America

Via The Daily Bell

 

Republican attack on Fed casts doubt over global bank rules Trump-era co-operation uncertain as congressman criticises deals with ‘foreign lands’ … The future of cross-border co-operation on bank regulation in the Trump era has been thrown into doubt, with domestic pressure mounting on the US Federal Reserve and a senior member of the House of Representatives calling on the central bank not to negotiate new rules at “secretive” international bodies. -Financial Times

More than a dozen lawsuits and counting have been filed against President Donald Trump’s executive order that temporarily blocks visas from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen.  As of last Friday, one such lawsuit heard by Federal District Judge James Robart, a Bush appointee, in Seattle effectively blocked the enforcement of the executive order nationwide (see here for details: "Judge Blocks Trump Travel Ban Nationwide; White House Vows To Challenge 'Outrageous Order'"). 

What a tumultuous year 2016 has been. Just around this time last year, we were looking back at 2015 and analyzing how 2016 would unfold. The August 24-25, 2015 “Flash Crash” was the talk of the day, where the S&P 500 faltered with an over 10% decline from its all-time highs. It was the first time in over 4 years that the noble index fell from grace so badly; and January and February 2016 brought more pain for the index.

With the number of Californians demanding secession soaring post-election, President Trump maybe just about to give them another reason for Caliexit.  While all eyes and ears were focused on his Russian comments, President Trump had some choice words for Californians during his recent interview with Fox's Bill O'Reilly.

• The Patriots’ Insane Comeback: One for the History Books (WSJ)
• Euro fades in face of French election risks (Reuters)
• Legal battles to test Trump and his travel ban (Reuters)
• Standoff Looms Over Travel Ban; Trump Rips Judge (WSJ)
• Trump Set to Attend NATO Summit in May (WSJ)
• Trump Administration Aims to Sever Russia’s Iran Ties (WSJ)
• Draghi Takes the Case for QE to Brussels (BBG)
• Tiger Hedge Funds Become Wall Street Prey (WSJ)
• Iran's missile test 'not a message' to Trump (Reuters)