Fed Chair Jerome Powell says the unprecedented threat of a criminal indictment “should be seen in the broader context of the administration’s threats and ongoing pressure”. Meanwhile, December’s U.S. jobs report shows weak hiring but steady unemployment, and unrest in Iran is sending oil prices swinging.

Today’s recommended read: Big Oil offers reality check to Trump’s Venezuela dream by Ron Bousso

Subscribe to Mike Dolan's Morning Bid newsletter, and check out his columns on Reuters Open Interest

Produced by Eliza Davis Beard and Ethan Plotkin

Sound engineering and music by Sebastian and Josh Sommer

Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices.

You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices