Economic Research - Economic Research and Data, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

The Economic Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago conducts policy-relevant research on macroeconomics, microeconomics, financial studies, payments and regional economics issues.

News

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Sweep Activity: Managing Bank Reserves in the Seventh District

This Chicago Fed Letter examines banks' retail sweep programs, which help reduce their reserve requirements, freeing up funds for investment.

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Michigan—Brakes and Shocks

In Bill Testa's most recent posting, he blogs about the variety of industries that contribute to Michigan's economy—automotive, tourism and office furniture.

Midwest Manufacturing Output Is Down in May

The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) declined 0.8% in May, to a seasonally adjusted level of 104.8 (2002 = 100).

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Are Inflation Targets Good Inflation Forecasts?

In this edition of Economic Perspectives, the authors show that quantified inflation objectives, which have been adopted by many industrialized countries, can be used as rule-of-thumb forecasting devices.

May Economic Activity Slow but Improved

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index was −0.96 in May, up from −1.23 in April.

Eleventh Annual International Banking Conference

The European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago will co-sponsor the Fed's eleventh annual International Banking Conference titled The Credit Market Turmoil of 2007–08: Implications for Public Policy on September 25–26, 2008. Please visit the web site to check for updates on the conference and the agenda. Seating is limited, so please register soon.

Economic Outlook for 2008 and 2009

U.S. economic growth will be weak in 2008 and improve in 2009, say participants at Chicago Fed Automotive Outlook Symposium.

Fourteen Percent Annual Gain in Farmland Values

According to the most recent AgLetter, farmland cash rental rates in the Seventh Federal Reserve District soared higher this year compared with those in 2007, rising 21 percent. But the year-over-year increase in District farmland values eased to 14 percent in the first quarter of 2008, and the quarterly increase in the value of "good" agricultural land was 2 percent.

Blogs

The Midwest Economy

Research Vice President Bill Testa blogs about research endeavors that examine the shifting trends in the Midwest economy.

Notional Pensions: Does Sweden Have the Answer?

Senior economist and economic advisor Rick Mattoon blogs on the effects of changing demographics on the Swedish pension system.