Alan Greenspan, former Federal Reserve chair, dies at 100

Alan Greenspan, the influential economist who led the Federal Reserve for nearly two decades across four U.S. administrations, has died at his home in Washington, D.C., aged 100.

People reported that his death on 22 June 2026 was announced by his wife, Andrea Mitchell, a veteran journalist at NBC News, who said he died “from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.”

In her statement, Mitchell described him as a towering figure in economic policy and a deeply supportive partner.

“Alan passed away at our home this morning at the age of 100 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease,” she said. “He was a giant of a man who helped shape the U.S. economy for decades under presidents of both parties, but was always honest in acknowledging his mistakes.”

She added: “To me he was my husband, who shaped my life from our very first date in 1984… He will be remembered for his brilliance and his kindness. Being his life partner was the joy of my life.”

Greenspan served as Federal Reserve chair from 1987 to 2006, steering monetary policy through major financial events including the 1987 stock market crash, the dot-com boom and bust, and the early stages of the housing expansion that preceded the 2008 financial crisis.

Often regarded as one of the most powerful economic figures of his era, Greenspan was both praised and criticised for his stewardship. Supporters credited him with maintaining long periods of stability and growth, while critics argued his low-interest-rate policies contributed to financial imbalances that fuelled the global downturn.

Reflecting later in life, Greenspan acknowledged misjudgements in his economic thinking, telling lawmakers in 2008 that he had found “a flaw” in his assumptions about how financial markets operate.

Born in New York City in 1926, Greenspan studied economics at New York University and initially pursued music, playing saxophone and clarinet in a swing band. He went on to establish an economic consulting firm before entering public service.

He was appointed chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Gerald Ford and later nominated to lead the Federal Reserve by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, a role he held through the administrations of George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

Greenspan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2002. He also authored several books on economics and global finance following his retirement.

His tenure at the Federal Reserve ended in 2006, closing one of the longest and most consequential leadership periods in the institution’s history.