The Fed should not vary interest rates from normal levels, says author Nassim Taleb

Discussion in 'Economics' started by The_Krakenite, Sep 15, 2022.

  1. TheDawn

    TheDawn

    He's aged.
     
    #11     Sep 16, 2022
  2. Back before Volker's time....

    Corp. Bonds yield ~9-10%
    30 yr Treasuries, ~8%
    Money Markets ~6%
    Savings Accounts ~5%

    The markets and the economy got along just fine. Then... some government and banking guys got the idea that they could "get something for free" by lowering rates and deficit spending. And now, here we are... banana republic in the making. :(
     
    #12     Sep 16, 2022
    Sekiyo likes this.
  3. Businessman

    Businessman

    Im not that old to remember before Volker, but i remember day trading with IB in 2006 and thinking the overnight interest they were paying into my account was going to cover almost all the commissions i was paying to them.
     
    #13     Sep 16, 2022
  4. I remember when passbook savings accounts were @ 5.25% and we thought that was a poor yield. Many people today would give their left nut for such a yield now... :)
     
    #14     Sep 16, 2022
  5. MKTrader

    MKTrader

    Remember, we have a huge debt to service, and low interest rates make that more manageable. As far as what rates "should" be, well the Fed "should" have nothing to do with that, but that's a different discussion.
     
    #15     Sep 16, 2022
  6. Yeah, but the Fed has LOTS to do with it.
     
    #16     Sep 16, 2022
  7. zghorner

    zghorner

    yes exactly, the dude is basically saying zero interest rates create bubbles...so don't do that again lol. seems like a fair statement to me.
     
    #17     Sep 16, 2022
  8. Yeah, well... too late. The "horse is out of the barn"... ZIRP allowed $30T debt build-up and there is no "reeling it in". Likely massive default or hyperinflation only options.
     
    #18     Sep 16, 2022
    zghorner likes this.
  9. M.W.

    M.W.

    That's a huge misperception. Ever heard the term "inflating yourself out of debt"? With higher inflation the same 1000 today than a year ago is worth much less, so paying the past 1000 in debt back with the inflated 1000 today is much easier, not more difficult.

     
    #19     Sep 16, 2022
  10. MKTrader

    MKTrader

    That's a huge reading comprehension error. Cetiris paribus, higher interest rates make debt payments larger. Inflation is a different issue. The misperception and goal post shifting belong 100% to you.
     
    #20     Sep 16, 2022