The Itinerant Economist: Memoirs of a Dismal Scientist

Economists and bankers have long been much maligned individuals, but never more so than in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis. Working as an economist for various financial institutions for more than twenty-five years Russell Jones had a foot in both camps. He plied his trade in a number of global financial centres – including London, Tokyo, Sydney, New York and Abu Dhabi – experiencing at first hand the extraordinary ebb and flow of an industry that came to exert a disproportionate influence on the lives of almost everyone on the planet. This is the story of his journey.

Along the way, he met some remarkable people, witnessed dramatic shifts in the balance of global economic and political power, explored in detail the labyrinthine complexities involved in managing modern day macroeconomies, and observed all the arrogance, hubris and day-to-day absurdities of an industry that was allowed to run out of control. It was quite a ride and one not without its moments of pathos and humour. The author’s clarity of explanation, candour and honesty are refreshing. For anyone interested in the reality of economics and ‘high’ finance, this is a compelling read.

Russell Jones has nearly three decades of experience working as a macroeconomist in the financial markets. He has occupied senior roles in London, Tokyo, the Middle East and Sydney, and he has worked on both the ‘sell’ and ‘buy’ sides of the business. He spent a decade at Lehman Brothers, where he was Chief Economist for Asia and Head of Foreign Exchange Research, and for a period he was also Chief Economist for the Treasury Department of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Russell has BSc and MSc degrees in economics and economic history from the University of Bristol.