Obama is most likely going to nominate Yellen. She’s the wife of Nobel economist George Akerlof, whom I like. The have written extensively about unemployment together. Then, I read this from Economist’s View:
Many in the markets … will be interested in only one question: How will the nomination affect monetary policy decisions, specifically the timing of exit from the current near-zero rate? Janet Yellen is today, certainly, among the doves on the Committee. I will be posting a commentary soon … where I explain what makes one a hawk or a dove … and whether it matters. The conclusion is that it does not matter… The reason is, as said to me by a member of the Board: “The Chairman owns the room.” When the Chairman wants to move away from the near-zero funds rate, the Committee will do so. Until that time, he will always enter the room with at least eight votes in his pocket and with assurance that there will be several more each time. As Vice Chair, Janet can never vote against the Chairman. She can never take a substantially different view than the Chairman around the table. This is the etiquette of being a Vice Chair… It goes with the territory. You don’t take this position if you cannot abide by this rule. Fortunately, this won’t be a problem for Janet. First, she holds views that are not very different than the Chairman’s. Second, she has utmost confidence in his judgment, and the feeling is mutual. She will, almost alone on the FOMC, continue to have the opportunity to help shape that judgment. Janet surely appreciates … that the only way she can affect the policy decision is to convince the Chairman to alter his recommendation to the Committee is to reach him before the meeting. What we can say for sure is that Janet will surely help the Chairman make the best decision, even in those occasions when he ends up disagreeing with her.
Archein