Although we work through financial markets, our goal is to help Main Street, not Wall Street.
There is always some chance of recession in any year. But the evidence suggests that expansions don't die of old age.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recessions are inevitable, but economic expansions typically continue unless disrupted by significant events.
Janet Yellen's quote emphasizes the cyclical nature of the economy, indicating that while recessions can happen unexpectedly in any given year, periods of economic growth (expansions) generally do not end simply due to the passage of time. Instead, expansions often continue until they are interrupted by external factors such as financial crises or policy changes, suggesting a more resilient nature of growth compared to the occurrence of downturns.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a financial seminar discussing market trends, one might quote Yellen to highlight the resilience of economic growth.
More from Janet Yellen
All quotes βWe need to keep in mind the well-established fact that the full effects of monetary policy are felt only after long lags. This means that policy makers cannot wait until they have achieved their objectives to begin adjusting policy.
A clear lesson of history is that a 'sine qua non' for sustained economic recovery following a financial crisis is a thoroughgoing repair of the financial system.
Transparency concerning the Federal Reserve's conduct of monetary policy is desirable because better public understanding enhances the effectiveness of policy. More important, however, is that transparent communications reflect the Federal Reserve's commitment to accountability within our democratic system of government.
For decades, the pace of technological change in manufacturing has outstripped that in the economy as a whole. And, so, firms - manufacturing firms - have found it easier to continue producing by - with - reducing their workforces.
Inequality has risen to the point that it seems to me worthwhile for the U.S. to seriously consider taking the risk of making our economy more rewarding for more of the people.
Similar quotes
I think economics - and this is what I've tried to impart - has a tremendous amount of human interest in it.
There is slow growth, but it is positive slow growth. At the same time, ratios of debt-to-incomes go down. That's a beautiful deleveraging.
Every coercive monopoly was created by government intervention into the economy: by special privileges, such as franchises or subsidies, which closed the entry of competitors into a given field, by legislative action.
I am in favor of high wages and agree that the higher the wages, the stronger the evidence of prosperity, provided (and that is the important point) they are so naturally, by the effectiveness of industry, and not in consequence of an inflated currency or any artificial regulation.
In time of peace there can, at all events, be no justification for the creation of a permanent debt by the Federal Government. Its limited range of constitutional duties may certainly under such circumstances be performed without such a resort.
I'm of those who believe that excesses in all matters are not a good idea, whether it's formation of bubbles, whether it's excess in the financial market, whether it's excess of inequality, it has to be watched, it has to be measured, and it has to be anticipated in terms of consequences.