ETO Markets：特朗普影子联储再扩围，贝森特密会三位前高官

Core Viewpoint - The Trump campaign is accelerating its strategy regarding the Federal Reserve as the election approaches, focusing on potential candidates for the Fed chair position if Trump returns to the White House [2][9]. Group 1: Meeting Details - Scott Bessent, a former Treasury official and current economic advisor to Trump, hosted a private dinner with three former Fed officials to discuss potential successors for the Fed chair [2][3]. - The meeting shifted the discussion of potential Fed candidates from media speculation to a semi-public operation, with Bessent bringing a list of candidates including current Fed Governor Lael Brainard and former economic advisor Larry Kudlow [3]. Group 2: Candidate Perspectives - Lawrence Lindsey emphasized the need for the future Fed chair to establish accountability with Congress regarding inflation targets, suggesting a quantifiable approach to the 2% inflation goal [3][5]. - Kevin Warsh advocated for a strategic silence from the Fed, proposing a shift from forward guidance to data-triggered thresholds, while expressing cautious openness to returning to public office under specific conditions [4][8]. - James Bullard, known for his hawkish stance, proposed raising the long-term inflation target range to 2.5%-3% and suggested establishing a shadow FOMC to help the market digest policy differences [5][8]. Group 3: Candidate Recommendations - Lindsey supports Warsh for the Fed chair position due to his market trust and connections in Congress, while Warsh recommends Bullard for his academic authority and experience [6][7]. - Bullard suggests Lindsey as a candidate, arguing that an old-school hawk could quickly restore the Fed's credibility [7]. Group 4: Implications for the Market - The meeting's outcomes have led to immediate reactions in the market, with hedge fund managers adjusting their forecasts for interest rate cuts in late 2025 and the dollar index rising by 0.4% [9]. - Analysts warn that the meticulous preparation of Fed personnel by the Trump campaign could undermine the central bank's independence, making it a daily risk factor for traders [9]. Group 5: Next Steps - Bessent requested the three former officials to submit a joint memo by October 1, outlining an expanded candidate list, policy framework options, and key points for congressional hearings [8].