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To access older Economy Matters economic research articles, please see the archived material at Federal Reserve Archival System for Economic Research
(FRASER).
Latest Articles
Archived Articles
A New Look At Ways Ideas Become Employer Businesses
June 18, 2024
How do businesses begin with an idea and become employers? This Economy Matters article looks at a working paper that addresses the enigma.
How an Immigration Slowdown Affects US Labor Market, Wages, Economy
May 30, 2024
New research evaluates how a slowdown in low-skilled immigration has affected various aspects of the US economy. Atlanta Fed research economist Federico Mandelman explains in this Economy Matters article.
Poised for More Growth, the Southeastern Economy Outperforming US
March 08, 2024
Firms have taken note of the region's economic growth, expecting it will continue and planning accordingly. Researchers at the Atlanta Fed recently investigated factors behind the southeastern economy's performance, and this Economy Matters article delves into their findings.
Reducing Tax Policy Inequity for Funding Roads, Bridges
November 07, 2023
The potential rewrite of tax policies to fund roads and bridges presents an opportunity to reduce tax burden inequity on low-income families. This Economy Matters article looks at alternatives offered in an Atlanta Fed research paper.
Filling In the (Pot)holes: A Discussion of Electric Vehicles and Gas Tax Collection
September 29, 2023
The tax on gasoline has long been a reliable source of revenue for maintaining roads, but will the growing popularity of electric vehicles disrupt this formula? This episode of the Economy Matters podcast discusses Atlanta Fed research into the question.
"The Winners Turn Out to Be Young, Working-Age Households": A Discussion of Demographic Shifts
July 28, 2023
Economic changes inevitably follow demographic changes. In this episode of the Economy Matters podcast, Atlanta Fed economist Toni Braun talks about his research into the aging of the US population and what it might mean for the macroeconomy, including the inflation rate.
Consumers' Set Asides Lead to More Credit Card Debt
April 12, 2023
Consumers carry expensive credit card debt because they want to keep their cash to pay monthly expenses. This article examines a recent study of the relationship of debt to liquid assets.
Business Leaders, CFOs Name Labor Most Pressing Concern
April 04, 2023
Labor quality and availability are by far the most pressing concerns cited by businesses large and small at the start of 2023. This Economy Matters examines the results of two recent surveys conducted by the Atlanta Fed.
"Some Firms Are Just Born Different": A Discussion of Firms and Innovation
March 30, 2023
Why do some firms thrive and even spin off other successful firms? Atlanta Fed research economist Salomé Baslandze joins the Economy Matters podcast to discuss her research into the question.
Assessing Unequal Access to Homeowner Equity
February 24, 2023
The significant barriers Black and Hispanic borrowers face in qualifying for home loans are surpassed by the difficulty in borrowing against the equity in the homes. This Economy Matters article recaps one of the first analyses of racial disparities in access to mortgage equity withdrawal products.
Atlanta Fed Research Examines Racial Disparities in Mortgage Refinancing
February 03, 2023
During the pandemic, many mortgage borrowers benefited from policies designed to ease financial pressures. But did they benefit equally? This Economy Matters article looks at recent Atlanta Fed research on mortgage refinancing.
We're Getting Older, and the Labor Market Shows It
January 12, 2023
Population aging is the single biggest reason for the US worker shortage, fueling inflation. This Economy Matters article reviews research that shows almost all of the increase in the 16-and-older population has been among seniors.
Marriage Penalty Hardest on Women with Children, Low Incomes
January 09, 2023
Recent Atlanta Fed research examined the marriage penalty and found that, over a lifetime, low-income women with children fare better financially when single rather than married. This Economy Matters article summarizes the research’s findings and recommendations.
Financial, Training Collaboration Needed to Expand Workforce Development Programs
January 03, 2023
Atlanta Fed research suggests mission-driven financial institutions and worker training programs collaborate to fill gaps in adult worker development and education. This Economy Matters article examines how three successful collaborations could be replicated in an underserved area of southwest Georgia.
Rise in Remote Work Has Moderated Wage Growth
December 28, 2022
Researchers find that remote workers will accept reduced wage gains in exchange for quality-of-life improvements, thus easing wage-growth pressures.
CLIFF Tool Helps Decision-Making, but Could Do Even More
December 23, 2022
Survey results of pilot programs indicate the Career Ladder Identifier and Financial Forecaster (CLIFF) delivers useful information. This Economy Matters article reviews reports from users in three states.
Hollywood Targets China Market with Sequels, Remakes, Spinoffs
December 16, 2022
When US filmmakers gained greater access to the lucrative market in China, they faced a challenge. This Economy Matters article examines research that shows how they balanced better access with pleasing a risky and uncertain audience.
Bostic Discusses Economic Inequality's Relevance to Fed Policy Decisions
November 22, 2022
Atlanta Fed president and chief executive officer Raphael Bostic discussed the relevance of economic inequality in Fed decision-making during a conversation with David J. Lynch, the Washington Post's global economics correspondent. This Economy Matters article recaps the discussion.
Latino Business Owners Share Optimism Amid Challenges
November 14, 2022
Latino-owned businesses represented the lowest proportion among races and ethnicities to seek any type of financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Economy Matters for a discussion of Atlanta Fed research that looked into the reasons.
St. Petersburg's Redevelopment Plans a Laboratory for Economic Inclusion Initiative
November 07, 2022
A big revitalization project aims to transform a gritty section of south St. Petersburg, Florida. In this Economy Matters article, Atlanta Fed officials heard community leaders discuss the state of inclusive economic growth in their city.
Atlanta Fed Research Looks Into Pandemic-Era Aid to Workers
November 04, 2022
Federal assistance during the pandemic provided many vulnerable workers with an invaluable lifeline. But did the assistance have consequences for today’s labor force? This Economy Matters article looks at recent Atlanta Fed research into workforce trends.
Atlanta Fed Executives Discuss Community Banks' Role in the National Economy
September 08, 2022
Community banks occupy a crucial, but often unheralded, role in local economies. In this Economy Matters article, two top Atlanta Fed executives share their observations on community banks and their importance.
"It's a Harder Environment to Forecast In": Discussing the Science of Measuring GDP
September 08, 2022
The pandemic’s impact on the economy significantly complicated how we measure gross domestic product. Pat Higgins, an Atlanta Fed economist, joins the Economy Matters podcast to discuss the GDPNow tool and recent developments in gross domestic product.
Shift in Black Wealth Portends Complications for Future Generations
September 06, 2022
A shift in Black wealth away from real estate and toward pensions could have significant ramifications in the future transfer of wealth from older to younger generations. This Economy Matters article looks at another wrinkle in the complex tapestry of household wealth.
Privacy, Security Significant Concerns in Public Comments on CBDC
August 25, 2022
Public comments about a potential central bank digital currency now available for public review present a wide range of opinions. This Economy Matters article looks at privacy implications raised by consumers and how technology might address them.
Pulling Back the Curtain on GDPNow
July 14, 2022
The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow tool is watched closely these days amid concerns about inflation and the Fed’s raising of the fed funds rate. Read this Economy Matters article for a look at what GDPNow is and what it is not.
Bajando el telón de GDPNow
July 14, 2022
La herramienta GDPNow de la Reserva Federal de Atlanta es objeto de un atento seguimiento estos días, en medio de la preocupación por la inflación y la subida del tipo de interés de los fondos federales por parte de la Reserva Federal.
Rabbit or Duck? Economists, Epidemiologists Learn to Collaborate on Pandemic Policy
February 09, 2022
When different researchers view the same situation in different ways, policy recommendations can be muddled. This Economy Matters article looks at an interdisciplinary effort to bridge the gap between economists and epidemiologists.
Effects of Interest Rate Rises Differ by Age, Research Suggests
November 05, 2021
Changes in monetary policy can affect different households in different ways. This Economy Matters article looks at recent Atlanta Fed research to explore the varying impact and why the age of the household could matter in viewing policy changes.
In COVID-19 Recovery, Black Workers' Job Gains May Falter
August 03, 2021
The aftermath of the pandemic could reveal that Black workers have lost some of the gains they had made in the labor market. This article looks at recent Atlanta Fed research that examined factors at work and how to blunt their impact.
There’s No Template for a Pandemic Economic Recovery, so Atlanta Fed Economist Looks to WWII
June 21, 2021
The U.S. government spent massively to fight WWII, and it poured huge resources into combating COVID. This Economy Matters article examines work by an Atlanta Fed researcher who sought to discover if parallels exist between the economic effects of such spending.
Pandemic Could Be Reshaping the Labor Market
March 29, 2021
Millions of jobs in restaurants and other businesses have disappeared because of COVID-19, creating a reshuffling that could last for years. This Economy Matters article examines the impact of the pandemic on the composition of jobs.
Atlanta Fed Research Explores Link between Poor Health, Earnings Inequality
February 24, 2021
Someone’s health status can determine whether they remain in the workforce. This Economy Matters article looks at recent Atlanta Fed research into the relationship between health and lifetime earnings inequality.
“It’s Not Straightforward”: An Atlanta Fed Economist Discusses Measuring Inflation
February 23, 2021
Measuring inflation has always been complex, and doing it during a pandemic is especially complicated. Economy Matters presents an interview with an Atlanta Fed economist who closely watches the movement of prices in the economy.
Atlanta Fed Report: Small Businesses Need Targeted Investments to Recover
September 18, 2020
Small businesses in the Southeast are considering what it will take for them to recover from the COVID-19-induced recession. This Economy Matters article examines what could help even the hardest-hit businesses emerge stronger from the crisis.
Atlanta Fed Researchers Aim to Better Understand Historic Levels of Uncertainty
September 15, 2020
As economic uncertainty remains high, Atlanta Fed researchers focus on understanding what it means for the future. This Economy Matters article looks at some of the ways Atlanta Fed researchers try to understand economic uncertainty.
New Atlanta Fed Research Examines Student Outcomes at HBCUs
August 25, 2020
For generations of Black Americans, historically Black college and universities have been an important rung on the ladder of economic success. This Economy Matters article looks at new Atlanta Fed research into their role in the economy and what the schools bring to an historically underserved population.
Financial Well-Being: Highlights from the Fed’s Report
July 20, 2020
The Federal Reserve regularly assesses Americans’ financial situation. This Economy Matters article summarizes the Fed’s latest snapshot and looks at how the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic affected people’s finances.
Small Businesses Feel Pressure from COVID-19 Pandemic, Fed Research Shows
June 12, 2020
Nearly all firms have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic, but small firms have been hit the hardest. A recent Federal Reserve study surveyed small businesses about business conditions and expectations, and this Economy Matters article looks at the results.
Homebuilders, Brokers Expect Lower Sales and Construction, Atlanta Fed Poll Shows
June 11, 2020
Residential real estate, long a bulwark of the southeastern economy, has been dampened by COVID-19. This Economy Matters article examines recent poll results to view the pandemic’s impact on the industry.
Assessing the Regional Impact of COVID-19 on Southeastern Employment
May 27, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has profoundly affected employment. This Economy Matters article introduces the Atlanta Fed's updated state-level Jobs Calculator, using it to show possible future scenarios, including what it would take to return to pre-pandemic employment numbers.
"You Can Build the Infrastructure from Zero": A Conversation about Digital Adoption in Emerging Economies
March 26, 2020
Much has been written about the digital revolution's impact on developed economies, but what about developing and emerging economies? The Economy Matters podcast features an Atlanta Fed economist who discusses his research into the question. 
"These Local Problems Do Have Some National Solutions": A Conversation about Inequality
February 27, 2020
In this special episode of the Economy Matters podcast, Atlanta Fed president Raphael Bostic talks with researcher Anthony Orlando about income inequality and how a seemingly national problem can have solutions that begin close to home.
Wings over America: A Conversation with Author James Fallows
January 02, 2020
In this special episode of the Economy Matters podcast, Atlanta Fed president Raphael Bostic talks with author James Fallows about Our Town, his book that attempts to deepen our understanding of American social, regional, and cultural diversity.
Diplomats: U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to Bring Certainty
December 26, 2019
Trade negotiations always require patience and persistence, and the pending deal among the United States, Canada, and Mexico was no different. An Economy Matters story presents the perspectives of Mexico's and Canada's diplomats.
Why the Big Fuss about Little Dots?
December 05, 2019
The insights of the members of the Federal Open Market Committee go into formulating the "dot plot," a visual depiction of how they see the future path of the fed funds rate. This Economy Matters article explains what the dot plot is—and isn't.
Delving Into a (Venture) Capital Idea
November 20, 2019
Venture capital is always on the lookout for the Next Big Thing. Economy Matters looks at the research of an Atlanta Fed economist who furthers our understanding of the important role venture capital plays in the U.S. economy.
"They're Really Punching above Their Own Weight": Venture Capital and Firm Growth
November 19, 2019
What role does venture capital play in finding and nurturing the Next Big Thing? The Economy Matters podcast tries to answer that question by talking to an Atlanta Fed economist about venture capital's impact on firm growth and employment.
"Get to Know Your Workforce": Discussing the Benefits Cliff
November 07, 2019
In this special episode of the Economy Matters podcast, Meghan Cummings of the Women's Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation talks with Atlanta Fed research director Dave Altig about the benefits cliff and ways employers can make the workplace more accommodating to lower-wage employees.
Talking Trade and Other Things China with Economist Tao Zha
October 10, 2019
China and its economy—the world's second largest, after only the United States—have become staples of the daily news cycle. Economy Matters spoke to an Atlanta Fed economist about Chinese trade, economic growth, the unrest in Hong Kong, and more.
Atlanta Fed Research Explores Impact of Teen Driver License Programs on Labor Participation
September 26, 2019
Restricting teens' ability to drive has had measurable improvements on accident rates, but the restrictions have also impeded their ability to participate in the labor force. An Economy Matters article looks at Atlanta Fed research into the impact of teen driving restrictions.
Round and Round: The Basics of the Business Cycle
September 17, 2019
What ignites an economic expansion? What brings one to a halt? The answer: it depends. Economy Matters looks at the business cycle and why its behavior is inherently challenging to predict.
The Economics of Aging and the Frailty Index
September 03, 2019
Gaining a better understanding of people's health is key to fashioning policies that serve them better as they age and become more frail. Economy Matters examines Atlanta Fed research into the frailty index, a tool that helps assess individuals' well-being.
"What Are Businesses Reacting To?" A Conversation about Uncertainty
August 28, 2019
The Economy Matters podcast talks to an Atlanta Fed economist about his survey to measure business uncertainty.
"We Do Find a Meaningful Impact": Novice Driver Restrictions and the Labor Force
July 25, 2019
States have grown increasingly strict about novice teenage drivers. The Economy Matters podcast talks to an Atlanta Fed economist about the impact of stricter policies on teen labor force participation.
Examining the Effects of Cashless Stores
June 19, 2019
Economy Matters looks at research into the impact on consumers (especially the unbanked or underbanked) of businesses’ refusal to accept cash.
Over the Cliff's Edge? Incentives Hurting Low-Wage Workers
June 13, 2019
Some workers are forced to choose between a pay raise and the loss of a crucial form of public assistance. Economy Matters looks at the vexing phenomenon known as the "benefits cliff" and how to reduce its challenge.
"A Puzzle That Everyone Wants to Solve": Discussing the Price-Rent Ratio
May 30, 2019
Sometimes an area's rents increase faster than house prices. But sometimes they don't. This episode of the Economy Matters podcast discusses the price-rent ratio and what it indicates about housing markets.
Red State, Blue State: Examining the Tax Law's Spending Effects
May 09, 2019
The 2017 tax law implemented extensive changes to people's deductions, but the law's impact varied widely among states. Economy Matters looks at some conclusions based on recent research from the Atlanta Fed.
Speaking Publicly on Privacy: A Conversation about Digital Privacy
April 02, 2019
Safeguarding personal data is a challenge in our digital era. In this special episode of the Economy Matters podcast, Atlanta Fed president Raphael Bostic speaks with Heinz College professor Alessandro Acquisti about the field of privacy economics.
Under Pressure: The Pluses and Minuses of a Hot Economy
March 28, 2019
Does economic history hold any lessons about an economy in a sustained period of full employment? Atlanta Fed economist Julie Hotchkiss discusses her recent research into the question on this episode of the Economy Matters podcast.
Brazil's Economy, Emerging from Turmoil, Looks to Future
March 14, 2019
Brazil, Latin America's largest economy and an important U.S. trading partner, is feeling optimistic about its economic future after years of sluggish growth and uncertainty. Economy Matters presents some expert views of the country's prospects.
Millennials' Spending Preferences: All That Different?
March 12, 2019
The popular perception of millennials is that their habits differ markedly from those of older generations. But Economy Matters looks at recent survey data and learns that—at least in terms of how they spend money—they're not very different after all.
New Survey Aims to Sharpen Understanding of Uncertainty
January 24, 2019
If one thing is certain, it's that the Atlanta Fed is measuring uncertainty. Economy Matters discusses the Survey of Business Uncertainty, which recently made its debut.
Atlanta Fed Economist Researches a "High-Pressure" Economy
January 17, 2019
When the unemployment rate becomes very low, is it beneficial to try to keep it there? An Atlanta Fed economist looked into the question, and Economy Matters discusses her research.