COMMENTARY / World

Beef all you want, Helicopter Ben was dropping hints since May

Was it something I said?: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks in Washington on June 19 . A majority of the more than two dozen economists polled by the Associated Press later that month agreed with the Fed's plan to start slowing its bond purchases later this year, if the U.S. economy continues to strengthen. Higher long-term rates will likely result. | AP

By Caroline Baum
Bloomberg

Jul 1, 2013

Shoulda, woulda, coulda. It's been a week since Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke "surprised" financial markets by telling them exactly what they expected, yet the whining is still going strong.

If only Bernanke had been clearer at his June 19 news conference. He said too much. He said too little. He should have said nothing at all. He was too blunt. Too indecisive. He should have reassured the markets. (Saying the Fed sees signs of an improving economy isn't reassuring?)

Poor Ben. This is one tough audience — especially when it's on the wrong side of a trade.

Beef all you want, Helicopter Ben was dropping hints since May

In your social network

In your inbox

In your social network

In your inbox