Čak su se i plavi radnici okrenuli protiv Trumpovih nepopularnih tarifa

Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh indicated that the central bank remains focused on curbing rising prices, although he offered no clear indication of when the next rate hike might occur. Speaking at the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok, Warsh noted that the U.S. economy has broadly followed the trajectory anticipated during the Fed's last meeting in September, when it raised rates for the first time since 2023. However, inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, surged to 3.7% in September, marking a significant increase. Businesses are also grappling with heightened inflation, prompting investors to closely watch Warsh's remarks for signals regarding potential rate adjustments in October or December. While Warsh emphasized the Fed's commitment to achieving price stability, he refrained from providing specific timelines for future rate changes. "We’re not in that business anymore," he stated, indicating a reluctance to speculate on the timing of any upcoming rate decisions. Warsh highlighted the substantial investment surge driven by the AI boom, describing it as a pivotal development in the global economy. He suggested that this technological advancement could significantly alter monetary policy practices. The expansion of data centers necessitates considerable capital expenditure, leading to increased borrowing and spending by large corporations such as Apple and Nintendo, resulting in higher consumer prices. According to Apple, component price increases have been unprecedented in both magnitude and speed. The AI boom has also prompted a notable shift in corporate financing strategies, with data center companies, utility firms, chipmakers, and cloud providers planning to raise between $300 billion and $570 billion from the debt market this year. These firms are offering competitive interest rates, sometimes surpassing those available on U.S. Treasury bonds. Warsh acknowledged the transformative potential of AI, forecasting enhanced productivity and wealth generation for nations effectively utilizing the technology. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the transition toward these benefits may involve challenges. As the Fed prepares for its next interest rate meeting, scheduled for October 27 and 28, Warsh's comments will be scrutinized closely. The current economic climate poses additional challenges for American consumers, who are already experiencing financial strain due to rising interest rates, increasing energy prices, and stagnant wage growth. An imminent rate hike could exacerbate these difficulties, particularly given existing dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's economic management. Polls indicate that voters are increasingly discontent with Trump's approach to the economy, suggesting that another rate hike could pose challenges for Republicans facing potential losses in the midterm elections. Trump has attempted various measures to reduce fuel prices, but these efforts have not significantly mitigated inflationary pressures thus far. Meanwhile, support for Trump's tariff policies has waned among blue-collar workers, with opposition growing substantially over the past year. Polling data reveal that 58% of blue-collar workers now oppose the tariffs, compared to 36% who support them. The decline in support reflects concerns over the impact of tariffs on the cost of living, with 68% of respondents indicating that the tariffs have increased living expenses. The annualized inflation rate reached 3.7% in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the producer price index showed a 6.3% increase over the past year. Although the conflict with Iran has influenced inflation, the tariffs have also played a significant role. A study by the New York Federal Reserve suggests that consumer prices would have decreased slightly without the economic effects of the tariffs. The unpopularity of the tariffs extends beyond partisan lines, with only 3% of GOP-voting workers selecting tariffs as their top priority. Other aspects of Trump's economic agenda, such as the acquisition of shares in numerous private businesses, have also faced criticism. Large majorities of workers across both major parties expressed opposition to the federal government acquiring equity stakes in American companies. These developments underscore the complex economic landscape ahead of the midterm elections, with implications for both political parties. The ongoing debate surrounding tariffs and their economic impact highlights the need for careful consideration of policy choices that affect the broader populace.