Damn It, Roach! Even the Fed's Gone Mad: Higher Rates and Supply Shocks, Oh My!

A Witcher's Guide to Economic Doom

Hmm winds howling. Seems like trouble's brewing not just in Velen but in the blasted American economy too. Jerome Powell the Federal Reserve's big cheese has been flapping his gums about higher interest rates and supply shocks. Says the good ol' days of near zero rates are gone like dandelion wine after a long night. *Sigh*. Another day another monster to slay only this one breathes fiscal fire instead of dragon's breath. Time to meditate... and maybe find a good alchemist for some economic remedies. Axii doesn't work on the economy sadly.

Inflation: The Fiend That Won't Die

Inflation that sneaky fiend. Powell admits that even though they *think* they have a handle on it with their 2% target things might get dicey. He mentioned something about “more frequent and persistent supply shocks.” Sounds like a royal decree from Emhyr var Emreis himself – nothing but trouble and endless paperwork. And they call *my* job difficult. At least I only have to deal with griffins not… whatever economic nightmare this is.

Zero Rates: Gone Like a Good Gwent Hand

Apparently after years of near zero rates which followed a financial crisis larger than a leshen's appetite things have changed. I remember when a pint of ale cost a few orens. Now? Highway robbery! Though to be fair highway robbery is a daily occurrence regardless. But I digress. Powell says those low rates are gone. Vanished. Like a virginity in Vizima. Unlikely to return soon. Guess I'll be sticking to water... or maybe not. *hums*

Trump's Tariffs: A Witcher's Contract Gone Wrong?

And of course no economic doom and gloom session would be complete without mentioning the former Emperor Donald Trump. Tariffs he's flapping his gums about tariffs again those delightful taxes that make everything cost more. Powell didn't mention him directly but he hinted that these tariffs will slow growth and boost inflation. Sounds like another contract gone wrong. You try to help one person and suddenly you're knee deep in strigas and political squabbles. *mutters* Witchers never get paid enough.

The Fed's Five Year Plan: Sounds Like a Crappy Side Quest

So the Fed's coming up with a five year plan. FIVE YEARS! I can't even plan where I'm going to get my next meal and they're planning the economy for half a decade? This is going to be a convoluted mess a web of intrigue thicker than Dijkstra's paranoia. I bet it involves endless meetings pointless reports and ultimately changes so minor they're invisible to the naked eye. Like Triss's freckles... if she had any. “The process this time will look at a number of factors,” says Powell. Translation: We have no idea what we're doing but we'll pretend to know.

Communication: The Fed Needs a Bard Not an Economist

“While academics and market participants generally have viewed the [Fed's] communications as effective there is always room for improvement,” says Powell. I'd say they need a good bard. Someone who can spin their economic mumbo jumbo into something understandable maybe even entertaining. Because right now it's about as clear as a bruxa's motives. Tell you what if they need someone to translate I know a bard or two that can make you believe in anything for the right price... or a round of drinks. Hmm.