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Citi Analyst: Powell May Take Gradual Approach to Fed Balance Sheet Reduction

2026.02.10 14:23:23

Feb. 10 — A Citigroup strategist said Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh may take a gradual approach to shrinking the central bank’s $6.6 trillion balance sheet to avoid reigniting market turmoil. Citi strategists Alejandra Vazquez Plata and Jason Williams note the Fed under Warsh still has options to reduce its footprint. Rolling over longer-dated Treasury holdings into short-term debt — framed as the “path of least resistance” — would shorten the weighted average maturity of its holdings. The incoming chair may seek consensus among policymakers while prioritizing securing committee support for rate cuts. Additionally, the Fed could slow its ~$40 billion monthly Treasury purchases or halt them entirely. Other options include letting its mortgage-backed securities (MBS) holdings shrink naturally as they mature. Citi projects coupon-bearing bond issuance will rise starting in November 2026, with a risk of delay until February 2027. (FXStreet)
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