海外专家：警惕独立运营的中央银行

Core Viewpoint - The independence of central banks is being questioned as they increasingly serve powerful financial interests, leading to slow and uneven economic growth [1][2]. Group 1: Central Bank Independence - Central banks were established to shape financial environments and achieve national economic goals, but they are often influenced by strong financial interests, particularly in smaller, open developing countries [2]. - The shift towards central bank independence has led to a focus on inflation targeting, equating financial stability with price stability, which can exacerbate economic contraction during inflationary periods [2][4]. Group 2: Economic Inequality - The policies of central banks, particularly through interest rate hikes to combat inflation, have disproportionately affected low-income families, leading to increased unemployment and reduced income levels [4][6]. - The negative impacts of rising interest rates have not been offset by any positive effects, as banks benefit from higher interest income while the broader population suffers [4][6]. Group 3: Quantitative Easing - Quantitative easing (QE) emerged as a response to the limitations of traditional monetary policy, aiming to stimulate the economy by purchasing financial assets [5][6]. - QE has led to increased asset prices, benefiting wealthier individuals and exacerbating wealth inequality, as the richest segments of society see their asset values rise significantly [7][8].