The central bank remains cautious, even as calls for rate cuts grow louder from the White House and other policymakers.

Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell has reiterated that rate decisions will be data-driven — by inflation, and employment.

The right to freedom of speech allows Trump to make demands of the Fed to his heart's content. But legally, he cannot compel the central bank to lower its benchmark interest rate. The Fed has the right to act independently, and its aim is to promote a healthy and stable economy by keeping inflation in check.

WASHINGTON, July 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on the Federal Reserve to lower the federal benchmark interest rate by at least 3 percentage points, renewing his call for the U.S. central bank to lower rates to help reduce the cost to service the nation's debt.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says cutting interest rates could push inflation even higher. President Trump called for Powell to resign in response.

As he sought to recapture the White House in 2024, Donald Trump promised to "put a temporary cap on credit card interest rates at 10%." During his presidency, bipartisan lawmakers have introduced bills to cap credit card interest rates, but they've failed to advance.

Global stocks advanced on Thursday, underpinned by optimism around artificial intelligence and the prospect of upcoming interest rate cuts, while investors kept a cautious eye on U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff actions and their impact on global trade.

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his tariff rhetoric this week, but financial markets aren't convinced, likely expecting the President to back down and eventually reach a compromise with trading partners.