Headline: Trump Says Fed Chair Pick Nearly Final, Signals Dovish Lean
Donald Trump indicated he has begun interviewing candidates for the next Federal Reserve chair and suggested his decision is largely made. He also hinted at a preference for a more dovish policy stance—an approach generally associated with prioritizing growth and potentially earlier interest-rate cuts—while noting the process could still follow a “standard” path.
According to his remarks, the shortlist includes current Fed Governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder. A “standard” choice would likely point to an insider with recent central bank experience, making Waller or Bowman the most conventional options. Choosing from within the Fed could signal continuity in central bank leadership and reduce market uncertainty.
A dovish-leaning chair could reshape expectations for the monetary policy outlook, influencing Treasury yields, the dollar, and risk assets. Markets will parse any subsequent comments and the eventual nomination for clues on the direction of interest rates, inflation strategy, and policy communication under the next Fed leadership.
Key Points: – Trump says he has started interviews and largely settled on his Federal Reserve chair nominee – He signaled a preference for a dovish policy approach – Shortlist reportedly includes Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman, Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, and Rick Rieder – A “standard” pick would likely favor a Fed insider, pointing to Waller or Bowman – Choice could signal continuity and reduce market volatility – Markets watching for implications on interest rates and the broader monetary policy outlook
