Alan Greenspan, the legendary economist and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, remains one of the most influential and debated figures in modern financial history. As of this current date in December 2025, the "Maestro" continues to command attention not just for his storied past, but because his policy decisions and philosophical viewpoints are still being fiercely debated and referenced in the context of today's volatile global markets. His longevity and continued relevance at a remarkable age underscore the enduring impact of his nearly two-decade tenure at the helm of the world's most powerful central bank.

The question of "how old is Alan Greenspan" is often asked as a measure of his incredible career span and the historical period he witnessed and shaped. Born before the Great Depression, Greenspan’s life has spanned nearly a century of economic booms, busts, and paradigm shifts, making his insights—and his errors, according to critics—a crucial lens through which to view the contemporary US and global economy in late 2025.

Alan Greenspan: A Complete Biographical Profile

Alan Greenspan is an American economist who served as the 13th Chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, a period often referred to as the "Great Moderation." His career is marked by an unparalleled influence over US monetary policy, navigating events from the Black Monday stock market crash to the dot-com bubble and the early signs of the 2008 housing crisis. He is known for his measured public statements and a reputation for being an economic oracle, though his legacy is complex and highly scrutinized.

• Full Name: Alan Greenspan
• Date of Birth: March 6, 1926
• Current Age (December 2025): 99 years old
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Andrea Mitchell (m. 1997), Joan Mitchell (m. 1952, annulled 1953)
• Political Affiliation: Republican
• Education:
  • B.S. in Economics, New York University (1948)
  • M.A. in Economics, New York University (1950)
  • Ph.D. in Economics, New York University (1977)
• Key Career Highlights:
  • Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (1974–1977)
  • Chairman of the Federal Reserve (1987–2006)
  • Co-founder and Chairman of the consulting firm Townsend-Greenspan & Co., Inc. (1954–1987)

The Maestro at 99: Greenspan's Current Activities and Net Worth

At 99 years old, Alan Greenspan is officially retired from public service, but he remains an active voice in economic discourse and a significant figure in private consulting. His activities post-Fed have shifted from policy-making to commentary and analysis, often through his own private consulting firm and published works.

After leaving the Federal Reserve in 2006, Greenspan established his own economic consulting firm, Greenspan Associates LLC, which continues to operate. This provides a platform for him to offer his expertise to private clients and global financial institutions. He has also authored several books, including his 2007 memoir, The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World, and Capitalism in America: A History (2018), co-authored with Adrian Wooldridge.

While Greenspan does not make the frequent media appearances he once did, his public statements and opinions are still highly sought after and widely reported. Economists and analysts frequently reference his past remarks to contextualize current events, a testament to his enduring topical authority. For instance, his definition of "stable inflation" is still cited in discussions around the Federal Reserve's current challenges in late 2025.

Greenspan's Estimated Net Worth and Enduring Financial Success

Due to his decades of high-level government service, lucrative private consulting work, and successful book sales, Alan Greenspan’s estimated net worth is substantial. While specific figures vary, estimates generally place his net worth in the tens of millions of dollars. This wealth is a combination of his government pension, income from his consulting firm, speaking fees, and royalties from his best-selling books. His financial success is a direct result of his status as one of the most recognized and sought-after economic minds globally, even in his late nineties.

Why Greenspan's "Irrational Exuberance" Echoes in the 2025 Economy

Perhaps the most famous and enduring phrase of Alan Greenspan’s career is "irrational exuberance," which he coined in a December 1996 speech to describe the rapidly rising stock market. This term is not merely a historical footnote; it is being actively used by financial commentators in late 2025 to describe the current market environment, demonstrating the timelessness of his observations.

In December 2025, as the US economy navigates a complex period of technological advancement and market volatility, many analysts are drawing parallels between the late 1990s dot-com bubble and the current high valuations in sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.

Key Economic Entities and Concepts Relevant to Greenspan’s Legacy in 2025:

• Irrational Exuberance: The concept is used to question if the current market's optimism, particularly in high-growth tech stocks, is justified by fundamentals or driven by speculative fervor, much like it was in 1996.
• The Fed's Dual Mandate: Greenspan's management of the Federal Reserve's mandate—to maintain maximum employment and price stability—is frequently compared to the strategies of current Fed Chairs.
• Asset Bubbles: His critics argue that his long period of low interest rates contributed to the formation of the housing bubble that led to the 2008 Financial Crisis. This debate informs current central bank caution regarding monetary policy.
• Great Moderation: The period of low inflation and stable growth during his tenure (mid-1980s to 2007) is a benchmark against which all subsequent economic periods are measured.
• Monetary Policy: His use of "Greenspeak"—deliberately vague language in public statements—is an entity in itself, a communication strategy that central bankers today try to avoid in favor of greater transparency.

The Enduring Debate: Greenspan's Impact on Modern Central Banking

The legacy of Alan Greenspan is defined by both high praise and intense criticism. Proponents credit him with skillfully guiding the US economy through major crises, such as the 1987 stock market crash and the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis, and for overseeing a period of unprecedented economic expansion. His ability to build consensus within the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is often cited as a key strength.

However, critics, particularly in the wake of the 2008 crisis, argue that his libertarian belief in minimal regulation and his reluctance to curb the housing market boom were fundamental policy errors. The debate over whether the Fed should have intervened to pop the housing bubble remains a central theme in economic circles, influencing the regulatory frameworks and risk assessments used by central banks around the world today.

In 2025, as the global economy grapples with new challenges like geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and the rapid adoption of AI, Greenspan's career serves as a crucial case study. His tenure illustrates the immense power and responsibility of a central bank chairman and the long-term, complex consequences of seemingly short-term monetary policy decisions. The ongoing discussion about his legacy ensures that the 99-year-old economist remains a vital, if ghost-like, presence in the financial news cycle.