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Economists must bridge the gulf with man on the street

Popular discontent with economists is exacerbated by the tendency for experts to think in abstract terms, use obscure jargon and speak with great certainty

Economists must bridge the gulf with man on the street
Photo: Jo Empson / Getty Images

What should we make of recent outbursts from the Bank of England’s Chief economist Andy Haldane citing ‘Michael Fish moments’ and railing against economists ignoring irrational human behaviour?

Has the Bank’s chief economist gone populist, in keeping with the mood of the times? His interventions appeared to sting some City observers and the comments attracted much debate. If Haldane has a point however, which point was he making?

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