Barack Obama. Warren Buffett. Paul from Bake-Off. There are lots of people you would probably put in charge of choosing the next chairman of the Federal Reserve rather than Donald Trump. With his chaotic approach to staff management, his short attention span and his addiction to short-term populism, the Donald is just about uniquely unqualified to assess the right candidate for what may well be the most technically challenging job in the world. The trouble is, he is going to have to make the call, and make it soon. That might seem a largely American issue. But it matters to the rest of the world, and even more this time around. Why? Because the president is so unstable, a rock-steady presence at the Fed is more vital than ever; because the US is embarking on a high-risk experiment in normalising monetary policy; and because the US remains the world's crucial source of economic growth. Janet Yellen's term of chairing the Federal Reserve - the first woman to hold the post - expires in...
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.