MONEY MASTER

US President Donald Trump hinted on Friday that the  Federal Reserve could be preparing to lower interest rates  after what he described as a “very good meeting” with Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The comments followed Trump’s  rare visit to the Fed’s headquarters  on Thursday to tour its ongoing building renovations, which the White House has criticized for being too costly. During the visit, Trump again pressed Powell to  slash rates immediately , sparking renewed debate about political pressure on the central bank. Key Points: Trump on the meeting:  “I think we had a very good meeting on interest rates.” Current Fed rate range:  4.25%–4.50% Policy outlook:  The Fed is expected to keep rates unchanged at next week’s meeting, with Powell emphasizing the need to wait for more economic data. Context: This was one of the  few times a sitting president has visited the Fed , underscoring the significance of the encounter. Trump and Powell also sparred...

In a highly unusual move,  President Donald Trump visited the Federal Reserve's historic headquarters  on Thursday—only the fourth such visit by a sitting president since 1937. While the official reason was to inspect the  $2.5 billion renovation  of the Eccles Building,  Trump made it clear his real agenda was pushing Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates. Trump’s Message to Powell: Cut Rates—Now Trump told reporters he would “love [Powell] to lower interest rates,” arguing the current rate of  4.375% should be “three points, maybe more” lower. He claimed  inflation is easing  and the  economy remains strong , suggesting Powell is “too late” in responding. Behind the Scenes of the Fed Visit Trump toured the building alongside Powell and lawmakers including  Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Thom Tillis . The renovation has drawn criticism for its cost and features like rooftop garden terraces and blast-proof windows. Reporters noted quirk...

With trade uncertainty looming and growth indicators turning cautious,  expectations are rising  that  Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)  may  cut interest rates  as early as  next week’s July 9 policy meeting  — the same day US President Trump’s tariff deadline hits. What’s Driving the Rate Cut Expectations? Domestic Demand at Risk : HSBC sees early signs of softening household consumption, particularly with  subsidy rationalisation  and  SST (sales & service tax) expansion  dampening sentiment. Exports Contracting : Malaysia’s  May exports shrank by 1.1% , a sign of weakening global demand and lingering tariff risk. No clear breakthrough in US-Malaysia trade talks has been announced yet. Slowing Credit Momentum : CIMB flags  broad-based weakness in private-sector borrowing , hinting that businesses and households are growing cautious. Revised Growth Outlook : The government is  preparing to downgrade  its cur...