373 Quotes by Ben Bernanke

Monetary policy is most effective when it is coherent, consistent and predictable as possible, while at all times leaving full scope for flexibility and the use of judgment as conditions may require.

A very important factor is the fact that inflation expectations are well-controlled and well-contained, which means that the Federal Reserve, unlike the 70s, doesn't have to react violently in terms of raising interest rates to contain the second- and third-round inflationary impacts. So I remain pretty optimistic about the economy,

Monetary policy is a blunt tool which certainly affects the distribution of income and wealth, although whether the net effect is to increase or reduce inequality is not clear.

At some point in the future, the committee may decide to take no action at one or more meetings in the interest of allowing more time to receive information relevant to the outlook.

Monetary policy has less room to maneuver when interest rates are close to zero, while expansionary fiscal policy is likely both more effective and less costly in terms of increased debt burden when interest rates are pinned at low levels.

As long as there's not permanent damage to our energy infrastructure, the effects on the overall economy should be fairly modest.

No one will lend at a negative interest rate; potential creditors will simply choose to hold cash, which pays zero nominal interest.

As long as we find that the energy impact is only temporary ... my guess is that the effects on the overall economy will be fairly modest.

Now that I'm a civilian again, I can once more comment on economic and financial issues without my words being put under the microscope by Fed watchers.