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New Warning: Is the Fed Losing Its Edge?

Why Economists Are Worried About the Fed’s Independence December 02, 2025
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Changes in the Market are on display A quiet power struggle. As the Capitol looms, questions grow over the Fed's future and who will lead it next..

Good Morning,

Markets are eyeing new highs, but a brewing storm at the Fed could shake confidence. With economist Mohamed El-Erian warning that the central bank has “gone to sleep,” and reports of Trump favoring Kevin Hassett as the next chair, the question of Fed independence is back in the spotlight. We break down what this means for rates, markets, and your portfolio.

OpenAI declares a 'code red' as competition with Google’s Gemini intensifies, Saudi Arabia pledges nearly $1 trillion to U.S. sectors including AI and nuclear amid geopolitical concerns, and Prada acquires Versace for $1.4B in a bold move to reshape the luxury fashion landscape.

Don't forget to voice your opinion in my polls below.

Here are your Morning Bullets.

– Truly yours, Fred Frost


📉 Yesterday's Market Recap

Yesterday, Wall Street took a breather after a recent rally, with rising global bond yields cooling enthusiasm. The S&P 500 slipped 0.5%, the Dow dropped 0.9%, and Nasdaq edged down 0.4%, as tariff concerns and a slowing job market kept investors cautious. Here are the key movers:


  • Bitcoin and Crypto Stocks Slide: Bitcoin fell to $85,500, dragging down related stocks like Coinbase (-4.8%) and Robinhood (-4.1%) as higher yields lured capital elsewhere. → ABC News

  • Synopsys Surges on Investment News: Synopsys gained 4.9% after announcing a $2 billion stock investment, bucking the broader market downturn. → MarketWatch

  • Retail Mixed After Holiday Sales Data: Early Cyber Monday numbers showed a 4.5% uptick in online sales, but consumer hesitance over tariffs muted gains for major retailers. → StockTwits


📉 Daily Performance Snapshot

Index/Asset Closing Value Change
S&P 500 6,812.63 -0.53%
Nasdaq 23,275.92 -0.38%
Dow Jones 47,289.33 -0.9%
Gold $4239.80 -0.82%
Crude Oil $59.18 -0.24%
Bitcoin $87,202 +1.54%
10-yr Treasury Yield 4.096% +1.97%

🔭 What to Watch Today

Today’s calendar is packed with earnings reports and economic data that could sway market sentiment. Keep an eye on these events for potential volatility:

  • Earnings: CrowdStrike, Okta, Marvell Tech: After-hours reports from CrowdStrike (est. $0.59 EPS), Okta ($0.53 EPS), and Marvell Tech ($0.67 EPS) could signal tech sector health. → Benzinga
  • Euro Zone Inflation Data: November’s inflation reading came in at 2.2%, slightly above the ECB’s 2% target, which might influence future rate decisions. → CNBC
  • Supreme Court on Bayer Litigation: Bayer’s stock surged 15% after U.S. solicitor general support in limiting Roundup lawsuits—watch for legal and market ripple effects. → MarketWatch

  • 💡 Opportunity Watch

    Amidst market jitters, a few sectors and stocks stand out with potential upside. Here’s where the smart money might look today:

    • AI Monetization Boom (2026 Forecast): Wedbush predicts 2026 as the ‘year of AI monetization’ with global spending over $2 trillion—keep Nvidia and related tech on your radar. → Fortune
    • Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Launch: Samsung’s new tri-fold smartphone targets premium margins (50% per unit), potentially boosting its mobile revenue in 2026. → Finance Monthly
    • TotalEnergies’ Clean Gas Project: The Live Oak project in Nebraska, backed by Japanese partners, aims to export carbon-neutral e-NG by 2030, a long-term energy play. → Benzinga

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    🔥 The Big Bullet

    Fed Criticized as New Leadership Raises Concerns About Independence

    What happened: Mohamed El-Erian, a well-known economist, warned that the U.S. Federal Reserve has become too slow and reactive in its decision-making. In a recent interview, he argued that the Fed has “gone to sleep” and needs structural reform. His comments come at a time when former President Trump is reportedly eyeing Kevin Hassett, a political ally, as the next Fed chair. El-Erian is calling for a more visionary and independent central bank, suggesting the Fed has failed to stay ahead of major economic shifts. The concern is not just about leadership style, but also how monetary policy is being shaped by political pressure. The announcement has sparked renewed debate around the future of the Federal Reserve and its core mission.


    Why it matters: The Fed is a key player in controlling inflation, interest rates, and the overall U.S. economy. If it becomes too political, it may lose the trust of investors and the public. A shift in leadership could lead to changes in how quickly or slowly the Fed reacts to market signals. For example, investors may worry that a Fed led by a more politically motivated chair will delay action on inflation or interest rates for short-term political gain. El-Erian’s warning suggests that the Fed’s recent inaction may already be affecting economic confidence. With critics questioning Hassett’s fit for the role, markets may begin to price in future policy risks. A less independent Fed could weaken the dollar or trigger more market volatility.

    What’s next: Investors should watch for any official announcement on the next Fed chair nomination. Confirmation hearings, if Hassett is nominated, could signal how much political pressure will shape future monetary policy. Markets may also respond to any speeches or statements from current Fed officials defending their independence or hinting at future rate changes. At the same time, debates over inflation, unemployment, and GDP growth will continue to shape expectations. If political influence grows, expect more public criticism from economists like El-Erian and shifts in bond yields or currency values. Policy changes in 2026 could have lasting effects on borrowing costs, market stability, and retirement portfolios. Stay alert to signals from both Washington and Wall Street.


    Reader Feedback

    Yesterday, I asked you: Michael Burry shut down his hedge fund, warning about AI and market risks. What’s your take? The majority of you at 36% said "He’s right — it’s starting to feel like 2000 again.”

    Brian from Kentucky replied: "I think he might be right because the AI hype feels like a big bubble, kind of like what happened a long time ago."

    Here's what I'm asking you today:

    Who do you think should have the most say in picking the next Fed Chair?

    Login or Subscribe to participate

    As always if your opinion is not here, or you want to throw your two cents at me, reply to the E-mail, and let me know your exact thoughts.


    🧭 Policy & Market Ripples

    • OpenAI’s ‘Code Red’ vs. Google Gemini: Sam Altman declared a ‘code red’ to overhaul ChatGPT as Google’s Gemini 3 gains ground, signaling fierce AI competition ahead. → StockTwits
    • Saudi $1T US Investment Pledge: Saudi Arabia’s near $1 trillion commitment to US sectors like AI and nuclear energy sparks optimism—and human rights scrutiny. → Global Finance Magazine
    • Prada Acquires Versace for $1.4B: Prada Group’s buyout of Versace aims to revive the brand, blending ‘ugly chic’ with sexy silhouettes in a luxury shake-up. → ABC News

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    📜 This Day in History – December 2

    December 2 has a lab-coat swagger: ideas that became industries, plus the civic plumbing that lets capital and culture circulate. Think of today as a reminder that modern life runs on standards, savings, and a few very good patents.

    Chicago Pile-1 nuclear reactor experiment under the University of Chicago stadium

    1942 – Enrico Fermi’s team achieved the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction (Chicago Pile-1), opening a new energy frontier and a massive R&D ecosystem.

    1901 – King C. Gillette patented the disposable-blade safety razor, a small device with a big idea: turn repeat purchases into a business model.

    1816 – The Philadelphia Savings Fund Society opened as the first U.S. savings bank, institutionalizing thrift and widening access to capital for ordinary households.

    1697 – St Paul’s Cathedral was consecrated in London, a marquee project of urban renewal that doubled as a long-running investment in civic identity.

    Yesterday, 76% of you chose the right answer to the trivia question: Resources are limited, so choices must be made about how to use them


    Diligence is the mother of good luck.
    – Benjamin Franklin
    Thanks for Reading.

    Stay Sharp. Stay Focused.
    Fredrick Frost
    Editor, MorningBullets

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