USFederal Reserve interest-rate decisions influence borrowing costs, the dollar and global investment flows. Changes in US monetary policy are closely watched by governments, central banks and financial markets worldwide.
The US Congress created the Federal Reserve as an independent central bank, although its chairman and governors are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The Fed is accountable to Congress, and its chair presents a monetary policy report to lawmakers twice a year.
15/7/2026
Barrett appeared alongside Justice Elena Kagan at a hearing on the Supreme Court's fiscal year 2027 budget request. The court is seeking an additional $14 million, or a 7 per cent rise, for salaries and operational expenses. Much of its recent budget growth has been driven by security costs.
15/7/2026
Trump said Iran had been close to obtaining a nuclear weapon before he ordered Operation Epic Fury on February 28. He cited US strikes by B-2 bombers against three nuclear sites. “They were going to have a nuclear weapon within two weeks,” Trump said. “Had we not done the B2 bombers, had we not bombed their nuclear sites, their three nuclear sites.”
15/7/2026
“Well, not me, but let’s say my representatives,” Trump said when asked when he had last spoken with an Iranian official. “I have spoken to them, but my representatives over the course of, well, actually, an hour ago.”
15/7/2026