Squawk Pod Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: Tariffs, TikTok, & A Duel 9/16/25
Sep 16, 2025
Scott Bessent, the current Treasury Secretary, shares insights on tariffs and a potential trade deal with China while navigating a competitive political landscape. He dives into the independence of the Federal Reserve and the impact of proposed SEC changes on corporate reporting. The conversation also touches on the intriguing dynamics between Bessent and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, along with the broader economic implications of tariffs and technology concerns related to TikTok.
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Prepare For Less Frequent Earnings Reporting
- Reducing quarterly reporting could encourage long-term corporate planning but increase reliance on investor conferences.
- Companies should improve transparency outside earnings windows if reporting frequency changes.
Watch Both Ends Of The Yield Curve
- Expect the Fed to consider rate cuts but monitor inflation and housing indicators before assuming easing.
- Investors should watch both short- and long-end yields to judge mortgage and affordability impacts.
Deregulation Fuels Market Sentiment
- Bessent credits deregulation and pro-growth policies for market optimism and higher equity levels.
- He highlights regulatory rollbacks and infrastructure/energy priorities as market drivers.