Fed Minutes Flag Hike Risk as U.S. Debt Tops $40 Trillion

The July Fed minutes show officials open to hiking rates if inflation stays hot, even as Trump renews his push for cuts and the national debt crosses $40 trillion. Plus, why Walmart shares fell despite raised guidance. In this episode: • Fed minutes show officials ready to hike rates if inflation remains elevated — [cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/19/fed-minutes-july-2026-officials-saw-need-for-rate-hike-if-inflation-doesnt-cool.html) • Trump renews pressure on Fed for rate cuts, calls current costs 'ridiculous' — [cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/19/trump-bemoans-fed-interest-rate-policy-says-us-should-be-paying-much-less.html) • U.S. debt hits $40 trillion as Treasury struggles to contain surging bond yields — [cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/19/us-government-debt-passes-40-trillion-mark-for-the-first-time.html) • Walmart stock drops on sales miss despite raising full-year outlook — [cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/20/walmart-wmt-q2-2027-earnings.html)