United States
Chicago Fed National Activity Index, April 2004
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index April 2004 increased sharply in April, to +0.64, from an upward-revised +0.23 in March. Each of the four broad categories of indicators that comprise the index made positive contributions in April, with production-…
Former Atlanta Fed President Forrestal dies at 72
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta announced on Wednesday, 26 May, the death of former Atlanta Fed President and Chief Executive Officer Robert P. Forrestal who passed away at 72. Forrestal served as Atlanta Fed president from 1983 until 1995.
Geithner: Perspectives on the US financial system
In a speech on 'Perspectives on the U.S. Financial System' given on 27 May, Timothy Geithner of the New York Fed said banking supervisors are engaged in a never-ending "arms race" with the increasingly complex financial system they are supposed to…
Fed says foreign central banks buying more US debt
Foreign central banks continued to be net buyers of U.S. debt in the latest week, the Federal Reserve said on Thursday 27 May, taking their total holdings to another record high.
Greenspan, his limo rides, and interest rates
The Republican central banker's visits to the White House have nearly quadrupled since Bush replaced President Clinton, according to this article. His visits lead to two intriguing questions, the article says. How involved is the Fed chairman in setting…
Fed Reserve Bank of Boston - Annual Report 2003
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has published its Annual Report for the year ended 2003. In the Feature Essay "Embracing Change" president Cathy Minehan looks at the payments evolution, new approaches to education, and managing risk - changes in the…
Fed Reserve Bank of Atlanta - Annual Report 2003
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on 20 May published its Annual Report for the year ended 2003. Jack Guynn says the annual report explores how the Fed's grassroots foundation not only remains relevant today but actually enhances how the Atlanta Fed…
Phil Fed's Survey of Professional Forecasters
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia published its Second Quarter 2004 Survey of Professional Forecasters on 24 May. The participants in the second quarter survey see steady rates for unemployment and real GDP growth for the year. Their estimates for…
The extraordinary Greenspan
This editorial from The Washington Times says it is quite unlikely that the American and world economies would have experienced such good fortunes as they have over the past 20 years were Mr. Greenspan not leading the world's most powerful central bank…
Fed's Ferguson on economics and ethical behaviors
In a speech on 'Economics and Ethical Behaviors' given on 22 May, Roger Ferguson of the Federal Reserve said that acting morally and ethically pays dividends while not doing so imposes costly regulation on society as a whole. Economic outcomes are…
Fed's Gramlich on subprime mortgage lending
In a speech on 'Subprime Mortgage Lending: Benefits, Costs, and Challenges' given on 21 May, Edward Gramlich of the Federal Reserve said a relatively high rate of defaults on subprime mortgages raises warning flags, but expanding credit to those who…
Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey, May 2004
According to the firms surveyed for the Philadelphia Fed's Business Outlook Survey, May 2004 activity in the region's manufacturing sector continues to expand. Indicators for employment and prices received were up from their April readings, the survey…
Greenspan gets the nod for new Fed term
President Bush finally renominated Alan Greenspan to another term as Federal Reserve chairman this week. Greenspan expressed his honour at the renomination. If he holds the chair until June 2006, Greenspan will be the longest-serving chairman in the Fed…
Greenspan on acceptance of the Eisenhower Medal
In a speech on 'Acceptance of the Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Service' given on 20 May, Alan Greenspan of the Federal Reserve said fears that the 2001 terrorist attacks could halt the growth of international commerce have proven groundless as the…
Fed's Bernanke on gradualism
In a speech on 'Gradualism' given on 20 May, Ben Bernanke of the Federal Reserve said the Fed should be able to push short-term interest rates up at a gradual pace, but the speed of expected rate hikes will be dictated by economic events.
Fed's Gramlich on workplace financial education
In a speech on 'Workplace Financial Education' given on 20 May, Ed Gramlich of the Federal Reserve said a financially smart worker is often a better worker.
US inflation a concern for McTeer
A recent rise in U.S. inflation has raised some concerns but Federal Reserve officials are not unduly worried, Dallas Federal Reserve Bank President Robert McTeer said on Thursday 20 May.
Central bank holdings of US debt at new high
Foreign central banks increased their holdings of U.S. debt in the last week, the Federal Reserve reported on Thursday 20 May, taking their total holdings to yet another record.
Markets right to expect rate rise: Fed's Stern
Minneapolis Fed President Gary Stern said in an interview on Wednesday 19 May that financial markets are right to expect the Federal Reserve to start raising interest rates.
Richmond Fed's Broaddus on the economy and banking
In a speech on 'Comments on the Economy and Banking' given on 18 May J. Alfred Broaddus of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond said an upswing in core inflation had grabbed policymakers' attention. Broaddus indicated the Fed's stated goal of raising…
Fed's Bies on corporate governance
In a speech on 'Corporate Governance: Where Do We Go From Here?' given on 19 May, Susan Schmidt Bies of the Federal Reserve repeated on Wednesday that banks involved in setting up structured finance deals need to ensure they are undertaken for proper…
Santomero: Fed must be alert to inflation signs
Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Anthony Santomero said on Tuesday 18 May that the central bank must be mindful of further signs of inflation pressures, but can generally expect to raise rates at a "measured pace," as last stated by the FOMC.
Bies on corporate governance and community banks
In a speech on 'Corporate governance and community banks' given on 17 May, Susan Schmidt Bies of the Fed said a Federal Reserve review of corporate governance practices at smaller banks found most of them in good shape.
Fed's Ferguson on the role of central banks
In a speech on 'The Role of Central Banks in Fostering Efficiency and Stability in the Global Financial System' given on 17 May, Roger Ferguson of the Federal Reserve said the Federal Reserve's dual responsibilities for ensuring economic stability and…