Jerome Powell Got Game! But Can He Handle Trump's Tariffs?!

Is This Thing On? MJ Weighs In

Alright alright settle down folks. MJ's in the house! I've faced tougher double teams than Powell's facing right now. This whole economy thing? It's a team sport and right now we've got some... interesting... coaching decisions being made. Seems like these Treasury yields are doing the tango – one step forward two steps back. Almost as indecisive as I was about retiring the first time...almost. Four basis points up on the 10 year? That's like scoring four points in a quarter... I can do better and so can the economy!

Powell's Got a Problem... Like Scottie Without Me

So Powell's talking about this 'dual mandate' thing. Basically trying to keep inflation down while also making sure the economy doesn't tank. It's like trying to win a championship with Dennis Rodman as your point guard. Possible? Maybe. Probable? Let's just say I wouldn't bet my mansion on it. Trump's tariffs are like adding another defender to the court making everything just a little bit harder. He's saying that he expects "a rise in inflation" and decreased growth this year. Sounds like a problem to me.

Deutsche Bank? More Like Deutsch... Duds!

These Deutsche Bank analysts think Powell's chilling not rushing into anything? Please. I was never chilling on the court and I doubt Powell is either. He's just playing it cool like I did when I let the other team *think* they had a chance. But make no mistake the man's strategizing. He's got to be. Unless he wants the economy to end up like the '95 Magic – all flash no substance. And then he says markets remained orderly even if they were 'struggling with a lot of uncertainty.' I bet the markets are struggling. So am I after a bad round of golf.

Housing and Jobless Claims? The Stats That Matter (Maybe)

Retail sales were strong? Good. But now we're waiting on housing data and jobless claims? It's like hitting the game winning shot and then waiting to see if the refs call a foul. Nerve wracking right? Every number every statistic is scrutinized like my every move on and off the court. No pressure right?

My Advice to Powell: Be Like Mike!

Powell if you're reading this here's a little nugget from the GOAT himself: Don't be afraid to take the shot. Don't be afraid to make tough decisions. And for God's sake don't let Trump’s tariffs get in your head. Pressure makes diamonds! You gotta rise to the occasion or you'll end up on a Wheaties box for all the wrong reasons. Some people want it to happen some wish it would happen others make it happen!

Game Over... For Now

So where does that leave us? The economy's a jump ball tariffs are the defense and Powell's trying to orchestrate the offense. It's a bumpy ride folks. But remember even with a few stumbles the game's not over 'til the buzzer sounds. And as always remember everybody is a winner. But to be the real winner you have to lose sometimes. Alright I'm out. Gotta go work on my golf swing. Peace!