Kevin Hassett Emerges as Frontrunner for Fed Chair Amid 87% Rate Cut Probability

Kevin Hassett, the current Chair of the White House National Economic Council, has publicly expressed his willingness to serve as Federal Reserve Chair if nominated by former President Donald Trump. His candidacy is seen as a signal for potential shifts in U.S. monetary policy, with markets pricing in an 87% probability of a rate cut in December.

Hassett aligns closely with Trump's economic views, advocating for lower interest rates to stimulate growth and criticizing the Fed's past handling of inflation as "transitory." He supports a full 50 basis point cut and warned against pausing reductions, citing uncertainties from the government shutdown. Other contenders include Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, former governor Kevin Warsh, and BlackRock's Rick Rieder, all of whom have shown openness to rate cuts amid concerns over a slowing labor market.

Market analysts highlight that declining U.S. Treasury yields reflect positive sentiment, with potential outcomes including increased liquidity and altered economic stability. Hassett's philosophy could reshape financial and regulatory sectors, emphasizing independence and revised interest rate frameworks.