Market Investors Re-Switch On "Sell America" Trend Amid DOJ's Probe into Fed's Independence
The recent revelation that the US Department of Justice has subpoenaed the Federal Reserve in a criminal investigation sent shockwaves through global markets, reigniting fears about the country's status as an attractive destination for investment. The probe, which is believed to be linked to President Donald Trump's attempts to pressure the central bank into lowering interest rates, has triggered a sharp sell-off in US stocks and bonds.
As a result, investors around the world have begun to adopt a "Sell America" market strategy, reminiscent of the trend that emerged last April after Trump announced his surprise tariff plans. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices opened slightly lower on Monday before closing higher, but not before the yields on US government bonds soared to their highest levels since September 2025.
The jump in Treasury yields has had a ripple effect throughout the market, causing the value of the US dollar to weaken against major currencies. This decline in the dollar is expected to make it more expensive for US companies to import goods from abroad and for consumers to travel or study overseas.
The rise in interest rates and the drop in the dollar also run counter to Trump's recent efforts to promote financial affordability, raising concerns about the potential impact on his economic policies. Former Fed chairs Ben Bernanke, Janet Yellen, and Alan Greenspan, as well as several former Treasury secretaries, have expressed their support for the Federal Reserve's independence from the executive branch.
Trump's own policies, including a surprise announcement to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, have also sparked market volatility. The shares of firms such as Blackstone and Invitation Homes plummeted after Trump made the statement, while major defense companies saw their stocks fall in response to his plans to limit dividend payments and share buybacks.
The situation has been further complicated by a series of conflicting statements from the White House, with Trump's administration demanding that oil companies invest in Venezuela despite opposition from ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods. The US dollar rose on Monday as a result, but the overall trend remains uncertain.
As market participants wait for clarity on these issues, they are being forced to re-evaluate their views on the US economy and its attractiveness to investors. With the Federal Reserve's independence hanging in the balance, concerns about inflation control and monetary policy remain high on the agenda.
The recent revelation that the US Department of Justice has subpoenaed the Federal Reserve in a criminal investigation sent shockwaves through global markets, reigniting fears about the country's status as an attractive destination for investment. The probe, which is believed to be linked to President Donald Trump's attempts to pressure the central bank into lowering interest rates, has triggered a sharp sell-off in US stocks and bonds.
As a result, investors around the world have begun to adopt a "Sell America" market strategy, reminiscent of the trend that emerged last April after Trump announced his surprise tariff plans. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices opened slightly lower on Monday before closing higher, but not before the yields on US government bonds soared to their highest levels since September 2025.
The jump in Treasury yields has had a ripple effect throughout the market, causing the value of the US dollar to weaken against major currencies. This decline in the dollar is expected to make it more expensive for US companies to import goods from abroad and for consumers to travel or study overseas.
The rise in interest rates and the drop in the dollar also run counter to Trump's recent efforts to promote financial affordability, raising concerns about the potential impact on his economic policies. Former Fed chairs Ben Bernanke, Janet Yellen, and Alan Greenspan, as well as several former Treasury secretaries, have expressed their support for the Federal Reserve's independence from the executive branch.
Trump's own policies, including a surprise announcement to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, have also sparked market volatility. The shares of firms such as Blackstone and Invitation Homes plummeted after Trump made the statement, while major defense companies saw their stocks fall in response to his plans to limit dividend payments and share buybacks.
The situation has been further complicated by a series of conflicting statements from the White House, with Trump's administration demanding that oil companies invest in Venezuela despite opposition from ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods. The US dollar rose on Monday as a result, but the overall trend remains uncertain.
As market participants wait for clarity on these issues, they are being forced to re-evaluate their views on the US economy and its attractiveness to investors. With the Federal Reserve's independence hanging in the balance, concerns about inflation control and monetary policy remain high on the agenda.