Trump says he 'likes' Fed chair Yellen

Published Thu, Sep 14, 2017 · 10:47 PM

[WASHINGTON] US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had not yet decided who will be the chairman of the Federal Reserve come February, but said he "likes" incumbent Janet Yellen.

"I do respect Chairman Yellen a lot. I like her and I respect her but I haven't made that decision yet," Mr Trump said, giving the clearest hint yet that he could keep the 71-year-old on.

Ms Yellen's current four-year term as Fed chair expires in February.

"I think the country is doing well," Mr Trump added. "There's a big reason for that and the reason happens to be Trump."

In a speech last month, Ms Yellen strongly defended banking safeguards put in place after the 2008 financial meltdown, which though simply repeating her previously-stated position, was seen as a warning to the Trump administration that may have caused her to lose favour.

Rumours have swirled that Mr Trump could appoint aide and form Goldman Sachs executive Gary Cohn, although senior administration officials have recently scotched that notion.

AFP

KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE

BT is now on Telegram!

For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to  t.me/BizTimes

International

SUPPORT SOUTH-EAST ASIA'S LEADING FINANCIAL DAILY

Get the latest coverage and full access to all BT premium content.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Browse corporate subscription here