NAS100 - Stock Market Awaits Tariffs!US 100CAPITALCOM:US100Ali_PSNDThe index is trading above the EMA200 and EMA50 on the 1-hour timeframe and is trading in its ascending channel. The target for this move will be the channel ceiling, but if it corrects towards the indicated support area, it is possible to buy Nasdaq with better reward to risk. In a week once again clouded by trade tariff threats, the stock market reacted cautiously at times. However, what truly captured investors’ attention was growing concern over potential political interference in Federal Reserve policymaking—a development that influenced market sentiment and shifted the focus away from geopolitical tensions. Despite political headwinds, U.S. economic data continued to show signs of resilience. Investors this week were more focused on corporate earnings and inflation data than on trade war rhetoric or speculation about Jerome Powell’s possible dismissal. While betting markets such as Polymarket raised the odds of Powell being removed to 40%, legally, the president cannot dismiss the Fed Chair without a valid cause—and allegations like “lying to Congress” lack legal standing. Still, the greater danger lies not in Powell’s dismissal itself but in the potential erosion of the Federal Reserve’s independence—something that could unsettle investors in stocks, bonds, and currencies alike. Analysts expect Trump may soon appoint an ally as an informal or “shadow” Fed Chair, a move that would elevate political risk in financial markets. Nevertheless, markets are continuing to operate along familiar lines: equities focus on corporate profits, the bond market on inflation and growth, and the currency market on relative returns. For now, the takeaway is clear: Trump is winning—but perhaps only temporarily. Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer at BlackRock, noted that despite trade tensions and inflation concerns, tariffs have had limited impact so far. Following the June CPI report, he pointed out that inflation ticked up slightly—core CPI rose by 0.23% monthly and 2.93% annually, while headline inflation was up 0.29% monthly and 2.67% annually—but the broader trend still reflects easing price pressures. Rieder attributed this to companies acting preemptively, managing inventory and adjusting supply chains to avoid passing on costs to consumers. He also cited easing wage pressures and a weakening labor market as factors contributing to the decline in inflation. As such, Rieder believes the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates in September, though a cut in July is less likely, as the central bank would prefer to assess the impact of tariffs first. According to the Wall Street Journal, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant privately urged Trump not to remove Jerome Powell. Besant warned that such an action could cause unnecessary turbulence in financial markets and the broader economy, and would also face legal and political hurdles. He emphasized that the Fed is already signaling potential rate cuts later this year, and confronting Powell now would be unwarranted. A source noted that Besant reminded Trump the economy is performing well, and markets have responded positively to administration policies—another reason to avoid drastic moves. On another front, rising long-term bond yields have become a concern for Besant, as they increase the government’s borrowing costs.He has been working to keep yields in check and believes firing Powell could further escalate them—hence his conversation with Trump aimed at dissuasion. The coming week will begin with market attention on the European Central Bank’s rate decision, which could set the tone for Eurozone monetary policy in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, a series of key U.S. economic data will be released, providing a clearer view of conditions in employment, production, and housing. On Tuesday, Jerome Powell will deliver an opening speech at an official event in Washington. While he is unlikely to directly address Trump’s recent verbal attacks, investors will be listening closely for any subtle references to Fed independence or interest rate direction. On Wednesday, the June existing home sales report will be released, which could indicate whether housing demand remains steady or is weakening. Thursday will be a packed day on the economic calendar. The ECB’s rate decision will be announced—an event under heavy scrutiny amid Eurozone stagnation. In the U.S., preliminary PMI data from S&P, weekly jobless claims, and new home sales will also be published. Finally, the week will wrap up on Friday with the release of U.S. durable goods orders—an important gauge of capital investment in the manufacturing sector.