Federal Reserve System
Growth impact from oil 'modest' says Fed's Hoenig
Record oil prices will only have a moderate impact on U.S. growth which looks set for a solid performance over the next 18 months, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Thomas Hoenig said on Wednesday 6 October .
Resolving large financial intermediaries: Update
In this updated article, the authors examine issues surrounding the possible failure of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Finding parallels between resolving insolvent large banks and insolvent housing enterprises, the authors suggest improvements to the…
Philadelphia Fed Business Review, 3rd Quarter 2004
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has published its regular Business Review for the Third Quarter 2004. In this issue President Santomero talks about 'Banking in the 21st Century'. There is also an article 'Managing the Recovery in Uncertain Times…
Fed's Ferguson on the personal saving rate
In a speech on 'Questions and reflections on the personal saving rate' given on 6 October, Roger Ferguson of the Federal Reserve said the large US current account deficit brings with it risks that a sharp adjustment in overseas demand for US assets could…
Fed's Bernanke on the implementation of Basel II
In a speech on 'The implementation of Basel II: Some issues for cross-border banking' given on 4 October, Ben Bernanke of the Federal Reserve said obviously oil prices are a drag at the current time, but we think the economy can accommodate them at their…
Greenspan: The man who does the opposite
This article looks at what it says is the recurring pattern in Alan Greenspan's life of saying the opposite of what he is thinking/doing. Giving the example of his obscure but now famous essay, "Gold and Economic Freedom" published in 1966 it asks why he…
Fed's Bies on developments in financial markets
In a speech on 'Developments in Financial Markets and Financial Management' given on 30 September, Susan Schmidt Bies of the Federal Reserve said both the household and business sectors appeared to be in good shape.
Fed's Bies::challenges for accountancy
In the speech 'Challenges Facing the Accounting Profession Today' given on 28 September Susan Schmidt Bies of the Federal Reserve said the U.S. labour market "looks like it is picking up again," after slowing in June and July.
Chicago Fed National Activity Index, August 2004
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index was +0.19 in August, down sharply from an upwardrevised +0.53 in July. The drop in the monthly index was due to smaller positive contributions from production-related data and, to a lesser extent, housing and…
Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey, Sep 2004
According to the firms surveyed for the Philadelphia Fed's Business Outlook Survey, September 2004, activity in the region's manufacturing sector continues to improve. Although the indicator for general activity fell from its August reading, indicators…
Fed's Gramlich at the 30th anniversary of the NHSA
In introductory remarks to an event honouring the 30th anniversary of Neighbourhood Housing Services of America (NHSA) given on 10 September, Edward Gramlich of the Federal Reserve said that there's a need to expand homeownership for lower-income…
Fed's Gramlich on Oil shocks and monetary policy
In the speech 'Oil shocks and monetary policy' given on 16 September Edward Gramlich of the Federal Reserve said the current spike in oil prices is unlikely to deter the Federal Reserve from continuing to raise interest rates.
Fed's Olson: Protecting financial infrastructure
In testimony 'Protecting the financial infrastructure' given on 8 September Mark Olson of the Federal Reserve said that as a result of careful planning and considerable investment by both the private and public sectors, the financial sector is one of the…
St Louis Fed's Central Banker, Fall 2004
The Fall 2004 edition of the St. Louis Fed's Central Banker magazine has been published. The latest issue includes articles "Federal Reserve To Close More Check Processing Sites" and "Federal Reserve Takes a Lead Role in Supporting Check 21" which…
Greenspan says US economy regaining some traction
In testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday 8 September, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said the economy has "regained some traction" following a late spring slowdown that was instigated by a sharp rise in oil prices.
Regulatory agencies warn on internet 'phishing'
The Federal bank, thrift and credit union agencies on Wednesday 8 September announced the publication of a brochure with information to help consumers identify and combat a new type of Internet scam known as "phishing."
Chicago Fed National Activity Index, July 2004
The Chicago Fed National Activity index rose to +0.35 in July from a downward-revised reading of -0.19 the previous month. Most of the increase in July's CFNAI resulted from a big swing in the contribution from production-related indicators, from -0.25…
Fed Reserve Bank of St Louis Review, Sep/Oct 2004
The latest edition of the St Louis Fed's Review for September-October 2004 includes the articles "Trends in the efficiency of Federal Reserve check processing operations" and "Testing the expectations hypothesis: Some new evidence for Japan" and …
Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey, Aug 2004
According to the firms surveyed for the Philadelphia Fed's Business Outlook Survey, August 2004, activity in the manufacturing sector continues to expand, but the pace of growth is slower than last month. However, participants' optimism for general…
Fed's Greenspan on global demographic change
In a speech on 'Global demographic change' given on 27 August, Alan Greenspan of the Federal Reserve warned that an ageing U.S. population will strain public finances and hurt the economy without swift fixes to the safety net, such as raising the age for…
Fed's Gramlich on social security reforms
In a speech on 'Rules for assessing social security reform' given on 12 August, Edward Gramlich of the Federal Reserve said any plans to reform the Social Security retirement program should be self-financed and not rely on general government revenues.
Chicago Fed National Activity Index, June 2004
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index was 0.00 in June, a marked decrease from the May reading of +0.75. The production- and employment-related categories of indicators made negative contributions to the overall index in June, but these were offset by…
Fed's Ferguson on business-cycle recoveries
In a speech on 'A Retrospective on Business-Cycle Recoveries: Are "Jobless" Recoveries the New Norm?' given on 21 July, Roger Ferguson of the Federal Reserve said the slow jobs recoveries that followed the last two U.S. recessions do not suggest a need…
Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey, Jul 2004
According to the firms surveyed for the Philadelphia Fed's Business Outlook Survey, July 2004, expansion in the region's manufacturing sector continues. This month the manufacturers were asked about increases in wages made to attract or retain workers.