According to informed sources, Rick Rieder's extensive Wall Street background and his open attitude toward reforming the central bank have enhanced his competitiveness among the candidates for Federal Reserve Chair.
The BlackRock executive is seen as possessing the demeanor of a central bank chief and has attracted President Trump's attention with his numerous ideas for reforming the Federal Reserve.
Sources indicate another advantage for Rieder: unlike the other three finalists for the position, he has never worked at the Fed and is perceived as being unconstrained by the institution.
Rieder is one of four final candidates and has received positive feedback from bond market participants as Trump administration officials sought investor opinions on the contenders.
Other competitors include White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, and former Fed official Kevin Warsh.
Corporate executives and investors attending the World Economic Forum in Davos this week have also privately expressed support for Rieder.
Trump told reporters on Thursday that he has completed interviews with all candidates and has made a decision, but provided no further details. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Trump could announce his decision as early as next week.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated in a declaration: "Any reporting on the Federal Reserve Chair nomination process is pure speculation until President Trump makes an announcement." A BlackRock representative declined to comment.
Informed sources said that in recent days, concerns have emerged within Trump's inner circle about whether Rieder would follow presidential directives to cut rates quickly if appointed or would demonstrate independence.
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