Ben Bernanke
Bernanke says Fed stress tests were a ‘critical turning point’ in crisis
Fed chair says stress tests offer macro-prudential dimension to supervision; US banks have more tier 1 common equity under a severe stress scenario than they did in reality in 2008
Bernanke denies QE represents competitive devaluation
Fed chairman plays down effect of asset purchases on exchange rates and emerging markets; Axel Weber says countries can lean against QE if necessary, but highlights more serious flaws
Fed pays $88bn in profits to US Treasury
Federal Reserve makes large profit on securities holdings in 2012; follows warnings from Ben Bernanke and Fed researchers that remittances are not likely to remain elevated
Bernanke evaluates long-term interest rates
Federal Reserve chair Ben Bernanke expects long-term interest rates to rise gradually; says upside and downside risks to rate level are 'roughly symmetric'
Bernanke commits to continuing asset purchases
Fed chairman says benefits of ongoing monetary policy stimulus are clear; urges US government to delay bulk of impending spending cuts
Robert Pringle’s Viewpoint: Assessing Masaaki Shirakawa’s legacy
The policies of outgoing Bank of Japan governor, Masaaki Shirakawa, have brought economic stability to Japan and are likely to be viewed favourably by future generations
Bernanke champions FOMC policy and Fed independence
Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, gives his support to the ongoing accommodative policy of the FOMC; stresses importance of central bank independence
The ghost at the IMF’s Tokyo feast
Robert Pringle looks back at the main themes of the IMF’s annual meeting, which was held in October in Tokyo, and forward to prospects for 2013
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