诡异的现象：特朗普反复强调降息，美联储新主席候选人却集体讨论“缩表”

Core Viewpoint - The debate surrounding the future role of the Federal Reserve is intensifying as potential successors to Chairman Powell express concerns about the central bank's large balance sheet, which may contradict President Trump's desire for lower interest rates [1][2]. Group 1: Candidates' Perspectives - A consensus among candidates is forming around limiting the Federal Reserve's market interventions, with a general belief that the Fed's balance sheet, exceeding $6 trillion, is too large [2]. - Candidates like Kevin Warsh and Michelle Bowman advocate for a smaller balance sheet, contrasting sharply with Trump's push for lower borrowing costs [1][3]. Group 2: Trump's Contradictory Position - Trump's focus on lowering interest rates to alleviate federal debt and stimulate mortgage lending conflicts with candidates' emphasis on reducing the Fed's market influence [3]. - An example of this contradiction occurred in December 2018 when Trump urged the Fed to halt its $50 billion monthly balance sheet reduction, fearing it would drain liquidity from critical financing markets [3]. Group 3: Policy Logic Behind Balance Sheet Reduction - Candidates' calls for reducing the balance sheet stem from long-standing Republican concerns about quantitative easing (QE) [4]. - Kevin Warsh argues that reducing the balance sheet could create room for lowering short-term rates without triggering inflation, a view not universally accepted [4]. - Michelle Bowman believes a smaller balance sheet would provide more flexibility to respond to future economic shocks [4]. - Treasury Secretary Bessent, involved in the selection process, emphasizes the need to reduce the Fed's distorting market influence, although he advocates for cautious future asset purchases rather than immediate contraction [4]. Group 4: Market Outlook and Decision-Making - Regardless of the debate's outcome, the short-term market trajectory appears set, with the Fed planning to halt balance sheet reduction by December 1 to prevent liquidity issues [6]. - Stephen Miran, a current Fed governor, supports this decision and indicates that the Fed may still consider using QE when faced with significant risks to employment and price stability [6]. - The next Fed chair, appointed after Powell's term ends in May, may have to utilize all available policy tools in the event of an economic downturn, adding uncertainty to the market [6].