroders estimates that U.S. authorities prefer to steer interest rates toward approximately 3%, suggesting that Warsh’s approach may align more closely with this target than with the more aggressive cuts some candidates might advocate.#kevin_warsh #schroders_investment #federal_reserve_chairman #james_bilson #fixed_income_strategist
XRP Faces Valuation Pressures Amid Market Shifts XRP has experienced a significant decline in value, with its price dropping 26% year to date as of early 2026. Over the past 12 months, the token has lost roughly 41% of its value. Despite broader trends of inflation moderation and increased adoption of cryptocurrencies through exchange-traded funds (ETFs), XRP and other major tokens have faced sharp valuation pullbacks in the latter half of 2025. This article explores three key factors contributing to these declines. The resurgence of precious metals has created a stark contrast in market performance. Gold and silver have seen strong bullish momentum, while XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum have all faced substantial valuation declines. This divergence has challenged traditional narratives that positioned cryptocurrencies as effective hedges against inflation. The shift in investor sentiment has raised questions about the long-term viability of crypto as a store of value. Even with a more favorable regulatory environment under President Trump’s second term, XRP and other top tokens have struggled to maintain their value. Investors are increasingly favoring precious metals, which are perceived as safer assets, thereby intensifying bearish trends in the crypto market. The growing popularity of stablecoins has also impacted demand for volatile cryptocurrencies like XRP. Stablecoins, which are designed to maintain a price close to $1, have gained traction as a medium of exchange. Their adoption has shifted perceptions of cryptocurrencies from speculative assets to practical tools for transactions. As more users opt for stablecoins due to their reliability and consistency, the demand for volatile tokens like XRP has decreased.#silver #gold #federal_reserve #kevin_warsh #xrp
