Trump Pressures Fed, Credit Card Stocks Slide Amid Legal Threats
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
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Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Market Volatility: The S&P 500 Index rose by 0.28%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 climbed by 0.55%, despite heightened concerns over Fed independence due to the Trump administration's attacks, leading to a 'Sell America' sentiment in US asset markets.
- Credit Card Companies Hit: President Trump stated that credit card lenders would be 'in violation of the law' if they do not cap interest rates at 10% for one year, causing significant declines in credit card and bank stocks, with Synchrony Financial down over 7% and Capital One Financial down over 6%.
- Gold Prices Surge: Gold and silver prices soared to new all-time highs, driving mining stocks higher, with Hecla Mining up over 8% and Coeur Mining up over 6%, reflecting strong investor demand for safe-haven assets amid market uncertainty.
- Fed Faces Legal Threats: Fed Chair Powell indicated that the threat of criminal charges stems from the Fed's refusal to comply with Trump's calls for lower interest rates, which could impact future policy decisions and create greater uncertainty in market expectations regarding interest rate movements.
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About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
