US News
LAST UPDATE: September 23, 2025
Fed’s Miran Says Policy Too Tight, Risking Higher Unemployment
Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran stated that the central bank’s current interest rate policy is “too tight,” which he believes risks causing higher unemployment. He argued for more aggressive rate cuts, proposing a 0.5% cut. Miran’s stance puts him at odds with other Fed officials who are more cautious about easing policy.
Insight
This news highlights the internal divisions within the Federal Reserve regarding the appropriate pace of interest rate cuts. Miran’s comments show that some officials are more concerned about the health of the labor market than about inflation. This disagreement signals that future Fed policy decisions will likely be contentious and could be a source of market volatility.
Fed officials throw doubt on need for further cuts
Several Federal Reserve officials have expressed doubt about the need for further interest rate cuts this year. St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic both indicated that while the recent rate cut was appropriate, there is limited room for further easing due to inflation remaining above the central bank’s target. Their comments reflect a cautious stance and a focus on keeping inflation under control.
Insight
This news underscores the ongoing debate within the Fed about balancing the risks of inflation and economic slowdown. The comments from Musalem and Bostic suggest that a pause in rate cuts is likely, which is in contrast to the more dovish view of some other officials. This creates uncertainty for investors who have been anticipating a more aggressive easing cycle.
US Lawmakers Call for Fair Market Access in Rare China Visit
A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers visited China, the first such visit since 2019, to advocate for fair market access for American businesses. The trip comes ahead of a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. They also emphasized the need for more regular military communication to avoid conflict.
Insight
The trip signals an attempt by the US to stabilize its relationship with China amid ongoing tensions over trade, technology, and military power. The focus on fair market access highlights the economic motivations behind US engagement with China. This is a crucial step in preparing for higher-level diplomatic talks.
US Treasury’s Bessent says interviewing 11 Fed chair candidates
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is interviewing 11 candidates to replace current Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The candidates reportedly include current and former Fed officials, economists, and Wall Street experts. This process is being expedited as President Trump is seeking an interest rate reduction.
Insight
This news highlights the Trump administration’s active role in shaping the future of the Federal Reserve and its monetary policy. The large pool of candidates and the accelerated timeline suggest a desire for a chair who aligns with the administration’s economic views. This is a significant development for the global financial markets.
US could hit entire International Criminal Court with sanctions soon
The US is considering imposing broad sanctions on the entire International Criminal Court (ICC) in retaliation for its investigations into suspected Israeli war crimes. Sanctioning the court itself, rather than individual officials, would be a major escalation. Such sanctions would jeopardize the ICC’s day-to-day operations and its ability to pay staff and access bank accounts.
Insight
This potential action underscores the US’s strong opposition to the ICC’s jurisdiction over American and Israeli personnel. It represents a significant escalation in the conflict between the US and the international legal body. The move is a clear message that the US is willing to use its economic power to protect its allies and personnel from international legal scrutiny.
Fed’s Hammack still focused on inflation, calls for caution in easing policy
Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack stated that the Federal Reserve should be “very cautious” in easing its monetary policy, as inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target. She believes the current policy is only mildly restrictive and that removing it too quickly could cause the economy to overheat. Hammack’s comments highlight the ongoing division within the Fed on the path of interest rates.
Insight
This report reveals the internal debate at the Federal Reserve between officials who prioritize fighting inflation and those who are more concerned about unemployment. Hammack’s hawkish stance suggests that the central bank’s path forward is not a foregone conclusion, despite a recent rate cut. Her views indicate that future decisions will be made with great caution.
