Executive Summary: The "Plenty of Room" Signal
White House National Economic Council (NEC) Director Kevin Hassett has explicitly stated that the Federal Reserve has "plenty of room" to cut interest rates. Coming just ahead of the December 10 FOMC meeting, this is not just commentary—it is a clear signal of the administration's policy preference and a forward guidance shift for 2026.
For traders, this changes the calculus. The narrative is shifting from "fighting inflation" to "preserving the labor market." This pivot opens specific opportunities in curve steepeners, housing plays, and hard asset hedges.
The News: A Dove in the White House
Speaking recently to major networks, Kevin Hassett argued that the current economic data—specifically softening labor signals—justifies a more aggressive easing cycle.
The Quote: Hassett emphasized there is "plenty" of room for cuts, suggesting the neutral rate is significantly lower than the current Fed Funds target (currently 3.75%–4.00%).
The Context: With Jerome Powell’s term ending in May 2026, Hassett is widely viewed as a frontrunner for the Fed Chairmanship. His comments are likely being priced by markets not just as "advice" but as a preview of the 2026 monetary regime.
The Catalyst: The market is already pricing in a cut at tomorrow's (Dec 10) meeting, but Hassett’s comments suggest the pace of cuts in Q1 and Q2 2026 could be faster than the "gradual" approach currently priced.
Smart Trading Analysis: The "Hassett Trade"
If the market pivots to believe the Fed (current or future) will cut rates aggressively to support growth, here is the tactical playbook:
1. Fixed Income: The Bull Steepener
If the Fed cuts short-term rates aggressively (front-end yields drop) but long-term growth/inflation expectations rise due to stimulus (long-end yields stay sticky or rise), the yield curve steepens.
The Trade: Long 2-Year Treasuries / Short 10-Year or 30-Year Treasuries.
Why: The 2-Year yield is most sensitive to Fed policy (cuts), while the 10-Year reflects long-term inflation risk. Hassett’s pro-growth, pro-cut stance is the textbook recipe for a steeper curve.
2. Equities: The "Refinancing" Rotation
Lower rates disproportionately benefit companies with high debt loads or those reliant on financing.
Small Caps (Russell 2000): Small caps have floating-rate debt that has crushed margins. A confirmed path to lower rates is a massive tailwind for this sector.
Housing & Construction: Hassett explicitly mentioned making mortgages cheaper. Homebuilders and building materials stocks are direct beneficiaries of sub-6% mortgage rates.
ITB (Home Construction ETF) or specific builders with high inventory.
3. Commodities & Crypto: The "Policy Error" Hedge
The risk of cutting rates while inflation is still arguably "sticky" (above 2%) is that inflation reignites (a la 1970s).
Gold (XAU/USD): Remains the ultimate hedge against a central bank that prioritizes growth over price stability. If real rates (Nominal Rate minus Inflation) drop, Gold flies.
Bitcoin: Often correlates with global liquidity. If the Fed eases "plenty," liquidity expands, favoring scarce digital assets.
4. Forex: The Dollar Smile Fades
USD Weakness: If the Fed out-doves the ECB or BoE, the yield advantage that held the Dollar up will erode.
The Pair to Watch: USD/JPY. The Bank of Japan has been hawkish/neutral. If the US cuts aggressively, the spread narrows, potentially sending USD/JPY lower (Yen strength).
The Contrarian Risk: What if He's Wrong?
The biggest risk to the "Hassett Trade" is Sticky Inflation. If CPI data surprises to the upside in January/February 2026, the bond market will revolt. Long-term yields (10Y, 30Y) could spike aggressively as "bond vigilantes" demand a premium for inflation risk. This would hurt equity valuations (especially Tech) despite the rate cuts.
