Volcker vs Powell — how the US Fed once handled low inflation
Inflation peaked in March 1980. Wage growth peaked in January 1981. Both fell sharply over the next five years, though interest rates were slower to come down
New York — US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has called low inflation the great problem of our time, but it wasn’t always so. Paul Volcker, the legendary Fed chief who died on Sunday, will be remembered for the extraordinary interest rates he imposed to vanquish high inflation four decades ago.
Inflation averaged 7.1% in the 1970s, more than double the previous decade’s level, and mortgage rates — the most important borrowing costs for American households — were above that level for most of those years. The soaring cost of living was a national preoccupation, so president Jimmy Carter called in “Tall Paul”...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.