Alexander W. Salter
Against Central Bank Independence
President Trump’s return to the White House has sparked a resurgence of interest in central bank independence. Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr said he would step down from his Vice […]
To Whip Inflation, Trump Needs The Courage To Be Unpopular
How much longer will high inflation plague the US economy? Both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCEPI) have grown faster than 2 percent […]
Forecasts Stable: The Fed Should Take a Breather
Prices still pinch: The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4 percent in December and 2.9 percent over the past year. The major cause was […]
The FOMC Should Hold Rates Steady
Another disinflationary hiccup: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3 percent in November and 2.7 percent over the last year. Year-over-year prices grew […]
WSJ’s Prof. Blinder Misses Again on Inflation Analysis
Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Alan Blinder argues that President-Elect Donald Trump’s economic agenda will spark inflation. “Almost every economist will tell you — as many did before Nov. […]
Don’t Dread Dwindling Disinflation
Inflation ticked up in October. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2 percent last month. Prices are up 2.6 percent over the last […]
Moderate Inflation Affirms Fed’s Path to Easing
“The Fed should ignore the political noise and follow the data. Central bankers failed to curb inflation, but that doesn’t mean they should deliberately make the opposite mistake now.” ~Alexander W. Salter
Harris’s ‘Joy’ Would Cost US Dearly
“Economists have a duty to point out just how destructive these proposals are.” ~Alexander W. Salter
Moderate Inflation Returns in July
“To judge whether monetary policy is loose, it is not enough to show that monetary aggregates are growing at historically low rates. What matters is whether the money supply is growing faster than money demand.” ~Alexander W. Salter
There’s Nothing Conservative about Deficits and Debt
“Interest payments now suck up more of the federal budget, leaving less to spend on important political priorities. Since Republicans and Democrats disagree about what those priorities are, the resulting fiscal strain amplifies partisan divisions.” ~Alexander W. Salter
