As Trump's nominee Kevin Warsh's Senate hearing approaches tomorrow, this is the main concern for the markets.
But there's a critical detail: This isn't the final vote, it's the first major test, and the possibility of Warsh failing is now being seriously discussed.
Because this isn't just a change of president, it's a turning point regarding which problem the Fed will solve first.
That's not the only thing that makes Warsh interesting.
The portfolio of the recently announced Fed chairman nominee resembles that of a technology investor more than a classic central banker. A diversification ranging from SpaceX to crypto markets, fintech startups to artificial intelligence projects. A fortune exceeding $100 million and a perspective that defines Bitcoin as "the new gold for those under 40."
In short, we have a Fed chairman nominee who has lived within the market, not someone observing it from the outside. This is why both the market and Washington are apprehensive.
The picture on the Senate side is unclear.
The Republican majority is very weak. While Democrats are expected to oppose it en bloc, Republican Senator Tillis's support has become critical. Tillis is effectively stalling the process by stating he will not support Warsh until the Powell investigation is closed. This keeps the possibility of Warsh failing even before the committee on the table.
In short, the market is pricing in not only the question of "What kind of Fed?" but also "Will Warsh actually become chairman?"
On the macro side, the ground is shaky. The energy shock stemming from the Strait of Hormuz has driven up oil prices and increased concerns that inflation could become permanent again. This has changed the Fed's tone. Expectations of interest rate cuts have suddenly shifted to a "wait-and-see" mode.
According to JPMorgan, the market's reaction is rational. High energy prices were narrowing the Fed's room for maneuver. Therefore, as oil prices retreat, the market may again price in gradual interest rate cuts.
Wells Fargo, however, points to a different risk. The messages Warsh delivers in court could easily reverse the current "dovish" expectation and increase volatility in the bond market.
According to Bloomberg strategists, interest rate expectations may fall in the medium term, but bond yields could remain high in the short term if inflationary pressures persist.
In short, the market is looking for direction, not a clear answer. So, where will Warsh stand in this equation?
Trump's expectation of low interest rates is pushing him towards the dovish side. But the Fed's independence is still fragile. This makes every message it delivers critical.