Former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan dies at 100

Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve who guided American economic policy for nearly two decades, has died at the age of 100. Greenspan passed away at his home due to complications from Parkinson's disease, as reported by NBC News, citing his wife, Andrea Mitchell.

Greenspan's tenure at the helm of the world's most influential central bank, from 1987 to 2006, left an indelible mark. He was known for his often cryptic communication style, which became a distinct feature of Federal Reserve policy.

His leadership coincided with the second-longest economic expansion in U.S. history, from March 1991 to March 2001. Greenspan's decision to allow the economy to grow, resisting calls to raise interest rates due to inflation fears, was credited with contributing significantly to years of U.S. prosperity. He famously anticipated a productivity boom in the mid-1990s that would curb inflation.

However, the former jazz musician's monetary policy skills were later questioned. Critics argued that his approach fueled the creation of speculative bubbles and laid the groundwork for the severe financial crisis of 2007-2009.