TRUMP ECONOMIC POLICY NEWS
Iran sets lifting of Hormuz blockade as condition for talks, says 'break blockade and we will negotiate'
Iran has set lifting the US naval blockade as a precondition for talks, citing "ceasefire violations." Despite President Trump's "unilateral" ceasefire extension, Tehran remains sceptical. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, threatening global energy markets as a second round of negotiations is anticipated in Islamabad.
'SOS': Trump claims Iran 'starving for cash', wants Strait of Hormuz open immediately as Tehran is losing $500 million a day
Trump stirred global attention after claiming on Truth Social that Iran’s economy is collapsing, alleging losses of $500 million per day and unpaid security forces. He suggested Tehran is urgently seeking to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route disrupted by the ongoing conflict. Earlier, Trump announced an indefinite extension of a ceasefire to allow further negotiations mediated by Pakistan, though Iran has not confirmed requesting it and Israel, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has not clearly supported the move.
Trump's Fed chair pick Kevin Warsh vows to safeguard independence at confirmation hearing
Kevin Warsh, Donald Trump's choice to lead the US Federal Reserve, vowed Tuesday to protect central bank independence at his confirmation hearing, despite intense pressure from the president..
Dollar at week high as markets raise doubts over Iran ceasefire
On the policy front, Federal Reserve nominee Kevin Warsh's comments at a Senate confirmation hearing were interpreted as slightly hawkish, while strong retail sales data provided an upbeat view on the strength of the American economy.
Trump's Fed nominee Kevin Warsh calls for 'regime change' at Fed, new inflation approach
The hearing quickly turned contentious, and the pace of Warsh's confirmation process through the Senate remained in doubt.
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Meet Gen Ahmad Vahidi, the man who now calls the shots in Iran
Iran's internal hardliners are now dictating policy. Maj. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, a key figure, leads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His influence suggests Iran prefers confrontation over peace talks. This shift sidelines moderate voices. Vahidi's background in external operations fuels this aggressive stance. Iran appears ready to endure costs for its ideological position.

US Stock Market: Warsh faces Senate test as Fed independence and rate policy take centre stage
Kevin Warsh faces a crucial Senate hearing as lawmakers assess his views on monetary policy, inflation and central bank independence. Nominated to succeed Jerome Powell, Warsh must address concerns over his record and evolving stance on interest rates, with the outcome set to influence the Federal Reserve’s future direction and credibility.

White House defends Donald Trump's Iran strategy, claims deal "very close"
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said a historic diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran is imminent, crediting President Trump's unique approach. Trump asserted the new deal will be far better than the 2015 JCPOA, which he called a 'guaranteed road to a nuclear weapon' and criticized for its financial terms.

In 60 days, Trump loses three women from the Cabinet: Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and now Lori Chavez-DeRemer resign
In just 60 days, three women leaders left Trump’s Cabinet, including Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The exits came due to resignations, job changes, and controversies inside departments. The shake-up has raised questions about leadership stability, internal issues, and political pressure inside the administration during Trump’s current term.

Fed nominee Warsh prepares for monetary policy road test before Senate panel
After more than a decade criticizing the U.S. central bank, former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh faces a mark-to-market moment in a Senate hearing on Tuesday when lawmakers will likely press the Fed chief nominee to flesh out his monetary policy and economic ideas and calls for fundamental change.

US Federal Reserve nominee Kevin Warsh faces Senate test on monetary policy
Kevin Warsh faces a crucial Senate hearing for the Federal Reserve chief nomination. Lawmakers will question his economic ideas and monetary policy. Warsh, a former Fed governor, has been a vocal critic of the central bank. His nomination comes amid intense scrutiny of the Fed's independence and calls for significant changes to its operations.

Global Markets: Uncertain global outlook keeps investors balancing risk and opportunity
Markets start the week on a positive note as Donald Trump signals possible easing of the Iran conflict, supporting global equities. However, optimism is tempered by concerns over sticky inflation, mixed economic data, and policy uncertainty. Investors are closely watching the April 21 hearing of Kevin Warsh, with shifting expectations now pointing to fewer or no rate cuts this year.

IMF, World Bank meetings show limits in mitigating shocks, reliance on US for solutions
Global finance leaders met amid Middle East war news. They acknowledged their limited ability to counter economic damage from frequent geopolitical shocks. Reliance on U.S. leadership for crisis resolution is no longer assured. The IMF and World Bank pledged aid to developing nations. Officials expressed frustration with ongoing economic calamities.

As Iran war strains ties with Trump's US, UK looks to Europe
Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. "When the relationship with the United States is fracturing, it means there's reduced opposition to a closer relationship with the EU among the public," said Aspinall. pdh/jkb/rmb/jhb

Pakistan's Asim Munir may be a 'red flag' & 'liability' for Trump & co, US intel warns: Report
US intelligence flags Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir as a "red flag" for the Trump administration due to his alleged deep ties with Iran's military leadership while mediating US-Iran talks. Concerns persist over Pakistan's reliability as an intermediary, despite Trump's public praise and reliance on Munir for regional de-escalation efforts.

Iran war has revealed Trump's pressure point: the economy
Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz have revealed a key vulnerability for President Trump. The conflict has led to rising energy costs and inflation, impacting American consumers. This economic pressure is forcing Trump to seek a diplomatic solution. Adversaries like Russia and China are observing these developments.

5 world market themes for the week ahead
Markets are optimistic as U.S. President Trump signals an end to the Iran war. Talks may resume soon. However, upcoming economic data could show slowing business and rising prices. Investors also await the Federal Reserve nominee's Congressional hearing. Tesla earnings are also a key focus for U.S. corporations this week.

Trump's top aide says US blockade 'squeezing economic life' out of Iran, reiterates anti-nuclear stance
White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller said that the United States' naval blockade against Iran in the Persian Gulf is "squeezing the economic life" out of the Islamic Republic, while reiterating Washington's firm opposition to Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons as part of the deal to achieve a complete end to the hostilities in West Asia.

From dropping bombs to pressuring banks: US pivots to economic warfare on Iran
The Trump administration is shifting its Iran strategy towards economic pressure, threatening secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated these moves are the "financial equivalent" of a bombing campaign, aiming to choke Iran into submission. This escalation targets entities like Chinese banks and warns allies like the UAE, as the U.S.

Could you be affected? Millions could lose bank access — here’s what you need to know
Over 5% of U.S. households already lack full banking access, and the Trump executive order debanking millions Americans impact could sharply increase that number. The proposal pushes banks to verify citizenship for every account holder. This move directly affects millions with missing or outdated documents. Experts warn sudden account checks may trigger closures. The policy ties to stricter immigration enforcement in 2025. However, critics say it may disrupt legal citizens more than illegal activity. This developing rule is now a major financial risk story.

Donald Trump threatens to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell after May 15, $3–4 billion building probe and Senate delay deepen crisis
US President Donald Trump has warned he may remove Jerome Powell after May 15. The issue is linked to interest rates, a costly building project, and an ongoing investigation. Delay in confirming a new chair is making things unclear. The situation is creating tension around the Federal Reserve leadership and future decisions.

UK PM Starmer hits back after Trump's trade deal threat over Iran conflict
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stands firm against US President Donald Trump's threats regarding a trade deal. Starmer reiterates the UK's stance on not joining US strikes on Iran. Meanwhile, King Charles III's upcoming State Visit to the US is set to proceed, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and commemorate historical milestones.

Why is Donald Trump claiming Iran war 'very close to over' just before opening of US stock markets? Full explainer on Iran war, oil prices, Strait of Hormuz blockade, and US stock market outlook
Why is Donald Trump claiming Iran war 'very close to over' just before opening of US stock markets? The Iran war, Strait of Hormuz blockade, oil prices, China role, troop deployment, and US stock market expectations are shaping global markets. The statement comes before US trading hours and signals possible diplomacy. Investors are watching negotiations, shipping routes, and supply disruptions closely as peace talks may restart soon.

White House favours former deputy surgeon general to lead CDC, Washington Post says
The White House is considering Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC amid ongoing leadership changes, with additional senior appointments also under review.

Kevin Warsh net worth, Fed Chair race & confirmation delay: Why he’s making headlines
Kevin Warsh is in news as a top choice for Federal Reserve Chair. He is very rich and has worked in banking and government before. His selection is facing delay due to political issues and an ongoing investigation. The situation also involves criticism of current Fed Chair and interest rate decisions, making it an important financial and political story.

It’s not just war and inflation dragging Trump and Republicans down
As Donald Trump’s current administration unfolds, he is aggressively advocating for a series of contentious policies that appear to be at odds with public sentiment. This stark contrast to the more favorable reception of his earlier economic strategies raises alarm bells for Republican supporters, presenting formidable challenges as they brace for the election season ahead.
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