|
May 21, 2013
A Summary of the Electronic Payment Order Forum
The electronic payment order (EPO) does not fit neatly into the current legal or regulatory payments infrastructure. To begin the process of defining EPOs and moving toward a clear legal outcome, the Atlanta Fed recently hosted the EPO Forum with payments industry participants.
|
|
May 21, 2013
Atlanta Fed Prepares for 2013 Storm Season
Federal Reserve cash and check services in Atlanta maintain a business continuity plan for business disruptions. The Atlanta Fed also has a comprehensive list that includes contingency contacts and general contingency information to help banks work with the Fed in the event of a weather-related crisis. 
|
|
May 21, 2013
Nashville’s Music City Center: If You Build It, They Will Come
The opening of Nashville's new convention center has quickened the tempo of Music City's economy, with meetings already booked there through 2026. SouthPoint takes a look at the potential economic impact of the facility and why it has city leaders singing a happy tune.
|
|
May 20, 2013
ATM Cash-Outs: A Major Escalation
The two global ATM cash-out schemes that netted a cybercrime organization a whopping $45 million are a "game changer" for the security controls of all types of card management applications, says Portals and Rails. How should bankers and card management processors respond?
|
|
May 16, 2013
Economic & Financial Highlights
Overall industrial production fell 0.5 percent in April, and core retail sales increased at a 6.2 annual rate in the same month. See the latest data on manufacturing, retail sales, and more.
|
|
May 16, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Still Zero
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period is 0 percent, where it has been most days since early February this year. The 2013–18 deflation probability, based on the 5-year TIPS issued last month and the 10-year TIPS issued in July 2008, is also 0 percent.
|
|
May 16, 2013
The Fed Explains Regional Banks
The Fed's decentralized structure was put in place nearly 100 years ago. Does it still make sense? The latest in the Atlanta Fed's animated video series explains how the U.S. central bank's regional structure helps gather grassroots information about economic conditions across the nation.
|
|
May 16, 2013
Labor Costs, Inflation Expectations, and the Affordable Care Act: What Businesses Are Telling Us
Businesses large and small necessarily anticipate factors that affect their costs, including labor costs and price increases. A new macroblog post parses recent survey results that asked regional businesses to look into their crystal balls for the next 12 months.
|
|
May 16, 2013
Sticky Price CPI Growth Rose in April
The Atlanta Fed's sticky-price consumer price index (CPI) measure—the measure of the weighted basket of goods consumers purchase that change prices relatively infrequently—rose 0.8 percent (annualized) in April, following 1.8 percent growth in March. The 12-month change in the index was 2 percent.
|
|
May 15, 2013
Business Inflation Expectations Relatively Unchanged
Inflation expectations of businesses were relatively unchanged at 2 percent in May, according to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey. However, nearly two-thirds of respondents expect labor costs to put moderate to strong upward pressure on prices over the next 12 months.
|
|
May 15, 2013
The Regional Housing Recovery: Where Are the Jobs?
The housing recovery appears to have legs, but housing-related construction employment is not showing a corresponding rebound. SouthPoint looks at the disconnect between the housing sector's improvement and regional construction employment.
|
|
May 15, 2013
Data Digest: Modest Improvements in Southeast Economy
The monthly report on the Southeast economy noted improvements in regional labor markets and manufacturing activity. Despite these modest gains, however, the Atlanta Fed's D6 Factor declined for a third consecutive month.
|
|
May 13, 2013
Labor Force Participation and the Unemployment Threshold
New research on unemployment, along with revisions to the unemployment rate, produces some interesting possibilities as to when the Federal Open Market Committee would consider raising the fed funds rate. This issue of macroblog crunches some numbers.
|
|
May 13, 2013
Which Is Riskier, Change or Avoiding It?
Younger consumers were early adopters of online banking and mobile payments, and strongly consider these services when selecting a bank. Portals and Rails asks, what are banks doing to keep up with the changing demographics of their bank customers?
|
|
May 10, 2013
Behavior’s Place in the Labor Force Participation Debate
Among the discussion of changes in the labor force participation rate, the changing behavior of some demographic groups is one of the overlooked factors. A new macroblog post looks at some recent research and offers some observations on this key labor market statistic.
|
|
May 10, 2013
Expansion in Regional Manufacturing Continues
Manufacturing, a closely watched sector of the southeastern economy, continues its slow but steady expansion. A new SouthPoint post looks at results from a recent survey of purchasing managers to take the pulse of manufacturing.
|
|
May 9, 2013
Deflation Probability Measures Still at Zero
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period is 0 percent, where it has been most days since early February this year. The 2013–18 deflation probability, based on the 5-year TIPS issued last month and the 10-year TIPS issued in July 2008, is also 0 percent.
|
|
May 9, 2013
Weighing In on the Recent Discrepancy in the Inflation Statistics
Inflation is always a subject of close scrutiny, and there are numerous ways to measure it. Some common inflation measures have recently demonstrated some divergence, and a new macroblog post delves into the data to see why.
|
|
May 9, 2013
Financial Life Is Tough—Students Should Be Prepared
Even financially savvy consumers can experience serious financial problems—because of an illness, for example. Extra Credit offers teachers information on nonprofit financial counseling agencies that can give support to people going through tough financial times.
|
|
May 8, 2013
Productivity: The New Badge of Honor for Businesses
Most business contacts expect the same or higher growth in their businesses over the near term. Some companies have achieved greater productivity with fewer workers. According to Southeastern Insights, they've also improved efficiency by meeting increased demand through automation and streamlined processes.
|
|
May 8, 2013
Food for Thought
While agriculture no longer drives the southeastern economy as it once did, it is still a significant sector in the region. The Atlanta Fed recently met with some of its agricultural contacts, and SouthPoint reports on some notable observations.
|
|
May 6, 2013
Staying One Step Ahead of ATM Attacks
Criminals will resort to any method to get at the contents of ATMs, including injecting them with explosive liquids then igniting them. Portals and Rails reiterates that stakeholders in the payments system must always anticipate the next type of attack and take preventive measures.
|
|
May 3, 2013
Building a Better Jobs Calculator: Choose Your Own Payroll/Household Employment Ratio
The labor market is a dynamic mosaic composed of many moving parts. To allow more flexibility for the user, the Atlanta Fed has enhanced its Jobs Calculator, and a new macroblog post discusses what the change means for Jobs Calculator projections.
|
|
May 3, 2013
Jobs Calculator Updated with April Data, Revisions
The economy added 165,000 nonfarm jobs in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check out the Jobs Calculator to see how changes in payrolls and other key labor force statistics influence the unemployment rate.
|
|
May 2, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Still Virtually Stationary
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period is 0 percent, where it has been most days since early February this year. The 2013–18 deflation probability, based on the 5-year TIPS issued this month and the 10-year TIPS issued in July 2008, is also 0 percent.
|
|
May 1, 2013
2012 Annual Report Now Available
The Atlanta Fed's annual report, Turning Points: 7 Critical Conversations About the Economy in 2012, examines the interaction between the economy and monetary policy over the past year. The dynamic, online annual report features video conversations, interactive graphs, and more.
|
|
May 1, 2013
Travel Outlook Remains Bright, but Challenges Remain
Although the recession struck the travel and tourism sector hard, the appetite for travel among businesses and consumers is growing. The Atlanta Fed recently talked to some contacts about the sector, and SouthPoint discusses their perspectives.
|
|
May 1, 2013
Citing Modest Improvements, FOMC Holds Steady on Monetary Policy
Although U.S. economic activity and labor markets have improved modestly, downside risks to the economic outlook remain, said the Federal Open Market Committee following its latest policy meeting. The Committee also announced that it would continue its current monetary policy stance.
|
|
April 30, 2013
Southeast Housing Update: Inventory Shortages Appear to Constrain Sales
The slowdown in housing construction that occurred during the recession is being manifested in depleted inventories, pushing up prices, if only incrementally. The Atlanta Fed recently polled its contacts in the housing industry to take the pulse of activity, and SouthPoint looks at the results.
|
|
April 29, 2013
Employer and Lower-Wage Employee Perspectives on Training and Advancement
There is value for both the employee and employer in enhancing the skill sets of lower-wage workers. Mark Popovich of the Hitachi Foundation and Jenny Benz of the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research discuss findings of a recent study on this topic and implications for policy and practice.
|
|
April 29, 2013
It’s Time for Better Online Authentication Solutions
Requiring some form of authentication is better than requiring none. However, Portals and Rails suggests that "some" generally means a user name and password and perhaps a set of knowledge-based challenge questions. Is it time for more?
|
|
April 26, 2013
Data Digest: Southeast Economy Improving Steadily
The report notes modest gains in the region's housing and labor markets in the first few months of 2013. Manufacturing activity in the Southeast also showed signs of strengthening.
|
|
April 25, 2013
Deflation Probability Updated
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period is 0 percent, where it has been most days since early February this year. The 2013–18 deflation probability, based on the 5-year TIPS issued this month and the 10-year TIPS issued in July 2008, is also 0 percent.
|
|
April 25, 2013
Beige Book: Southeast, U.S. Exhibiting Similar Trends
Eight times a year, the Beige Book summarizes information about regional and national economic activity. In the wake of the recent Beige Book release, SouthPoint compares national and southeastern reports of economic activity and finds numerous similarities.
|
|
April 24, 2013
Federal Reserve Announces Issue Date of Redesigned $100 Note
The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced that the redesigned $100 note will begin circulating on October 8, 2013. This note, which incorporates new security features such as a blue, 3-D security ribbon, will be easier for the public to authenticate but more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
|
|
April 23, 2013
Regional Employment Grew in March, Led by Florida and Georgia
The recovery of the Southeast's job market in the wake of the recession has largely been a story of fitful, uneven progress. With the recent release of new employment data, SouthPoint looks at the ongoing recovery of the employment sector.
|
|
April 22, 2013
Too Big to Fail: Not Easily Resolved
The challenges posed by too-big-to-fail (TBTF) present policymakers with persistent and vexing questions, and a recent Atlanta Fed conference examined the many facets of TBTF. A new macroblog post looks at some of the discussions and what they might imply for future policy decisions.
|
|
April 22, 2013
Are You the Weakest Link?
One-third of the world's personal computers are infected with some type of malicious software, according to some research. The reason? Users do not always follow a few basic security practices. Portals and Rails stresses vigilance.
|
|
April 18, 2013
Reflections on the 2013 Financial Markets Conference
The Atlanta Fed conference recently brought together economists, academics, and leaders of financial firms to discuss various issues related to financial stability. Notes from the Vault considers one presenter's perspective and offers some alternative views.
|
|
April 18, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Remain at Zero
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period has been at 0 percent since February 13. The 2011–16 deflation probability has also been at 0 percent since March 6.
|
|
April 17, 2013
New Video Explains Fed’s History, Responsibilities
The Federal Reserve and You, a new video launched by the Philadelphia Fed, gives an in-depth and engaging look at the U.S. central bank and its responsibilities. Stream the video online or order a copy of the DVD.
|
|
April 17, 2013
So Goes the Consumer...
When U.S. consumers tighten their purse strings, the entire economy feels the effects, as consumer spending accounts for nearly three quarters of all economic activity. SouthPoint examines some recent factors at work, their consequences, and what they augur for the economy.
|
|
April 17, 2013
Airports Soar Ahead
Airports possess benefits beyond moving people and cargo: they also bring jobs, development, vitality, and an expanding tax base to communities. The Southeast is home to a number of airports, small and large, each with its own economic imprint.
|
|
April 17, 2013
April Beige Book Is Now Available
Southeastern economic activity continued at a modest pace in February and March, according to the latest Beige Book. Reports from the Atlanta Fed's contacts in the hospitality, residential real estate, and manufacturing industry were generally positive, while retail reports were mixed.
|
|
April 17, 2013
Business Inflation Expectations Rise Slightly in April
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey, firms expect stronger unit sales level growth over the next 12 months. Firms also anticipate 2.1 percent inflation over the coming year.
|
|
April 16, 2013
Improvement in the Outlook? The BIE Panel Thinks So
Businesspeople are acutely attuned to economic conditions, and the Atlanta Fed regularly surveys a cross-section of them to glimpse their expectations. A new macroblog post parses recent survey results and what they imply.
|
|
April 16, 2013
March’s Sticky CPI Growth Slowed
The Atlanta Fed's sticky-price consumer price index (CPI) measure—the measure of the weighted basket of goods consumers purchase that change prices relatively infrequently—rose 1.8 percent (annualized) in March, following 2.5 percent growth in February. The 12-month change in the index was 2.1 percent.
|
|
April 15, 2013
Regional Manufacturing Remains Positive in March (and in the Longer-Term View)
The Southeast's manufacturing sector—long an important component of the region's economic makeup—has been showing recent signs of steady, if unspectacular, improvement. SouthPoint looks at some recent data and observations about regional manufacturing.
|
|
April 15, 2013
Do Cyberattacks Threaten Confidence in Our Payment Systems?
So far, cyberattacks targeting U.S. banks and other institutions have done little more than create short-term inconveniences. However, security experts are warning of possible cyberattacks that could seriously disrupt the nation's infrastructure. Portals and Rails discusses how these attacks could impact the payments system.
|
|
April 15, 2013
BYOT? Have No Fear, Fed Resources Are Here!
Bring your own technology? In the classroom? Like it or not, students' electronic devices are becoming acceptable, even encouraged. Extra Credit offers Fed resources, including mobile apps, that help teachers take advantage of these devices in their economics and personal finance classes.
|
|
April 12, 2013
Higher Education: A Deflating Bubble?
Students are taking out large student loans to finance the cost of a college education. Will that investment pay off over the long term, or has the value of going to college declined? A new macroblog post examines the higher education debate.
|
|
April 11, 2013
Is Transportation Feeling Sequestration’s Effects?
Despite scattered reports of problems, the consensus of the Atlanta Fed's Trade and Transportation Advisory Council members is that it is still too soon to assess the long-term effects of sequestration. SouthPoint reports on a recent council meeting where they discussed current economic conditions.
|
|
April 11, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Remain at Zero
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period has remained at 0 percent since February 13. The 2011–16 deflation probability has also been at 0 percent since March 6.
|
|
April 10, 2013
FOMC Meeting Minutes Published
Participants in the March meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) noted that the economy had returned to moderate growth and that a few downside risks had diminished. Read more in the recently published meeting minutes.
|
|
April 8, 2013
Can These Three Steps Protect Your Bank Account?
About 90 percent of all smartphones are not protected against viruses or malware, and fraudsters are catching on. How can you protect yourself from having your smartphone attacked and your account information, identity, or money stolen? Portals and Rails offers some tips.
|
|
April 8, 2013
Mitigating Online Account Takeovers: The Case for Education
As the world becomes more tech-reliant, consumers and businesses are also more at risk for account takeover fraud—to the tune of $4.9 billion lost in 2012. Why is this happening? How can we protect ourselves? Read highlights of recent studies and get tips from a recent Retail Payments Risk Forum paper.
|
|
April 5, 2013
Labor Market Update: Muddy Waters Continue to Run Deep
Those hoping that today's job numbers would bring reassurance of the employment sector's sustained recovery will have to wait, as March saw only modest job growth. A new macroblog post places the new data in context and looks at what they imply about how to view the labor market.
|
|
April 5, 2013
Jobs Calculator Updated with March Data, Revisions
The U.S. economy added 88,000 nonfarm jobs in March, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check out the Atlanta Fed's Jobs Calculator to learn how payroll growth and other factors, such as labor force participation, affect the unemployment rate.
|
|
April 4, 2013
Commercial Real Estate Gains Traction
For years, commercial real estate was one of the hottest segments in the real estate sector, but the recession sent CRE into a deep swoon. However, respondents to a recent Atlanta Fed poll indicate that CRE's pulse is strengthening, and SouthPoint discusses recent evidence to support that optimism.
|
|
April 4, 2013
Still-Steady Deflation Probabilities
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period was 0 percent on April 3. It has been at 0 since February 13. The 2011–16 deflation probability has been at 0 percent since March 6.
|
|
April 3, 2013
Regional Employment Increases
The recession dealt the Southeast's labor markets a staggering blow, one from which the region is still recovering. While southeastern labor markets have not reached precession levels, recovery is under way, and SouthPoint looks at recent data to depict the progress.
|
|
April 3, 2013
Bordering on a Boom: Mexico Manufacturing Builds a Future
Mexico's economy is undergoing a significant transformation, becoming a manufacturing powerhouse on a global scale. The roar of the "Aztec tiger" is being heard throughout North America and beyond.
|
|
April 3, 2013
Financial Update’s “ViewPoint” Highlights Banking Trends, Interest Rate Risk
The latest edition of the quarterly feature also includes sections on banking trends and highlights from the Atlanta Fed's 2013 banking outlook conference.
|
|
April 2, 2013
Professor Discusses Higher Education Bubble
College students are taking on too much student loan debt for what may turn out to be disappointing career prospects, says law professor Glenn Reynolds, the speaker at a recent Atlanta Fed Public Affairs Forum. He explores some of the factors that have contributed to this mismatch.
|
|
April 2, 2013
The Labor Market, Monetary Policy, and Risks to the Economic Outlook
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart addresses recent trends in the labor market, monetary policy actions, and the economic outlook to the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham on April 2, 2013.
|
|
April 1, 2013
Banking Outlook Conference Covers Cyber Threats and Reputational Risk
The Supervision and Regulation division's annual Banking Outlook Conference brought more than 200 bankers and regulators to the Atlanta Fed headquarters to discuss issues affecting depository institutions and the nation's financial system.
|
|
March 29, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Stable
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period has been at 0 percent since February 13. The 2011–16 deflation probability was also still 0 percent on March 27.
|
|
March 28, 2013
Pent-up Optimism?
Many business contacts recently have expressed confidence as they move forward with their growth plans, despite the economy's strong headwinds of the past two years. That sentiment may reflect a real recovery in housing as well as a slowly improving labor market, according to Southeastern Insights.
|
|
March 28, 2013
The Same-Old, Same-Old Labor Market
The economic recovery has had its idiosyncrasies, but one aspect has been consistent: the declining share of public-sector employment relative to private-sector payroll expansion. A new macroblog post examines recent data to delve into the trend.
|
|
March 28, 2013
Despite Turbulence, Southern Aerospace Poised for Take-Off
Look! Up in the sky! It's an important part of the regional economy: the aerospace industry. Although this industry faces some significant challenges, it continues to play a crucial role in the southeastern economy.
|
|
March 27, 2013
Better Than It Seemed
Although labor markets in the Southeast have improved lately, considerable healing remains as employment levels lie well below their prerecession peak. SouthPoint examines some recent employment data, looking at how far the region has come and yet how far remains.
|
|
March 27, 2013
Banking Conditions, Interest Margin Performance Detailed in Financial Update’s “ViewPoint”
The first quarter edition of Financial Update's "ViewPoint," from the Atlanta Fed's supervision and regulation division, includes the second part of an examination of net interest margin performance, a summary of proceedings from the Atlanta Fed's Banking Outlook Conference, and updates on banking conditions.
|
|
March 25, 2013
What’s Next in Mobile Payments?
Two recent conferences featured marketing, operational, risk, and technology issues related to mobile payments and banking. This week's Portals and Rails highlights some of the discussions that took place during the conferences.
|
|
March 25, 2013
Southeast Housing Update: The Recovery Continues
It's been a long road back for the region's recession-battered housing sector. However, results of an Atlanta Fed poll of southeastern builders and brokers indicate that a recovery is under way, with prices appreciating and access to finance improving. SouthPoint looks at the most recent poll results.
|
|
March 22, 2013
Revitalizing Downtown through Entrepreneurship
Many cities support entrepreneurs as a way to create jobs, increase investment, and restore vitality, especially in the urban core. In this Economic Development podcast, Ray Leach from JumpStart and Joe Marinucci of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance discuss how communities can create a thriving entrepreneur base through innovative approaches to support services and by reimagining partnerships among local organizations.
|
|
March 22, 2013
Katrina Strikes: Are You Ready?
The Classroom Economist is switching gears. This year, it addresses personal finance using the Atlanta Fed's popular Katrina's Classroom series. The inaugural module, now available online, discusses emergency and financial preparedness and other topics related to protecting yourself against the unexpected.
|
|
March 22, 2013
March Business Inflation Expectations Unchanged
The Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey reports that firms anticipate 1.9 percent inflation over the next 12 months. While unit sales levels are below normal for all firms, those of small firms, in particular, continue to decline compared to "normal" times.
|
|
March 21, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Still at Zero
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period has been at 0 percent since February 13. The 2011–16 deflation probability was also still 0 percent on March 20.
|
|
March 20, 2013
FOMC Releases Statement
The economy is signaling a return to moderate growth. Labor markets have improved, but unemployment is still elevated. Consequently, the FOMC will continue its program of purchasing securities and employing other policy tools until the outlook for the labor market substantially improves.
|
|
March 19, 2013
Being Ahead of the Curve: Not Always a Good Thing
The employment sector is a dynamic one, with many moving parts and ever-changing facets. Economists can view the relationship between the number of job openings and the unemployment rate in a number of ways, and a new macroblog post discusses the Beveridge curve and what it tells us about employment.
|
|
March 19, 2013
Conditions Improving in Tampa, but Not Quite Fully Recovered
After a prolonged rugged period, real estate conditions in the Tampa, Florida, area are showing signs of renewal. SouthPoint looks at the result of recent meetings with representatives of that area's real estate market to take the pulse of conditions and get a sense of what the coming months might hold.
|
|
March 18, 2013
March Madness on the Hardwoods, Mobile Madness in the Payments Arena
The ability to make a payment with a mobile device is relatively new, and the payments industry is still working out the details. What will it take for a provider to compete in this arena? Portals and Rails considers some possibilities.
|
|
March 15, 2013
Regional Manufacturing Continues Its Slow but Steady Climb; Can It Continue?
In the wake of the recession, the region's manufacturing sector endured a rugged stretch. But one measure of the health of southeastern manufacturing shows that its vitality is returning. SouthPoint looks at recent data to view the activity.
|
|
March 15, 2013
February’s Sticky CPI Rose at Same Pace as Last Month
The Atlanta Fed's sticky-price consumer price index (CPI) measure—the measure of the weighted basket of goods consumers purchase that change prices relatively infrequently—rose 2.5 percent (annualized) in February, following 2.5 percent growth in January. The 12-month change in the index was 2.2 percent.
|
|
March 14, 2013
Deflation Probability Measures Remain at Zero
One measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period was 0 percent on March 13, the same as a week earlier. The 2011–16 deflation probability was 0 percent on March 13, also the same as a week earlier.
|
|
March 14, 2013
The Sixth District’s Exports to the European Union
The European financial crisis sent economic shockwaves worldwide, and given the southeastern economy's strong export sector, the region felt them. A new SouthPoint post looks at which states felt them most acutely and which ones weathered the situation most smoothly.
|
|
March 13, 2013
Will Taxpayers Get a Truly Fair Deal with Housing Finance Reform?
Since the federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during the financial crisis, a number of groups have issued proposals to replace the two government-sponsored enterprises. But will taxpayers get a fair deal in the exchange? A new Notes from the Vault discusses the topic.
|
|
March 11, 2013
The ATM: Disappearing Soon from a Location near You?
At a time when ATM usage is falling, ATM owners are facing the cost of upgrading their machines as the result of some recent regulatory changes. Portals and Rails asks, could the number of ATMs be severely affected?
|
|
March 8, 2013
You Say You’re a Homeowner and Not a Renter? Think Again.
Despite what homeowners might believe, they’re paying rent—at least, insofar as economists believe when they compute the cost of living. A new macroblog post looks at how house prices—on the rise again after a prolonged decline—affect the consumer price index.
|
|
March 8, 2013
Will the Next Exit from Monetary Stimulus Really Be Different from the Last?
Is there any difference between holding a large tangible inventory versus standing ready to supply on demand from a shadow inventory? A new macroblog post looks at the mechanics at work behind the Fed's balance sheet.
|
|
March 8, 2013
Jobs Calculator Updated with New Data, Revisions
The U.S. economy added 236,000 nonfarm jobs in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Check out the calculator to see how the new data and revisions affect the unemployment rate.
|
|
March 7, 2013
Implementing Common Core Standards? Check Out These Lessons
Extra Credit describes two lessons from the St. Louis Fed that meet Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies.
|
|
March 7, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Don't Move
The measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period was still 0 percent on March 6, the same as the past few weeks.
|
|
March 6, 2013
Beige Book Highlights: Modest Growth Continues
The most recent Beige Book, which summarizes anecdotal information about economic activity in each of the Federal Reserve districts, just came out, and it indicates that—much like the rest of the United States—the Southeast's economy continues on a path to slow recovery.
|
|
March 5, 2013
Behind the Numbers
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but numbers can also paint an evocative picture. SouthPoint looks at recent data about unemployment in the Southeast and sees a region whose employment rate—while making progress—has a considerable way to go to reach prerecession levels.
|
|
March 4, 2013
Who Am I? Authentication Challenges
How is the IRS keeping identity thieves from stealing tax returns? Portals and Rails takes a timely look at this taxing topic.
|
|
March 1, 2013
Personal Finance and Professional Development with the Classroom Economist
The Federal Reserve Banks of St. Louis and Atlanta are teaming up to offer teachers more options for professional development. Read the details, and learn about updates to the Classroom Economist, in the latest issue of Extra Credit.
|
|
March 1, 2013
What the Dual Mandate Looks Like
Price stability and full employment are the twin pillars of the Federal Reserve's dual mandate. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke recently discussed how the central bank's policies fulfill both aspects of the mandate, and macroblog furthers the discussion with a look at recent data.
|
|
February 28, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Still Very Low
The measure of the probability of deflation for the 2012–17 period was 0 percent on February 27. This is the third week with this measure at 0 percent.
|
|
February 25, 2013
Monetary Policy and the Employment Challenge
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks to students at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on February 25, 2013, about monetary policy and the employment markets.
|
|
February 25, 2013
Focus on Fraud: Targeting the Weakest Link
Bank robberies have dropped almost 50 percent over the past decade, says the Wall Street Journal. Crooks have found that the Internet offers plenty of opportunities—and it's safer than a stickup. As Internet and smartphone usage rise, so does online fraud. Portals and Rails takes a look.
|
|
February 25, 2013
A Case for Greater Company Participation in Workforce Development
How can employers be effective partners in improving the local workforce ecosystem? Peter Cappelli, professor and director of the Wharton School's Center for Human Resources, discusses how firms can provide on-the-job training for skills needed within their organizations.
|
|
February 22, 2013
Nature Abhors an Output Gap
Mind the gap! Economic forecasters do just that when they consider the output gap—the difference between actual gross domestic product and its potential. A new macroblog post examines some of the discussions surrounding forecasting and the nuances inextricably linked to it.
|
|
February 22, 2013
Modest Growth Expected for Tennessee
After Tennessee's subpar economic year in 2012, even the modest growth that some forecasters expect for the Volunteer State in 2013 would be a welcome development. A new SouthPoint post looks at some recent forecasts and what they could mean for the state.
|
|
February 21, 2013
Deflation Probabilities Still Low
The Inflation Project's deflation probability estimates are updated weekly using data on prices of Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) with similar maturity dates in 2017. The data estimate the probability of deflation in the Consumer Price Index.
|
|
February 21, 2013
January’s Sticky CPI Inflation Rises
The Atlanta Fed's sticky price consumer price index (CPI) measure—the weighted basket of goods consumers purchase that change prices relatively infrequently—rose 2.5 percent (annualized) in January, following 1.5 percent growth in December. The 12-month change in the index was 2.1 percent.
|
|
February 20, 2013
Primer on Nontraditional Monetary Policy Tools: The Maturity Extension Program
This second of two primers on nontraditional monetary policy tools looks at Operation Twist and the Fed's maturity extension program. Read about it in Extra Credit.
|
|
February 20, 2013
Southeast Housing Update: Homes Sales Off to a Solid Start in January; Outlook More Upbeat
The region's housing market has endured a long and rugged stretch in the wake of the recession, and it continues to find its footing. The Atlanta Fed recently polled its contacts in the housing sector to take the pulse of activity, and SouthPoint provides an overview of the findings.
|
|
February 15, 2013
Promoting Job Creation: Don’t Forget the Old Guys
When it comes to job creation, young firms and entrepreneurs get the lion's share of the attention. And while their role in employment is important, the job-creating role of older firms remains a key one. A new macroblog post looks at recent data surrounding the discussion.
|
|
February 13, 2013
The Fed Explains the Central Bank
The latest in the Atlanta Fed's animated video series focuses on the history, structure, and functions of the Federal Reserve System.
|
|
March 1, 2011
Strengthening the Green Foundation:
Research and Policy Directions for Development and Finance - March 10-11, 2011
Tulane University and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta are co-hosting a research conference on the understanding and practice of green development and finance. The conference takes place March 10–11, 2011, at Tulane University.
|
