Ben Bernanke
Book notes: First Principles: Five Keys to Restoring America's Prosperity
The author's premise is that the best way to understand the problems confronting the American economy is to go back to the first principles of economic freedom upon which the country was founded
SWFs should take lead in demanding higher investing standards
Large long-term investors such as sovereign wealth funds should be spearheading efforts to hold investors to account over short-termism, according to finance experts at the LSE
Robert Pringle’s Viewpoint: How governments are undermining world finance
Central bankers need to forcefully express their concerns about the unintended consequences of new regulatory policies
Bernanke steps up pressure for action on fiscal cliff
Fed chairman warns of damaging effects of uncertainty over ‘fiscal cliff’ on the economy; says plan for long-term debt sustainability would reinforce confidence and promote recovery
Fed holds fire on further easing
Federal Open Market Committee votes to hold federal funds rate and maintain current scale of asset purchases; concerns persist over labour market conditions, raising possibility of further stimulus
Bernanke plays down emerging market impact of QE
Fed chairman says negative impact of quantitative easing on emerging markets is offset by a stronger US economy. But countries such as Brazil have had to take action to protect their currencies
Bernanke defends Fed’s loose monetary policy
Ben Bernanke says Federal Reserve’s accommodative stance, including a third round of quantitative easing, is justified; denies Fed is encouraging poor fiscal policy-making
Robert Pringle’s Viewpoint: Central bankers gamble for high stakes
The world’s major central banks have made high-stakes bets in a bid to stabilise economies. But their efforts may do little to promote confidence in the longer-term future of monetary management
Concerns raised over impact of Fed’s QE3
Federal Reserve to purchase $40 billion of mortgage-backed securities each month until US economy improves; doubts arise over effectiveness of the policy despite positive market response
Bernanke disappoints markets by revealing little about QE3
Ben Bernanke’s Jackson Hole speech gets muted response from markets; gives no clear indication of whether third round of quantitative easing is forthcoming
Bernanke stresses importance of Fed independence
Chairman of the Federal Reserve highlights provisions in place to safeguard independence of the US central bank; discusses common fiscal authority for Europe
Fed’s Bernanke looks beyond broad market indicators
Fed chairman warns key aggregate metrics can miss economic pain felt by individuals and households; encourages development of economic measures to better assist with policy decisions
Bernanke blames Europe and fiscal cliff for stalling recovery
Chairman of the Federal Reserve says two main risks to economic improvement in the US are eurozone woes and looming fiscal cliff; urges lawmakers to act promptly
Bernanke says Fed ready for QE3 if necessary
Fed chairman explains FOMC decision to maintain rates and extend Operation Twist; says Fed is ready to make more asset purchases if necessary
Fed policy-makers consider further QE
Janet Yellen “convinced” of scope for further expansion of Fed balance sheet; Bernanke says rapid fiscal tightening a “serious threat” to recovery
Bernanke says stronger banks will lead to 'robust' economy
Fed chair outlines progress made by financial sector; says improved credit conditions will play a part in creating a robust economy in the US
Bernanke places onus on US government to act
Bernanke calls on US Congress to act on fiscal policy; growth forecasts upgraded in latest Fed economic projections
Robert Pringle's Viewpoint: The Fed, the euro and the IMF
Caruana and Shirakawa offer timely warning on the limits and dangers of loose monetary policy; more reform required in Europe
Bernanke defends Fed’s response to financial crisis
Fed chairman defends actions taken before and during global financial crisis; offers justification for Fed response to struggling systemically important firms
Bernanke outlines shadow banking reform priorities
Fed chairman outlines regulatory steps taken so far in relation to shadow banking; says careful monitoring and supervision of the whole system are required
QE3 prospects diminish slightly after FOMC minutes release
FOMC minutes provoke fresh questions as to likelihood of further QE; Fed board members cautious on growth prospects
Bernanke stresses financial stability role of central banks
Fed chairman says central banks must treat financial stability and monetary policy as equally important; discusses new regulatory regime as he delivers final student lecture in series
Bernanke commends global co-operation for stemming ‘meltdown’
Fed chairman says Fed and international policy actions prevented economic “meltdown”; says some areas of co-operation need improvement
Markets start to price in QE3 following Bernanke speech
Equity prices rise and dollar eases as markets interpret Federal Reserve chairman’s comments as signalling increased likelihood of further quantitative easing