Community & Economic Development

Profitwise News and Views April Edition

We roll out the first 2013 edition with a small business theme and a new look for ProfitWise News and Views. In October, we welcomed to the Detroit branch entrepreneurs, bankers, economic development professionals, and an array of organizations and individuals working to improve Detroit’s small business lending and development infrastructure.

Chicago Fed Income Based Economic Index (IBEX)

The IBEX 12 Month Inflation Rates provide a monthly chain-weighted inflation measure for more than thirty socio-economic and demographic groups, as well as the overall urban population. It covers the period from 1983–2008. The inflation rates are updated annually in the first quarter of each year when new data for expenditures are available.

The CRA and Subprime Lending: Discerning the Difference Banking and Community Perspectives

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) has been under much scrutiny amid the subprime lending bust. Critics of the CRA contend that the law pushed banking institutions to undertake high-risk mortgage lending.This issue examines the CRA and its role in the mortgage market and distinguish it from causes of the subprime failure.

Related Research by Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

These are links to recent working papers and other research by Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago economists on topics related to community development, financial access, consumer and regulatory issues.