鲍威尔去留风波再起！特朗普放狠话，一个更分裂、更弱势的美联储将诞生？

Core Viewpoint - The widening yield spread between short-term and long-term U.S. Treasury bonds indicates growing investor concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve amid potential leadership changes and political pressures from President Trump [1][10]. Group 1: Federal Reserve Independence Concerns - Investors are preparing for a more divided Federal Reserve with a potentially weaker chairperson, as internal disagreements are expected to become more pronounced [2][7]. - The market has not yet reacted significantly to threats against the Fed's independence, but there is an anticipation of more aggressive changes in monetary policy [2][10]. - The potential for Trump to appoint new members to the Federal Reserve Board could shift the balance of power within the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), raising concerns about the Fed's ability to operate independently [8][9]. Group 2: Leadership Speculation - Trump has indicated he is still considering firing current Fed Chair Powell, citing "serious incompetence" in a recent Fed project, and has a preferred successor in mind, to be announced in January [4][5]. - Candidates for the next Fed chair include Kevin Hassett, Kevin Walsh, Christopher Waller, and Michelle Bowman, with Hassett being viewed as a frontrunner [5][6]. - Trump's inconsistent statements regarding his preferred candidates suggest uncertainty in the decision-making process, which could impact market perceptions of the Fed's future direction [6]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Implications - Concerns about the Fed's independence and potential leadership changes have led to an increase in the yield spread between short-term and long-term Treasuries, reflecting investor anxiety [10]. - The possibility of a more divided Fed could lead to increased volatility in the bond market, as differing opinions among FOMC members may create uncertainty in interest rate decisions [9]. - Despite political pressures, some investors expect the Fed may lower interest rates again in early 2024, which could support stock market performance [11].