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Jun 22, 2026
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Alan Greenspan Obituary: The Rise and Fall of the Former US Federal Reserve Chairman

AI Summary
Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the US Federal Reserve, has died aged 100. He was a highly influential figure in the US economy, serving under four presidents and presiding over a period of significant economic growth. However, his reputation was later tarnished by his role in the 2008 financial crisis.

The Legacy of Alan Greenspan

Alan Greenspan, who has died aged 100, was a dominant figure in the US economy for nearly two decades as chairman of the Federal Reserve. He was widely respected for his leadership during times of economic turmoil, including the 1987 stock market crash and the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

The Greenspan Era at the Federal Reserve

Greenspan served as chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, a period during which he was known for his ability to communicate effectively with financial markets and his commitment to low inflation. He was a key adviser to four US presidents: Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush.

The Impact of Greenspan's Policies

Greenspan's policies had a significant impact on the US economy. He was instrumental in averting a global economic meltdown after the 1987 Black Monday stock market crash and again in the 1997 Asian financial crisis. His leadership during these times earned him widespread acclaim, and he was dubbed the Oracle, the Wizard, and the Maestro.

The Dark Side of Greenspan's Legacy

However, Greenspan's reputation was later tarnished by his role in the 2008 financial crisis. A congressional commission concluded that he had championed deregulation of the financial sector and reliance on self-regulation, which contributed to the crisis. Greenspan himself acknowledged that he had made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organisations, specifically banks and others, were such that they were best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in the firms.

The Future of Economic Policy

Greenspan's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of effective regulation and oversight in the financial sector. His story is a fable of the land that made him, and his rise and fall serve as a cautionary tale for future generations of economic policymakers.