US News
LAST UPDATE: July 22, 2025
US not rushing trade deals ahead of August deadline, will talk with China, Bessent says
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. isn’t hastily concluding trade deals before the August 1 tariff timeline, noting ongoing talks with China and others will continue beyond that date.
Insight
His statement signals a more measured trade approach, indicating willingness to prolong negotiations rather than accept rushed deals—potentially increasing leverage.
US Treasury’s Bessent says Federal Reserve needs to be examined as an institution
Bessent called for a review of the Federal Reserve’s entire institution, questioning its pandemic-era expansion, policy scope, and expensive headquarters renovation amid low inflation and tariff discourse.
Insight
The proposal intensifies scrutiny of the Fed’s mandate and autonomy. It signals political pressure to redefine roles and contain costs, possibly affecting future monetary governance.
Scott Bessent calls for probe into ‘the entire Federal Reserve institution’
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged an exhaustive investigation of the Fed, citing concerns over its autonomy, mission drift, costly building renovation, and response to tariffs.
Insight
This reflects Washington’s increasing skepticism toward Fed independence, seeking accountability. Such scrutiny could reshape central bank governance at a critical juncture for monetary policy.
US Leveraged-Loan Market Erupts With $45 Billion of New Deals
The U.S. leveraged-loan market has seen a surge, with $45 billion in new deals closed so far this quarter, driven by M&A activity and favorable rate spreads.
Insight
The boom signals heightened risk appetite and opportunistic capital flow into speculative credit, raising concerns about rising leverage and potential vulnerabilities in the credit cycle.
Trump’s Critical Minerals Obsession Reignites Deep‑Sea Mining
Trump issued an executive order accelerating efforts to mine critical minerals (nickel, cobalt, manganese) from deep‑sea polymetallic nodules, bypassing UN oversight, though environmental and legal challenges remain.
Insight
The move underscores a strategic race for battery minerals to reduce reliance on China—but faces serious ecological and regulatory hurdles that could slow implementation.
Trump’s Tax Law Will Add $3.4 Trillion to US Deficits, CBO Says
The Congressional Budget Office forecasts that Trump’s new tax and spending law will increase U.S. deficits by $3.4 trillion over the next decade and may reduce health coverage for millions.
Insight
This highlights long-term fiscal strain from the legislation, posing difficult policy decisions about future spending, debt, and potential tax hikes.
