Consensus prevails as dissent becomes increasingly rare

  • Dissenting votes at the Fed have become almost extinct
  • Only 2.6% of total votes under Jerome Powell have been dissents
  • This is the lowest dissent rate since the Paul Volcker era
  • Since the pandemic, dissents have been even rarer at 1.4%
  • The Fed has faced challenges such as a collapsing economy and spiking inflation

Dissenting votes at the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate-setting committee meetings have been steadily declining, reaching a record low under Jerome Powell’s leadership. Only 2.6% of total votes have been dissents, the lowest rate since the Paul Volcker era in the late 1970s and 1980s. Since the pandemic, dissents have become even rarer, accounting for just 1.4% of votes. Despite facing challenges such as a collapsing economy and spiking inflation, the Fed has managed to maintain a consensus among its officials.

Public Companies: Federal Reserve (undefined)
Private Companies:
Key People: Paul Volcker (former head of the Federal Reserve), Jerome Powell (current head of the Federal Reserve)

Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides data from St. Louis Fed to support the claim that dissenting votes at the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate-setting committee meetings have been in decline under Jerome Powell’s leadership. The article also mentions the context of the pandemic and the challenges faced by the Federal Open Market Committee during this time. The information provided is specific and based on data, making it relatively factual.

Noise Level: 7
Justification: The article provides some data on the decline of dissents at the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate-setting committee meetings under Jerome Powell’s leadership. However, it lacks in-depth analysis, evidence, and actionable insights. It also does not explore the consequences of decisions on those who bear the risks or hold powerful people accountable. The article stays on topic but lacks scientific rigor and intellectual honesty.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article pertains to the Federal Reserve and its interest-rate-setting committee meetings, which can have an impact on financial markets and companies.

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article discusses the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate-setting committee meetings and their impact on the economy and financial markets. While there is no mention of an extreme event, the decisions made by the Federal Reserve can have significant financial implications.

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com