Opinion: How markets and the Fed's inner circle will derail Kevin Warsh's interest-rate agenda - MarketWatch## Outside the Box# Opinion: How markets and the Fed's inner circle will derail Kevin Warsh's interest-rate agenda## These external pressures could turn Warsh into a more conventional Fed chair than investors expectPublished: Feb. 9, 2026 at 11:34 a.m. ETShareResizePresident Donald Trump has nominated former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the central bank. Photo: Getty Image ...

Market Trend Analysis - CryptoQuant analysts predict Bitcoin's rally could extend to $112,000 [1] - The rally is contingent on the Fed adopting a more dovish stance [1] - Bitcoin needs to break through key resistance levels at $99,000 and $102,000 to reach the target [1]

Fed's Monetary Policy Stance - The market interprets the Fed's recent moves as dovish, suggesting potential future rate cuts, though possibly not in January or March [2] - The Fed's decision to buy T-bills is viewed as a dovish signal [2] - Some analysts believe the Fed is trying to prevent a potential crisis by injecting liquidity [4] - The market initially reacted to the news with a sell-off in miners, but then reversed course, anticipating a rise in gold prices due to potential QE [5] - The Fed is committed to a 2% inflation target [13] - The Fed was influenced by the Employment Cost Index (ECI), which showed wage growth at 35% [15] Market Reactions and Expectations - The bond market's reaction to the Fed's moves was less pronounced than expected, with two-year Treasury yields down by 0007% to 0008% [3] - Small caps finished at all-time highs [11] - The market closed up 0070% intraday [11] - The market anticipates a Santa Claus rally [13]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by a quarter of a point, but the commentary following the cut is likely to be hawkish, indicating a divided stance within the committee [1][2]. Group 1: Interest Rate Expectations - Traders are pricing in a nearly 90% chance of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve [1]. - There is dissent among FOMC committee members, suggesting that while a cut may occur, future cuts are not guaranteed, particularly in January [2][3]. - The market's expectation for rate cuts next year may not be sustainable, as the recent rally has been driven by liquidity and the anticipation of easier monetary policy [4]. Group 2: Economic Indicators and Risks - There is no compelling reason for the Fed to cut rates if inflation remains around 3% and economic growth continues at its current pace, which could lead to higher interest rates [5]. - High valuation speculative investments, including cryptocurrencies and meme stocks, are heavily influenced by liquidity and expectations of a dovish Fed, posing risks to the broader market [6].

Inflation Concerns - Global inflation concerns are being highlighted by various central banks, including the ECB, Japan, and the RBA, indicating a widespread issue [1] - There is a growing concern about inflation in the US, particularly as the market anticipates a hiking cycle following the current cutting cycle [3][4] Market Behavior - The market typically begins to price in a hiking cycle before the end of the cutting cycle, reflecting normal market behavior [2] - Higher yields are expected as inflationary pressures build, especially in the US, leading to potential upward pressure on yields [5][4] Federal Reserve Insights - The upcoming FOMC meeting is anticipated to provide insights into the Fed's stance, with expectations of dissent among members, indicating a range of views on economic conditions [6][7] - The presence of dissent at the Fed is seen as a positive signal for its independence, suggesting increased volatility in monetary policy decisions [10][11] Volatility and Market Reactions - The market's reaction to Fed meetings has shown that initial dovish sentiments can shift to a more hawkish outlook as the meeting progresses, impacting the dollar's value [8] - Increased dissent among Fed members may lead to greater market volatility as individual views on economic data come into play [11][10]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's recent decision to implement a hawkish cut was largely anticipated by the market, indicating a balanced approach to its dual mandate despite concerns about the labor market [1][5][14] Market Reactions - The stock market closed flat following the Fed's announcement, with the 10-year yield also remaining stable, suggesting a lack of volatility in response to the news [6][8] - Over the past three months, the S&P has increased by approximately 10%, while gold prices have risen by 11%, indicating a unique market dynamic where both asset classes are performing well simultaneously [7] Interest Rate Expectations - Market expectations had priced in a 25 basis point cut, with speculation for additional cuts in the future, particularly three consecutive cuts [2][8] - There is a belief that the Fed may become more dovish as it approaches May 2026, when current Chair Powell's term ends, potentially leading to louder dissent among members [9] Economic Indicators - Upcoming inflation readings, particularly the PCE data, are anticipated to influence market sentiment and could be a source of concern for investors [6] - The Fed's message was interpreted as an "insurance cut," rather than the beginning of a new cutting cycle, reflecting ongoing worries about inflation [14]

Interest Rate Expectations - September rate cut likelihood dropped by 370 basis points after FOMC Minutes release [1] - Markets now see 82% odds of a September rate cut ahead of Jackson Hole [2] FOMC Meeting Highlights - Bowman & Waller dissented, favoring a 25 bps rate cut, signaling concerns about labor weakness and inflation [1] - "Almost all" other Fed officials backed holding rates at 425-450 bps [1] - Sticky inflation and upside surprises in recent data kept the Fed cautious on easing [1] - Powell balanced risks, viewing tariffs as "one-off shocks" rather than lasting inflation [2] Market Interpretation - Markets still perceived dovish undertones despite the majority's hawkish stance [2] - The pivot is anticipated, with the timing remaining uncertain [2]