Fed Chair Warsh stresses political independence, puts inflation fight first
New Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said the central bank will remain politically independent and made clear that bringing inflation down is his top priority. Inflation rose to a three-year high of 4.2% in May after the Iran war lifted oil and gasoline prices, but expectations have cooled marginally as fuel prices retreated following a peace agreement. Warsh declined to outline a policy path, even as markets still expect a possible rate hike in September. A steady labor market, with unemployment at 4.3%, has also reduced the case for rate cuts, while heavy AI-related investment is lifting some equipment prices in the near term even as Warsh argues it could curb inflation over time.