The Fed chair endgame: Here's what to know

Core Viewpoint - The selection process for the next Federal Reserve chair is nearing its conclusion, with President Trump expected to announce his choice by early January after final interviews [1]. Group 1: Candidate Selection Process - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant has narrowed the list of candidates from 11 to 5, with ongoing interviews taking place [1]. - President Trump has indicated he knows who he will pick, with Kevin Hasset being a prominent candidate despite pushback from Wall Street [1]. - The interview process faced interruptions but resumed, indicating potential volatility in candidate support [1]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Candidate Profiles - The prediction market shows Hasset as the clear leader, but there are concerns about his perceived closeness to the president [1]. - Waller is viewed as a strong candidate who aligns with the administration's desire for lower interest rates, potentially satisfying Wall Street's concerns about Hasset [2]. - There is a sentiment on Wall Street favoring known candidates, which may influence the final decision [2].