Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made 13 calls with U.S. lawmakers in the week following the disclosure of a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the Fed's handling of a .2 trillion loan program during the pandemic. The calls, which occurred in late May 2023, were aimed at addressing concerns over the Fed's transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The DOJ probe focuses on whether Fed officials improperly influenced loan allocations to benefit politically connected firms. This development raises questions about the Fed's independence and its ability to conduct monetary policy without political interference. Market participants are closely watching for any regulatory changes or reputational damage that could impact investor confidence in U.S. monetary policy. The U.S. dollar, which has been under pressure due to expectations of slower rate hikes, could face renewed volatility if the investigation leads to policy uncertainty. For global markets, the outcome of the DOJ probe could influence perceptions of U.S. financial institutions' integrity. Traders should monitor Powell's testimony to Congress and any updates on the investigation's findings. The Fed's upcoming policy decisions and communication style may also shift if the probe affects its operational framework.

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