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Consumption and the Great Recession

Economic Perspectives article addresses why the latest recession featured the most severe and persistent decline in aggregate consumption since WWII and why its recovery path has been so weak. Read More

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Medicaid and the Elderly

In 2009, Medicaid spent over $75 billion on 5.3 million elderly beneficiaries. Economic Perspectives article describes the Medicaid rules for the elderly and discusses their economic implications. Read More

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New Issue of Risk Perspectives Available

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's supervision group follows current and emerging risk trends.  Recent issue of Risk Perspectives highlights risk monitoring in the Midwest. Read More

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Community Development Financial Institutions Assist the Underserved

Profitwise News and Views Spotlight explains how Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)  are assisting with the implementation of several new policy initiatives designed to direct capital to the nation’s underserved communities, business and home owners.  Read More

Recent News

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Midwest Farmland Values Show Biggest Annual Increase Since 1976

Latest AgLetter reports farmland values for 2011 increased 22 percent from the previous year in the Seventh Federal Reserve District. Read More

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Is Intergenerational Economic Mobility Lower Now Than in the Past?

Understanding economic mobility and how prospects for today’s children may be affected by the recent economic downturn. Read More

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Why Has Labor Force Participation Declined?

Chicago Fed Letter examines long-term patterns beyond the recession that help explain why the labor force participation rate is lower today. Read More

Financial Disclosures

In order to promote transparency and in response to media interest, the Federal Reserve Banks are making available financial disclosure forms and related documents filed by their current presidents with Federal Reserve Bank ethics officers. Read More

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What are the Risks and Opportunities on the Horizon for Community Banking?

Chicago Fed Letter explores the direct and indirect effects of the Dodd–Frank Act on community banks and other related issues. Read More

Around the System

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Is the Fed Audited?

Yes, the Board of Governors, the 12 Federal Reserve Banks, and the Federal Reserve System as a whole are all subject to several levels of audit and review.

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Consumer Complaints and Information

If you have a problem with a bank or financial institution, contact the Federal Reserve for help.

Talking Points

"Being more explicit about appropriate policy can clear up a lot of uncertainty."

Charles Evans, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, in a January 13, 2012 speech.
Economic Snapshot

Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI)


National Financial Conditions Index (NFCI)


Midwest Economy Index (MEI)


Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI)


Latest Indicators — Nov*  
Unemployment Employment
Growth
GSP     
Growth**
Monthly YoY      YoY
US:
IL:
IN:
IA:
MI:
WI:
8.5%
9.8%
9.0%
5.6%
9.3%
7.1%
0.2%
-0.1%
0.5%
-0.3%
0.1%
-0.1%
1.3%
0.9%
0.6%
0.9%
1.7%
0.1%
1.4%
1.4%
1.8%
2.4%
1.5%
2.1%

*All data are seasonally adjusted.
**Estimates of annual GSP growth are through 2011:Q3.
More about the Midwest Economy

CFNAI
December
Monthly Index:  +0.17
3-month MA:  -0.08
NFCI
February 10, 2012
NFCI:  -0.46
Adjusted NFCI (ANFCI):  0.07
Midwest Economy Index (MEI)
December
MEI:  +0.09
Relative MEI:  +0.31
CFMMI

+1.7% in December

Farmland Values

+22% in 4Q11 over 4Q10

'Beige Book'

The rate of growth of economic activity in the Seventh District picked up in late November and December.

Michigan Retail Index

-4.0 for sales outlook
-4.1 for sales performance