Official announcements from the U.S. Department of the Treasury or relevant government agencies

Trump's Treasury Pick Scott Bessent Spurs 'Bessent Rally'; Stocks Surge to Record Highs as Dollar Weakens

Nov 25, 2024, 01:31 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Wall Street veteran and hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, a move that was met with enthusiasm by financial markets. Stocks rallied sharply, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Dow Futures hitting record highs, while Treasury yields dropped as bonds surged. The positive market reaction, dubbed the "Bessent Rally," reflects investor optimism about his appointment. Investors view Bessent as a market-friendly choice who may bring stability to Trump's economic policies. Bessent has stated that his top priorities will be implementing Trump's tax cut promises, including reductions on tips, overtime, and Social Security taxes, as well as enacting tariffs and reducing government spending. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency and suggested that tariffs should be introduced gradually. Bessent is expected to attempt to rein in the budget deficit and is seen as having a moderate stance on tariffs, which has eased investor fears over aggressive trade policies. The nomination eased investor concerns over potential aggressive trade policies, leading to a weakened U.S. dollar and a retreat in Treasury yields, with the 10-year yield dropping to a two-week low. Analysts breathed a sigh of relief, believing that Bessent's appointment could provide a stabilizing influence within the administration. Corporate America and Wall Street have expressed optimism that Bessent will exert a moderating influence on the administration's economic agenda. As the transition progresses, market participants will closely watch how Bessent navigates tax reforms, trade policies, and fiscal measures to bolster American prosperity.