Asks about status of China's soybean purchases and differences in US-China readouts
Becky
Scott Bessent
Chinese soybean purchases on schedule for 87.5 million metric tons over 3.5 years, US-Taiwan policy unchanged, leaders have strong relationship preventing conflicts
Asks about Fed chair selection process and criteria
Andrew
Scott Bessent
Fed has become complicated operation beyond just rate setting, looking at interplay between monetary policy, balance sheet and regulatory policy
References President's comment about firing if Fed doesn't lower rates
Becky
Scott Bessent
Monetary policy more complicated than just cutting rates, Fed should simplify operations and move back to background rather than constant public commentary
Asks how to balance unemployment concerns against inflation fears for rate policy
Andrew
Scott Bessent
Governors leaning toward cutting rates, economy hasn't gotten better due to Schumer shutdown shaving 1.5% of GDP
Asks about Wall Street Journal article on economy addicted to AI spending
Becky
Scott Bessent
AI build-out tremendous and will continue, capex spreading out beyond AI to broader economy including Boeing expansion