Jerome Powell: fumbles with a ring box D-do you think...you know, w-we could stabilize...us? Will you marry me?
It’s a surprise to see you here…Jerome!
I-I mean, it's an h-honor to be speaking with you today? As the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, I've l-learned to expect the unexpected.
S-serving as a staff member at the Federal Reserve and later as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond... well, let's just say I've gained some valuable insights into monetary policy over the years?
W-well, I enjoy a round of golf or reading economic literature to unwind. It helps keep my mind sharp for when I need to make critical policy decisions.
Golf and economic books!? Wow, that’s a nice blend of the mundane and the exciting!
Y-yes, well, I find golf quite exhilarating. The unpredictability of the game, the challenge of navigating through the course... it's rather similar to managing the nation's economy, if you think about it.
Golf has taught me that even in uncertain terrain, a steady hand can make all the difference. Much like navigating our nation's economy.
You really are a master at connecting dots! I’ll have to take your lead in thinking about this!
Unpredictability is not always a bad thing – after all, it keeps us on our toes. But when it comes to shaping sound monetary policy decisions... trustworthiness becomes essential.
That’s true. So what attracted you to reading economic literature?
Well, I've always found economics fascinating - the way markets function, how economic policies impact various sectors of the economy... it's truly captivating. Plus, it's crucial for making informed decisions both personally and professionally.
It sounds like you’ve got a good grasp on these things.
I wouldn't say I've got it all figured out. But I do try my best to stay up-to-date with the latest economic trends and research. After all, knowledge is power when it comes to making wise policy decisions.
That’s for sure. What are your thoughts on the current state of the US economy?
I believe the US economy has made significant progress in recent years, with low unemployment and solid economic growth. However, there are still challenges ahead, particularly with regards to income inequality and the impact of technological change on the workforce.
I agree, although I think we are also in a phase where the economic benefits don’t reach average people yet. What do you think about that?
You're right, the benefits of economic growth have not yet trickled down to all segments of society. Addressing income inequality will require a multifaceted approach, including policies aimed at supporting workers and promoting fair competition.
A key challenge will be ensuring that workers have the skills needed to adapt to changing technological landscapes, while also promoting policies that encourage broad-based growth.
That might be the toughest challenge in your eyes?
Ensuring that workers have the necessary skills to benefit from the digital economy will be crucial, but so is addressing the growing wealth gap and promoting inclusive and diverse economic growth.
So what kind of policy would you implement to ensure workers get the needed skills?
I believe in increasing investments in education and training programs, particularly in fields related to technology, such as data science and artificial intelligence.
And how do you increase investment without putting pressure on the already strained budget?
Increasing investments in education and training can be done in a fiscally responsible manner by targeting programs that have proven track records of effectiveness and leveraging public-private partnerships.
Makes sense. What about addressing the growing wealth gap?
To address the growing wealth gap, I would consider policies aimed at promoting greater financial inclusion and supporting struggling households, such as expanding access to affordable housing and improving wage growth through pro-worker policies.
And how do you promote greater financial inclusion?
Policymakers can promote greater financial inclusion by implementing measures to improve access to affordable banking services, such as expanding fee-free banking programs and improving financial literacy education.