Group 1 - President Trump plans to decide on the next Federal Reserve chair by January, with current Chair Jerome Powell's term expiring in May 2026 [1] - Trump has criticized Powell for not cutting interest rates quickly enough and for the Fed's renovation costs, calling him "a fool" [2][4] - The shortlist for the next Fed chair has narrowed to four candidates, as confirmed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent [2] Group 2 - Kevin Hassett, a leading contender for the Fed chair position, has previously served as the director of the National Economic Council and has been a senior advisor in the Trump administration [6] - Hassett praised the U.S. economy's growth of 4.3% in the third quarter, attributing it to Trump’s policies [7] - Kevin Warsh, another top contender, has been critical of the Fed's forecasting abilities and its handling of inflation [8][9] Group 3 - Rick Rieder, BlackRock's chief investment officer, oversees $3.2 trillion in customer assets and has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Fed chair [10] - Christopher Waller, who has supported rate cuts, is also considered a candidate and has indicated a divide within the Fed regarding rate decisions [14]

clarify something for me on on the Federal Reserve. How many people are you interviewing for the Fed chairman and what did you think of Chris Waller. The >> I think he's great. I mean, he's a been a man who's been there a long time. Somebody that I was very involved with and sense of his career and he's a fantastic man.I met him yesterday again. >> So, how many people are you looking at. >> Uh, we're talking to three or four.Uh, I think every one of them would be a good choice. Honestly, we'll be making we' ...

On Friday, the president told telling the Wall Street Journal he was leaning towards [music] choosing Hasset for former Federal Reserve uh and Governor Worsh also potentially to run the Fed. Steve Leeman joins us now on more with some commentary on the two Kevin. Who do what do you think.Poly Market says Hasset. Are you on the Hasset end or on the worst end. >> I I'm on either end. I'm on the end of trying to report what's going on.>> Well, I'm not saying what you're who you who you'd like. I'm saying but t ...

Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points next week, with investors looking ahead to the rate path in 2026 [1][13] - If the inflation picture improves, further rate cuts could lead to a bullish stock market, with projections for the S&P 500 to reach between 7,000 and 8,000 by the end of next year [14][15] Federal Reserve Leadership - Kevin Hassett is considered a strong candidate to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, with expectations that he would focus on economic growth rather than aggressive rate hikes [3][4][5] - Hassett's approach is anticipated to prioritize price stability and full employment, moving away from the current Fed's focus on controlling inflation through rate increases [5][12] Consumer Behavior - Recent data indicates that consumers are actively shopping, as evidenced by the popularity of retail apps like Walmart and Best Buy during the holiday season [17][18] - The consumer sentiment appears to be optimistic about the economy's growth potential in 2026, with expectations of a 3 to 4% growth rate and improved job market conditions [20][21] Market Dynamics - The current economic environment is characterized by a booming economy with GDP growth rates around 3.9%, which is significantly higher than the previous 1-2% range [15] - The Fed's actions in raising rates have contributed to an affordability crisis for consumers, impacting their ability to manage debt and loans [12]

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, speaks to members of the media outside the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Francis Chung | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump knows who he's going to select as the next Federal Reserve chair but isn't saying yet. Prediction markets have their minds made up, but the front-runner also is playing it coy.While that part of the mystery appears ready to clear up in the coming weeks, what's far less certain is the ty ...

Group 1: US-China Trade Relations - President Trump announced a visit to Beijing in April following a phone call with Chinese President Xi, focusing on China's commitment to purchase US soybeans while the US lowers tariffs on China [1] - China is on schedule to purchase a minimum of 87 million metric tons of soybeans over the next three and a half years, indicating a positive trajectory in trade relations [1] - The US maintains its position on Taiwan and emphasizes the need for cooperation on the Ukraine conflict, suggesting a complex but stable relationship between the two nations [1] Group 2: Diplomatic Engagements - President Trump and President Xi are set to have multiple meetings throughout the year, including state visits and participation in international summits, which is expected to enhance stability in US-China relations [2] - The ongoing dialogue and high-level meetings are viewed as beneficial for both American citizens and the global economy, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement [2] Group 3: Federal Reserve Chair Selection - The selection process for a new Federal Reserve chair is ongoing, with five strong candidates being considered, reflecting the complexity of the Fed's operations beyond simple monetary policy [4][5] - The interplay between monetary policy, balance sheet management, and regulatory policy is a key focus in the selection criteria, indicating a shift in the Fed's operational dynamics [5] - An announcement regarding the new Fed chair is anticipated before Christmas, with the final interview still pending, suggesting a timely resolution to the selection process [7]

Group 1 - BlackRock executive Rick Rieder is emerging as a leading candidate for the next chair of the Federal Reserve after Jerome Powell's term ends in May [1][2] - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has interviewed four of the eleven publicly named candidates for the Fed chair position, with the process still ongoing and potential for additional candidates [2] - Rieder has a long career in financial markets, having joined BlackRock in 2009 after nearly two decades at Lehman Brothers, and currently oversees the firm's fixed income business [2][3] Group 2 - Bessent is impressed with Rieder's extensive experience and understanding of both micro and macroeconomic factors, suggesting he would bring a calm demeanor and knowledge of financial firms outside the banking system if appointed [3] - Rieder's ability to utilize forward-looking frameworks for economic assessment is valued by Bessent, contrasting with the backward-looking data reliance that has frustrated President Trump [4] - President Trump has identified other candidates for the Fed chair position, including Fed Governor Christopher Waller, but has tasked Bessent with conducting a thorough search and providing a shortlist of three to four candidates [5]