Macro - Trump's intervention in the independence of the Federal Reserve is primarily through three avenues: 1) Nominating a Federal Reserve Chair who aligns with his views, expected to be nominated in November this year and take office in May next year; 2) Adjusting the personnel structure of the Federal Reserve Board to exclude "outsiders" like Cook, while appointing "loyalists" like Milan to strengthen his influence; 3) Intervening in the appointment of regional Federal Reserve presidents, whose terms will expire at the end of February next year [1] - With the new Federal Reserve Chair's appointment, 4 out of 7 members of the Federal Reserve Board will be "loyalists," giving Trump greater influence, which implies: 1) On a macroeconomic level, the expected rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026 may exceed the current market pricing of three cuts, with policy rates potentially falling below the neutral level of 3%, leading to a shift from a soft landing to moderate expansion in the U.S. economic cycle; 2) On the asset class level, excessive rate cuts under political pressure may weaken dollar interest rate expectations and widen dollar credit risks, corresponding to declines in 2-year Treasury yields and the dollar index, while the decline in 10-year Treasury yields may be hindered by widening term premiums [1]

Group 1 - The U.S. Senate approved Stephen Milan's nomination to the Federal Reserve Board with a narrow vote of 48 to 47, which exceeded market expectations. Milan will participate in the upcoming FOMC meeting immediately after his confirmation [1] - The market anticipated a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with a 95.9% probability according to CME FedWatch. The probability of a cumulative 50 basis point cut in October is 73.8% [2] - President Trump continues to pressure Fed Chair Jerome Powell for immediate and larger rate cuts, raising concerns about the politicization of monetary policy [2][5] Group 2 - Trump's influence on the Federal Reserve's independence is evident through his nomination of loyalists like Milan and potential changes to the board's composition, which could lead to a more accommodating monetary policy [3] - The recent downward revision of U.S. non-farm payroll data by 911,000 jobs is the largest on record, raising doubts about the actual strength of the U.S. labor market [4] - The Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision and economic projections are critical, as the market is focused not just on whether a rate cut will occur, but also on the Fed's credibility amid political pressures [5] Group 3 - Economic scenarios post-rate cut will vary; a soft landing could lead to intermittent rate cuts, affecting asset performance differently, with potential for a weaker dollar and lower bond yields [6] - The market's reaction to rate cuts will depend on the economic context, with stock markets potentially facing pressure if recession fears rise, while bond markets may see a steeper yield curve due to inflation expectations [6]