Alan Greenspan: Irrational exuberance to financial crisis
Key takeaways
- Alan Greenspan’s reputation as head of the US Federal Reserve was legendary — not least because of his reputation for convoluted statements.
- The slightest change in his facial expression, even the thickness of his briefcase, was observed, evaluated, and interpreted.
- For nearly 20 years, Alan Greenspan steered United States monetary policy — and with it, the economy — as Chairman of the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, or Fed for short.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Alan Greenspan’s reputation as head of the US Federal Reserve was legendary — not least because of his reputation for convoluted statements. However, the financial crisis took a toll on his standing.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Fq Z9Alan Greenspan was reappointed to five terms as Fed chair by four different US presidents Image: Stephen Jaffe/dpa/picture-alliance Advertisement For many years, the global financial world hung on Alan Greenspan’s words, his facial expressions, and his every movement. The slightest change in his facial expression, even the thickness of his briefcase, was observed, evaluated, and interpreted.
For nearly 20 years, Alan Greenspan steered United States monetary policy — and with it, the economy — as Chairman of the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, or Fed for short. He was "Mr. Dollar," the guru of the international financial world, the pacemaker of the global economy.