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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Should the Federal Government Bail Out the States?

In the most recent Chicago Fed Letter, Rick Mattoon takes a look at the challenges for state governments in balancing their budgets. He considers what role the federal government can play, in comparison to their effors in past recessions.

Midwest Manufacturing Output Declined in May

The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) was down 3.1% in May, to a seasonally adjusted level of 78.2 (2002 = 100).

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Comparing Default Patterns in Prime and Subprime Mortgages

In this edition of Economic Perspectives, Gene Amromin and Anna L. Paulson examine prime and subprime mortgages to see if are similarities in their default experiences.

May Economic Activity Still Weak

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index was −2.30 in May, little changed from −2.27 in April.

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Fuel Efficiency Challenges in the Auto Industry

Experts at a recent symposium held at our Detroit Branch delved into the problems of the auto industry. In the most recent posting, guest blogger Thomas Klier discusses how vehicles might be designed to meet the 2011 corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards.

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May Employment for States & 2008 Real Output Released

Check out our data page to see the most recent employment and unemployment numbers. Most recently released are the employment numbers for May. Real output for 2008 is now available as well. You can check out our interactive charts to what's happening in the U.S. and in the states. Or, you can take a look at your industry and compare it to others.

Michigan Retail Sales Inch up in May

The Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, resulted in a seasonally adjusted performance index of 35.2 for May, up from 32.8 in April. Looking ahead, the seasonally adjusted outlook index is 45.6, down from 52.2 in April.

Solid Growth Ahead in 2010 Say Analysts

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago hosted its Sixteenth Annual Automotive Outlook Symposium on June 4–5 at the Fed's Detroit Branch Office. Experts from various segments of the economy shared their thoughts on the current state and the future for autos and for the economy. A press release with their consensus outlook is now available. We also have a number of presentations from the symposium on our website that offer the views of individual experts.

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Farmland Values Drop in First Quarter

According to David Oppedahl in the latest AgLetter, there was a 6 percent quarterly decrease in Seventh District farmland in the first quarter of 2009. The year-over-year increase in the value of "good" agricultural land for the District was only 2 percent.