Insights + Resources

Will Fed Chair Powell Get a Second Term?

Oct 13, 2021

Financial markets tend to function best when they have clear, strong leadership. When there’s concern about who’s the boss, markets can struggle.  Jerome Powell is finishing his first term as Fed Chair in February 2022. Until the past few weeks, Wall Street overwhelmingly believed he would be nominated to a second term by President Biden.1

But Powell’s prospect for being renominated appears less certain than ever. During an appearance by Powell before the Senate Banking Committee in September, a prominent committee member stated that she would not support his nomination. Other senators have voiced concerns, but this was the first time that a key senator declared opposition.2

As the budget, debt ceiling and infrastructure debates continue in D.C., it’s clear that everything is on the negotiating table, including Powell’s future.

Biden is not obligated to nominate Powell, and for now, Powell appears to enjoy bipartisan support in the Senate for a second term. But if resistance increases and throws a second term into doubt, it could have an unsettling impact on the markets.1,2

We’re keeping an eye on what’s going on at the Fed—like we keep an eye on all events that could have an influence on the financial markets. We will keep you posted if anything unfolds that may cause us to reconsider certain strategies.

For more insights and resources, be sure to sign up for our Weekly Market Commentary. Follow our YouTube channel where we regularly post our Epic Market Minute videos. Follow us on LinkedIn, or like us on Facebook. And as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a dedicated service professional at Epic Capital.

Tags: , ,

More Insights

Market Update – Assessing the Technical Damange
Jul 26, 2024

Key Takeaways Volatility came back with a vengeance this week as selling pressure in the mega cap space dragged down the broader market. Counterbalancing weakness in these heavyweight names poses a challenge for the rest of the market. Overbought conditions can also be blamed for the recent weakness. The S&P 500 reached a 14.9% premium … Continue reading “Market Update – Assessing the Technical Damange”

Can You Use Life Insurance for Charitable Giving?
Jul 24, 2024

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts of life insurance.

Social Security Survivor Benefits
Jul 22, 2024

When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier. Your family members may be eligible to receive survivor benefits if you worked, paid Social Security taxes, and earned enough work credits. The number … Continue reading “Social Security Survivor Benefits”

Making Investment Choices
Jul 19, 2024

Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investment choices, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our assets can be strongly influenced by factors, many of them emotional, that we may not even be aware … Continue reading “Making Investment Choices”

Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
Jul 17, 2024

As a business owner, you should carefully consider the advantages of establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Generally, you’re allowed certain tax benefits for establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan, including a tax credit for establishing the plan and a deduction for contributions you make. In return, however, you’re required to include certain employees in the plan, … Continue reading “Retirement Plans for Small Businesses”

Insights + Resources >