Group 1: Market Trends - Volatility has returned to the market, with stocks and gold potentially moving in tandem rather than inversely [3] - Crude oil prices have reached their highest levels since summer, driven by increasing bets on strikes in Iran [8] - The tech sector is facing challenges, with Microsoft leading a decline in software stocks [8] Group 2: Corporate Developments - Wells Fargo has increased CEO Charlie Scharf's compensation by 28% to $40 million, raising comparisons with other major banks like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs [4] - Apple reported a slight increase in stock price following record iPhone sales [8] - Sandisk has surged by 20% after a remarkable 130% year-to-date rally [9] Group 3: Federal Reserve and Economic Policy - President Trump is expected to announce his pick for the next Federal Reserve chair, with Kevin Warsh being a leading candidate [5] - Current Fed chair Jerome Powell has faced criticism from Trump for not cutting interest rates, despite claims that inflation is no longer a threat [7] - The Federal Reserve Board is currently full, but an opening will arise with the expiration of Fed Governor Stephen Miran's term [7]
The Making Of A New Fed Chair
Seeking Alpha·2026-01-30 12:00