Jón Steinsson

Jón Steinsson is Chancellor's Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, where he joined in 2018 after teaching at Columbia University from 2008 to 2018. He holds a PhD from Harvard University (2007) and a bachelor's degree in economics from Princeton University (2000).

His research focuses on empirical macroeconomics, with particular interest in price rigidity, monetary and fiscal policy effects, and forward guidance mechanisms. Steinsson has made significant contributions to understanding how prices adjust in the economy and the implications for macroeconomic stability. He is also deeply engaged in the historical aspects of economic growth, as evidenced by his recent work estimating productivity growth in England from 1250 to 1870.

Steinsson serves as Co-Director for the Monetary Economics program of the National Bureau of Economic Research. His recent scholarly output includes textbook materials on macroeconomics and money and banking, reflecting his commitment to economic education. His work spans both theoretical and applied aspects of macroeconomics, with increasing attention to historical economic patterns.

Among his notable scientific recognitions is the prestigious Chancellor's Professorship at UC Berkeley, which acknowledges his significant contributions to the field of economics.

Steinsson actively participates in economic policy discussions, particularly regarding monetary policy and inflation dynamics. His recent social media commentary reflects engagement with contemporary economic issues including Federal Reserve policy credibility, the role of natural gas in California's electricity mix, and debates about currency policy such as the elimination of the penny. He maintains active connections with his native Iceland, participating in its political and economic discourse.