techworldalerts 
Crypto traders are increasingly betting that Judy Shelton could become the next Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, reflecting rising market speculation as President Donald Trump nears a selection for Jerome Powell’s successor.
According to prediction data from Kalshi, Shelton’s chances have climbed to about 5%, while on another platform, Polymarket, her odds sit around 3%, suggesting more traders see her as a possible pick than before.
Meanwhile, leading contender Kevin Hassett still holds the highest probability at 38%, though this is down sharply from roughly 85% earlier in December. Other figures in the running include Kevin Warsh with around 36%, and Federal Reserve Governor Chris Waller with 13%. BlackRock’s Rick Rieder also registers about 5% odds despite some reports indicating the official shortlist doesn’t list him.
President Trump has conducted interviews with several top candidates, including Warsh and Waller, and was expected to meet with Rieder late last year, though there has been no official update. Trump has remained mostly silent recently on his preferred nominee.
In public remarks, Trump has criticized Powell’s leadership and suggested he would like to remove him, even hinting at legal action over what he labeled “gross incompetence.”
Markets are pricing in a strong likelihood that Trump will announce his pick soon, Kalshi’s data implies about an 82% chance of a decision by February 1, with Polymarket showing a 79% chance by January 31. At the same time, investors are keenly watching whether Powell plans to stay on the Federal Reserve Board after his term ends in May, since his resignation could give Trump greater influence over future monetary policy.
