President Donald Trump, speaking Thursday to the World Economic Forum, called for future interest rate cuts to follow declining oil prices, in remarks that align with the Federal Reserve’s projections for further easing. The speech marks Trump’s first significant commentary on monetary policy since taking office three days ago.
“With oil prices going down, I’ll demand that interest rates drop immediately, and likewise they should be dropping all over the world,” Trump, speaking via video from the U.S., told the audience of global leaders and business elites gathered in the Swiss alpine town. His comments suggest a conditional approach, linking monetary policy to energy markets.
A Rare Accord With the Fed
Trump’s remarks are notable for their congruence with the Federal Reserve’s current outlook. The central bank, under Chair Jerome Powell, has signaled plans to cut…