Key Takeaways
- BlackRock's Rick Rieder is reportedly a leading contender for the role of Federal Reserve Chair, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent having interviewed him as part of a selection process involving at least 11 candidates.
- Via Transportation (VIA) made its NYSE debut today, with shares opening at $44, below its initial public offering (IPO) price of $46 per share.
- President Donald Trump is scheduled to dine with the Qatari Prime Minister and Envoy Witkoff on Friday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement [cite: original_4, original_5].
In a busy day across financial markets and political circles, BlackRock's (BLK) Rick Rieder has emerged as a prominent candidate for the next Federal Reserve Chair, while Via Transportation (VIA) saw a lukewarm market debut. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is set to engage in high-level diplomacy with the Qatari Prime Minister.
Fed Chair Race Heats Up with Rieder in Focus
Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock (BLK), is reportedly climbing the ranks of contenders for the coveted position of Federal Reserve Chair [cite: original_1, original_2, 3, 9, 11]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been actively interviewing candidates for the role, with Rieder among the four individuals Bessent has already met with out of a broader list of at least 11 potential options [cite: original_1, original_3, 3, 14, 18, 24]. Bessent's interviews began on Friday, September 12, 2025 [cite: original_1, 18, 23].
Rieder has previously expressed views on monetary policy, including support for interest rate cuts, a stance that aligns with President Trump's past criticisms of the Fed's rate decisions. Other candidates reportedly under consideration include current Fed officials and former economic advisors. The selection process is being carefully managed by Bessent, who aims to present a shortlist to President Trump.
Via Transportation Makes NYSE Debut Below IPO Price
Via Transportation Inc. (VIA), a technology provider for public transit networks, commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, September 12, 2025 [cite: original_6, 2, 6, 8]. The company's shares opened at $44, falling below its initial public offering (IPO) price of $46 per share [cite: original_6, 2, 4, 8].
The IPO involved the offering of 10,714,285 shares of Class A common stock, raising approximately $492.9 million in gross proceeds. The offering was priced at the higher end of its previously marketed range of $40.00 to $44.00 per share. The closing of the offering is anticipated on September 15, 2025, subject to customary conditions.
President Trump Engages in Diplomacy with Qatari Prime Minister
President Donald Trump is scheduled to have dinner on Friday with the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Envoy Steve Witkoff [cite: original_4, original_5]. The meeting, reported via a pool report, underscores ongoing diplomatic engagements. This dinner follows a period of active discussions within the administration on various international and domestic fronts [cite: original_4, original_5].
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.