|
October 18, 2012
Economic & Financial Highlights
Industrial production rose 0.4 percent in September, and total housing starts increased 15 percent from August to September. See the latest data on manufacturing, real estate, and more.
|
|
October 17, 2012
Happier Holidays?
For retailers, the holiday shopping season is the most wonderful time of the year. Although growth in the retail sector has been stubborn in 2012, merchants are anticipating a more robust conclusion to the year. SouthPoint recently spoke with some regional contacts to determine how much holiday cheer might lie ahead.
|
|
October 16, 2012
Data Digest: Economic Recovery Remains Slow in Southeast
Although economic activity in the Southeast continues to lag that of the nation, some sectors are seeing signs of improvement, including manufacturing, construction, and real estate.
|
|
October 16, 2012
EconSouth Explores Return of Construction Cranes in South Florida
In Florida, construction cranes used to be as ubiquitous as orange groves, but the housing sector's swoon made the cranes an endangered species. Now, however, they're becoming easier to spot, suggesting that the Sunshine State's beleaguered housing market is gaining health.
|
|
October 16, 2012
Sticky Price CPI Rose in September
The Atlanta Fed's sticky price CPI measure—the weighted basket of goods consumers purchase that change prices relatively infrequently—rose 2.4 percent (annualized) in September, following 1.6 percent growth in August.
|
|
October 15, 2012
When Fraud Hits Close to Home: Not a Big-Bank Problem Anymore
In the past, community banks grappled with the occasional stolen checkbook but viewed fraud as a big-bank problem. Times have changed. Portals and Rails features an expert in electronic banking and fraud discussing how community banks must recalibrate their views.
|
|
October 11, 2012
The (Maybe Not So) Simple Arithmetic of Unemployment and Labor Force Participation
Grasping the relationships among the unemployment rate, the labor force participation rate, and other variables can present head-scratching challenges to economists and non-economists alike. A new macroblog post presents a microcosm of the dynamics to paint a clearer picture.
|
|
October 11, 2012
More on Natural Gas
Natural gas has become an increasingly prominent part of the nation's energy mix, and the Southeast is a major producer. SouthPoint examines the fuel's role in the energy sector and what some industry experts are saying about it.
|
|
October 10, 2012
Divergent Jobs Reports: Will the Real State of the Labor Market Please Stand Up?
The fluctuations in the number of jobs the economy is creating make reaching conclusions about the labor market a complicated feat. A new macroblog post uses recent jobs data and considers ways to place the numbers in perspective.
|
|
October 10, 2012
Beige Book (Atlanta summary)
Published two weeks prior to each Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the Beige Book reports on economic conditions in each Federal Reserve District.
|
|
October 9, 2012
Cows as Collateral: Making a Move on Movable Assets
For developing countries, secured transaction reform holds the promise of cheaper and more widely available credit for small businesses. Although an infrastructure for small-business lending is common in developed economies, such a system would represent a major milestone for developing economies. A podcast accompanies this article.
|
|
October 9, 2012
Supporting Price Stability
What effect has the Fed's accommodative monetary policy of the past few years had on inflation? A new macroblog post offers perspectives from Chairman Ben Bernanke's October 1 speech.
|
|
October 5, 2012
What Kids Say about Personal Finance
Teachers, do you ever wonder if you're getting through? Some middle schoolers talk to Extra Credit about what they're learning in personal finance.
|
|
October 5, 2012
The History of Central Banking
When was the first central bank in the United States established? Did the Fed do all it could do during the Great Depression? The latest Classroom Economist can answer these questions, with videos, lessons, and quizzes, while helping you teach the history of central banking in the United States.
|
|
October 5, 2012
Jobs Calculator Updated with September Data, Revisions
The Jobs Calculator is up to date with the latest data and revisions from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn how changes in payroll employment, labor force participation rates, and other factors affect the unemployment rate.
|
|
October 4, 2012
Middle Tennessee Economy Slogging Along, but Bright Spots Emerging
It may be moving slower than pond water, but the economy in Middle Tennessee is seeing some slow improvement: the unemployment rate is drifting down, and manufacturing and housing are picking. SouthPoint reports on highlights of last month's Economic Outlook Conference hosted by the Middle Tennessee State University.
|
|
October 3, 2012
Trends in Small Business Lending
Do small businesses have more success securing credit from small banks than large ones? A new macroblog post looks at data that detail this pattern.
|
|
October 3, 2012
Banking Improvements, Challenges Detailed in Latest "ViewPoint"
The third quarter edition of Financial Update's "ViewPoint" includes highlights from a recent banker outreach event, a look at the potential impact of Basel III, and updates on regional and southeastern banking conditions.
|
|
October 2, 2012
Wanted: Jobs 2.0—EconSouth Explores Economic Development in the Rural South
Jobs and income in rural communities have lagged those in cities for many years. As manufacturing jobs have diminished over the decades, small towns and rural areas face a growing challenge to remain economically healthy. How can rural communities position themselves for revitalization and job growth?
|
|
October 2, 2012
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Announces 2013 Dates for Survey of Business Inflation Expectations (BIE)
The Atlanta Fed has posted the 2013 release dates for its Survey of Business Inflation Expectations (BIE). The monthly survey is based on firms' responses to questions about their inflation outlook, pricing pressures, and business conditions.
|
|
October 1, 2012
Summer Is Gone, but ACH Fraud Remains
The heat and humidity of summer in the South have finally given way to the cooler, drier fall air. And as the weather changes, so the payment industry continues to evolve—and ACH fraud evolves alongside it. Portals and Rails offers suggestions for financial institutions to mitigate fraud's impact.
|
|
September 28, 2012
The Region’s Farm Sector Plows Ahead
News from the Southeast's agriculture sector has been much like the weather it relies upon—some sunny, some dreary. The Atlanta Fed recently spoke with some of its contacts in agriculture to take the pulse of the sector, and SouthPoint discusses the highlights.
|
|
September 27, 2012
How Big Is the Output Gap? More Perspectives from Our Business Inflation Expectations Survey
Determining the output gap—the difference between the current level of gross domestic product and its potential level—is one way of viewing economic performance. With the output gap in mind, a new macroblog post looks at what various sectors are saying about their business environment.
|
|
September 27, 2012
Scientists? Engineers? How about Gardeners?
Many descriptors—both positive and negative—have been applied to economists over the years. But what is the proper description of the economist when it comes to grappling with challenging economic issues? In light of recent policymaking moves, macroblog looks at some possibilities.
|
|
September 24, 2012
Exports from U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Exports make up a substantial part of U.S. gross domestic product, and goods and services from the Southeast are big contributors to the export sector. SouthPoint looks at the region's role in exports and which southeastern cities are the biggest exporters.
|
|
September 24, 2012
Alternative Financial Services Grow, and So Do the Unbanked and Underbanked
Despite improvements in the general economy, 20.1 percent of U.S. households are underbanked and 8.2 percent are completely unbanked. These populations tend to rely more on alternative financial services (AFS). Portals and Rails asks, will their growth fuel AFS growth?
|
|
September 21, 2012
U.S. Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks to the Atlanta Institute of Internal Auditors on the U.S. economic outlook and monetary policy on September 21, 2012.
|
|
September 21, 2012
Surviving the New Economics of Health Care
Adopting a more traditional approach to doctor-patient relationships may yield important benefits in terms of patient care and health care costs, said Dr. David Meltzer of the University of Chicago. In a video interview, he discusses how strengthening doctor-patient relationships could help frequently hospitalized patients.
|
|
September 20, 2012
Workforce Development
Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart discusses the changing demands of the labor market and what those changes mean for the organizations that prepare people for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
|
|
September 20, 2012
The Future of Workforce Development
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks at the Future of Workforce Development conference at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City on September 20, 2012.
|
|
September 20, 2012
Examining the Recession’s Effects on Labor Markets
Years after the beginning of the last recession, U.S. labor markets remain stuck in low gear. To examine the downturn's effects on jobs, the Atlanta Fed recently held a conference that offered a multifaceted look at the labor market. A new macroblog post surveys the literature presented there.
|
|
September 20, 2012
Deflation Probability Measure Inched Down
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.
|
|
September 20, 2012
Southeastern Housing Update: A Closer Look at Lot Inventories
Building a house requires many things, chief among them a lot to put it on. How available are desirable lots in the Southeast? SouthPoint talked to builders in various locations throughout the region to find out.
|
|
September 19, 2012
What We Heard on Labor Markets
Understanding the dynamics of the labor market presents numerous challenges. Employers describe an atmosphere of uncertainty that sometimes hampers hiring, but in other cases they struggle to find qualified job candidates. A new SouthPoint post discusses what some regional employers are saying.
|
|
September 19, 2012
Business Inflation Expectations Decrease in September
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey, southeastern firms expect their unit costs to increase 1.7 percent over the next 12 months. September's figure fell two-tenths of a percent from the August one.
|
|
September 18, 2012
A Slow, Apprehensive Expansion
Many southeastern business contacts report they continue to be apprehensive about hiring and growth prospects in light of the slowing economy. Energy firms and auto manufacturers and suppliers are some of the only firms that report strong demand, according to Southeastern Insights.
|
|
September 17, 2012
Change Is the Only Constant: Section 1073 Set to Take Effect
It requires a global effort to change a global business. This week's Portals and Rails discusses Section 1073 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which has an inaugural date of February 7, 2013.
|
|
September 17, 2012
Will the Housing Market Recovery Leave the Hardest-Hit Neighborhoods Behind?
The Southeast's housing market swoon left few unscathed, but some areas were hit harder than others. As signs of a nascent recovery become more evident, how will the hardest-hit areas be affected? Macroblog looks at new survey data to discuss the uneven progress.
|
|
September 14, 2012
Energy Resources Abound
The Southeast is an important energy producer, so it follows that the region is rife with timely and in-depth sources of information about this important part of the economy. SouthPoint takes a look at some quality sources of energy-related information.
|
|
September 14, 2012
Moderate Progress for Southeast Economy in July, Data Digest Reports
The September report highlights continuing, albeit slow, recovery in the southeastern economy. While the region's manufacturing activity has weakened somewhat, reports from contacts in the housing sector are mostly positive.
|
|
September 14, 2012
Sticky CPI Decelerated in August
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
September 13, 2012
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
Concerned about sluggish employment growth, the FOMC announced it will increase policy accommodation by purchasing additional mortgage-backed securities at a pace of $40 billion a month.
|
|
September 13, 2012
2012–17 Deflation Probability Declined Slightly
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.
|
|
September 13, 2012
Keeping Up with the Technologies
Looking for ways to get information about the regional economy? Interested in keeping up with the Atlanta Fed's research into economic conditions? Thanks to today's technology, it's never been easier, and SouthPoint discusses how.
|
|
September 11, 2012
The Decline in Unemployment: Any Silver Lining?
When people find employment or lose employment, and when they enter the labor force or leave it, economists use these fluctuations to try to assess the changing composition of the workforce. A new macroblog post looks at recent data to place the numbers in context.
|
|
September 10, 2012
Atlanta Fed Releases Its 2011 Annual Report App
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's 2011 annual report is now available in the iTunes Store.
|
|
September 10, 2012
The Trouble with QR Codes
The pervasiveness of QR codes, along with the readiness of consumers to scan them, is creating concern among individuals and agencies who work in consumer fraud protection. The latest Portals and Rails returns to this issue.
|
|
September 7, 2012
How Many Jobs Does It Take?
Check out the Jobs Calculator, updated with new and revised data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to learn how changes in different labor market statistics affect the unemployment rate.
|
|
September 6, 2012
Help Wanted
Looking at the number of help wanted ads can be a useful, if unscientific, gauge in assessing the strength of the job market. What does the volume of these ads say about the Southeast's employment sector today? SouthPoint looks at recent data to arrive at some conclusions.
|
|
September 6, 2012
Deflation Probability Measure Virtually Unchanged
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.
|
|
September 5, 2012
A Closer Look at Regional Unemployment Rates
Unemployment rates in various cities and states have received a great deal of scrutiny, but what about the job challenges faced by urban areas versus rural ones? SouthPoint looks at labor markets from this perspective and explores the distinctions.
|
|
September 4, 2012
Atlanta Fed Research: New Evidence on Impact of Foreclosures
A new research paper reveals evidence about the negative effect of distressed properties on the value of nearby homes. Their findings have important policy implications, some of which could help minimize the impact of foreclosures on surrounding neighborhoods.
|
|
September 4, 2012
Pointing to the Future: Biometrics Crucial for Data Protection
Using fingerprints as an identification tool has been around for at least a century and a half. Portals and Rails looks at a recent paper that suggests the time has come for fingerprints to play a major role in protecting electronic information.
|
|
August 31, 2012
Looking at the Fed’s Dual Mandate from a Beige Book Perspective
The Fed's Beige Book, a compilation of anecdotal information about economic performance from the Reserve Banks, allows for regional economic comparisons. A new SouthPoint post looks at the Fed's primary objectives—full employment and price stability—and compares regional and national commentary.
|
|
August 30, 2012
Deflation Probability Measure Held Steady
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.
|
|
August 29, 2012
Hurricane Katrina: Still Teaching Valuable Lessons Seven Years Later
"Save for a rainy day." That overarching lesson from the Atlanta Fed's four-part curriculum, based on the real-life experiences of four families in an emergency, is still relevant. Extra Credit brings you up to date on one of the featured families.
|
|
August 29, 2012
Rising House Prices: The Good Fortune Spreads
After a prolonged period of bouncing along the bottom, are housing prices finally coming off the floor? A new macroblog post examines data from several areas around the country to place the Southeast's nascent recovery in perspective.
|
|
August 27, 2012
Mind the Gap: PIN versus Signature Authentication
A recent study found that the gap in loss rates from fraud between signature and PIN debit transactions continues to widen. Portals and Rails returns to this topic, keeping an eye toward an eventual EMV implementation in the United States.
|
|
August 24, 2012
The Cost-Benefit Challenge
Many observers have strong opinions about the potential effects of a hypothetical new round of large-scale asset purchases by the Fed. A new macroblog synthesizes various points of view on this multifaceted issue and calls for an assessment of the facts supporting each argument rather than relying on subjective judgment.
|
|
August 24, 2012
Southeastern Housing Update: Sales Up, Inventories Down, Prices Rising
The Southeast's battered housing market appears to be taking baby steps in the right direction, with prices and sales inching up and inventories shrinking. SouthPoint looks at recent survey results to discuss the state of the market.
|
|
August 23, 2012
GDP and the Economics of Happiness
Metrics like gross domestic product and employment can gauge an economy's success. Complementary well-being measures—health, leisure, friendships, even commuting times—are the subject of research by Carol Graham, of the Brookings Institution, and others on the National Academy of Sciences panel.
|
|
August 23, 2012
Banking Forum Asks: "Where’s the Smart Money?"
During the Atlanta Fed's first Banker Outreach Forum, bankers engaged in open dialog centered on profitability and risk management, two issues at the forefront of the banking industry.
|
|
August 23, 2012
Do Firms Have Pricing Power?
Measuring how much ability firms have to pass price increases on to customers is one way to assess economic conditions. Looking at recent survey results, macroblog compares changes in firms' pricing power.
|
|
August 23, 2012
Deflation Probability Measure Ticked Down
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.
|
|
August 22, 2012
The (Unfortunately?) Consistent Record of the Recovery: Duy and Thoma Respond
Analyzing economic trends and conditions necessarily requires operating from a certain set of assumptions—assumptions that can themselves spur a lively discussion. A new macroblog
post engages other blogs' perspectives on the ensuing dialogue.
|
|
August 22, 2012
Not Bad, Not Great: A Labor Market Update
For some time now, improvement in southeastern states' employment levels has seemed to be a case of one step forward and one step back. To illustrate: last month, three southeastern states gained jobs and three lost jobs. SouthPoint looks at the uneven progress and factors behind it.
|
|
August 22, 2012
Business Inflation Expectations Rise Slightly in August
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey, southeastern firms anticipate their unit costs to increase 1.9 percent over the next 12 months. August's reading rose two-tenths of a percent over July's figure.
|
|
August 21, 2012
The U.S. Economic Outlook and Implications for Latin America
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks to the Latin American Chamber of Commerce and the World Affairs Council in Atlanta on the economic ties between Latin America and the United States on August 21, 2012.
|
|
August 20, 2012
Finding a Reasonable Definition of Commercially Reasonable
Article 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code states that banks must adopt commercially reasonable security measures to protect its commercial customers from losses due to fraud. But what exactly are reasonable measures? Portals and Rails looks at one court's opinion.
|
|
August 17, 2012
The (Unfortunately?) Consistent Record of the Recovery
The Fed's dual mandate—employment growth and price stability—has received close scrutiny during the economic recovery. And while the Fed has made significant moves to spur economic growth overall, how closely has the economy's performance aligned with the FOMC's projections? A new macroblog post considers the question.
|
|
August 16, 2012
Well, It’s Not Any Worse
The status quo isn't something to aspire to when conditions are less than optimal, and that includes the Southeast's employment situation. SouthPoint uses recent data to look at the fitful progress of the region's job markets.
|
|
August 16, 2012
Deflation Probability Measure Unchanged
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.
|
|
August 15, 2012
Sticky CPI decelerated
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
August 14, 2012
Data Digest: Southeast Economic Performance Mixed in June
The region's diverse economy continues to see mixed results in economic activity and labor markets. Meanwhile, residential real estate contacts point to nascent signs of improvement.
|
|
August 13, 2012
Tourism Traffic Boosts Prepaid Cards
Brazilian tourism offers an interesting case study of the growth in the use of prepaid payment cards. With benefits for the tourists and benefits for both U.S. and Brazilian banks, the cards are becoming increasingly popular, says this week's Portals and Rails.
|
|
August 10, 2012
Deflation Probabilities on Our Radar Screen
Economists have tools that allow them to estimate the probabilities of deflation. As with any estimate, however, some uncertainty is inherent, but macroblog scrutinizes recent data to assess the risk of deflation in the coming years.
|
|
August 9, 2012
Plugging Into the Network
Using the Internet to glean information about the economy can be like sipping from a fire hose. SouthPoint discusses some useful sources—online and otherwise—that can simplify your quest for timely and accessible information.
|
|
August 9, 2012
Longer-Term Deflation Probability Measure Notched Down
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.
|
|
August 8, 2012
Employment Growth Staggers
The Southeast's jobs situation has been mired in slow growth, and June's employment numbers reveal that the region's employment recently took another small step backward. SouthPoint looks at new data to depict a region struggling to gain forward momentum.
|
|
August 7, 2012
Southeastern Insights
Southeastern business contacts note that the cautious optimism of late spring has somewhat deteriorated. Still, Southeastern Insights says the slowdown in economic activity may not develop to an outright decline.
|
|
August 6, 2012
Policymakers, Regulators Keep a Watchful Eye on Mobile Payments
The rapid-fire changes in the mobile payments environment bear continuous watching. This week's Portals and Rails looks at highlights from a paper summarizing a recent meeting of regulators and the Mobile Payments Industry Workgroup.
|
|
August 3, 2012
Jobs Calculator Updated with July Data, Revisions
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. economy added 163,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in July. The Atlanta Fed has updated its Jobs Calculator with new and revised data from the report.
|
|
August 3, 2012
Truckonomics: An Industry on the Move
Recent economic tribulations and fuel-price spikes hit the trucking industry hard, and the industry responded with consolidation and technological innovation. Now a leaner and smarter trucking industry keeps goods moving, fulfilling its central role in the U.S. economy.
|
|
August 2, 2012
Longer-Term Deflation Probabilities Held Steady
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.
|
|
August 1, 2012
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in June suggests that economic activity decelerated somewhat over the first half of this year.
|
|
August 1, 2012
GDP-Based Recession Indicator Index
This index from well-known economist James Hamilton assigns recession start and end dates based on observed dynamics of U.S. real GDP growth. Using BEA data released July 27, 2012, the index for 2012:Q2 was 5.7 percent, significantly below levels that would signal that a new recession has begun.
|
|
July 31, 2012
Prospects for Southeastern Commercial Construction Gain Momentum
You can hear country music all over Nashville, but the sounds of commercial construction have been muted there in recent years. However, SouthPoint notes that the pace of construction in Music City could be poised to increase.
|
|
July 30, 2012
The U.S. Regulatory Landscape for Mobile Payments
Mobile phones are such a new entrant into the payments field that questions about potential gaps in regulations have arisen. A paper cowritten by Atlanta and Boston Fed payments experts summarizes meetings of the Mobile Payments Industry Workgroup that were held over 2010 and 2011 to address some of these questions.
|
|
July 30, 2012
Even an Outsourced Cloud Can Have a Silver Lining: Shedding Light on Cloud Payments Risk Management
This week's Portals and Rails looks at the practice of outsourcing payments. A recent statement issued by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council is intended to help financial institutions better understand the risks and challenges in cloud outsourcing.
|
|
July 27, 2012
Positive Housing Trends Seen in Middle Tennessee
After the downturn the housing market has experienced, any good news is welcome: SouthPoint says that the Atlanta Fed's real estate industry contacts in Middle Tennessee recently reported improving conditions in their area.
|
|
July 26, 2012
Longer-term deflation probabilities don’t change
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.
|
|
July 25, 2012
The U.S. Regulatory Landscape for Mobile Payments
The Retail Payments Risk Forum sponsored a conference in November that brought a mix of regulators, legal professionals, and law enforcement representatives to the Atlanta Fed. Five sessions addressed topics relating to risk and fraud in retail payments.
|
|
July 23, 2012
The debate on credit card surcharges
A recent class-action settlement, if finalized, will allow retailers to impose a surcharge on credit-card-paying customers. This week's Portals and Rails looks at some possible outcomes.
|
|
July 23, 2012
How big is the output gap?
The output gap represents the difference between the current level of gross domestic product and its potential level. The output gap also represents a matter of debate among economists, since determining its size is not an exact science. A new macroblog post looks at recent discussions surrounding it.
|
|
July 23, 2012
Business Inflation Expectations Unchanged in July
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey, southeastern firms anticipate their unit costs to rise 1.7 percent over the next 12 months. July's reading was the same as in June.
|
|
July 20, 2012
Regional small businesses anticipate ongoing capital improvement
The first quarter 2012 Small Business Survey finds that most small businesses in the Southeast anticipate improvement in capital investment over the next 12 months. The first quarter also saw younger firms experiencing greater difficulty obtaining financing compared with more mature firms.
|
|
July 19, 2012
Longer-term deflation probabilities little changed
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.
|
|
July 18, 2012
Atlanta Fed’s Beige Book points to modest growth, rising caution
Like other Reserve Banks, the Atlanta Fed contributes its perspective on the regional economy to the Beige Book, an overview of national economic activity. SouthPoint finds that the southeastern perspective combines modest economic expansion with cautious optimism.
|
|
July 17, 2012
June sticky CPI inched up
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
July 16, 2012
Atlanta Fed’s 2011 Annual Report Details Four Economic Forces That Shaped the Year
Many forces helped shape the 2011 economy. The Atlanta Fed's online-only annual report provides a narrative of four of them: deleveraging, dynamics in the labor market, uncertainty, and monetary policy. The report features videos, interactive charts, and pop-up definitions that help tell the story.
|
|
July 16, 2012
Oh, SNAP! Benefit trafficking costs millions
The incidence of fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—once known as food stamps—has dropped significantly, thanks primarily to electronification. Still, at a cost of $300 million a year, says Portals and Rails, it's a problem that the USDA is taking on.
|
|
July 13, 2012
The Debate Over Further Monetary Action
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses economic conditions and monetary policy at the Mississippi Economic Council in Jackson, Miss., on July 13.
|
|
July 13, 2012
What’s to be done?
Various pundits have weighed in on what the Fed should do right now, considering the apparent slowing of recent economic numbers. A new macroblog post offers some views from Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart's speech today.
|
|
July 12, 2012
Longer-term deflation probabilities remained stable
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.
|
|
July 11, 2012
An Interview with Nobel Laureate Chris Sims
Nobel Prize winner Chris Sims explains the economic impact of monetary policy, compares European and U.S. policy models, and shares practical advice for budding economists.
|
|
July 11, 2012
Data Digest: A Mixed Report on the Southeast Economy
The Southeast economy experienced tepid growth in May, as several indicators weakened from the previous Digest. However, the report also highlighted positive trends in the region's housing market.
|
|
July 10, 2012
Manufacturing sector cools off amid heat wave
In the economic recovery, manufacturing had been a bright spot. But recent reports on manufacturing have dimmed some of the optimism that the sector's performance had previously generated. SouthPoint looks at recent survey data to depict activity.
|
|
July 10, 2012
Sessions Planned on Proposed Rulemakings Regarding Regulatory Capital Framework
The Federal Reserve is hosting information sessions on proposed rulemakings that would revise and replace the federal banking agencies' current capital rules. The sessions will focus on the key provisions that would apply to all banks, bank holding companies, and savings and loan holding companies.
|
|
July 9, 2012
Can clouds and contactless chips coexist?
Mobile wallet providers generally have an either-or selection when it comes to wallet technology: either cloud-based or contactless chips. Portals and Rails looks at these technologies and wonders if hybrid business models will eventually emerge.
|
|
July 6, 2012
Real Time Analysis of the U.S. Business Cycle
The June update of this U.S. business cycle model shows a 4.2 percent probability that the economy is in a recession as of April 2012. The model monitors turning points and evaluates the strength of the economy in real time.
|
|
July 6, 2012
Jobs Calculator Adds New Features
Check out the latest enhancements to the Jobs Calculator, including easier navigation between sections. Also, pop-up charts lend historical perspective to the statistics and assumptions behind the calculator.
|
|
July 5, 2012
Longer-term deflation probability measure notched up
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.
|
|
July 5, 2012
Sunny in northeast Florida: More signs of a housing rebound
The majority of respondents to a survey of northeast Florida real estate professionals indicated that their market is improving. This week's SouthPoint looks at some of the results of a poll recently conducted by the Atlanta Fed's Jacksonville Branch staff and the Center for Real Estate Analytics.
|
|
July 2, 2012
Are portable POS devices coming to a table near you?
Some restaurants are testing digital tablets that allow customers to pay for their meals at the table. Portals and Rails ponders the benefit of these devices in reducing the fraud that can occur when a stranger takes your card somewhere out of sight to swipe it.
|
|
June 29, 2012
Regional tourism: Beyond the beach
Many people think of beaches and mountains when they think of tourism in the Southeast. This week, SouthPoint looks at heritage tourism, a tourism segment also important to the region's economy. Our Civil War sites, for example, tell a rich and essential part of the American story.
|
|
June 28, 2012
Young versus mature small firms seeking credit
When it comes to obtaining credit, younger firms appear to face greater challenges than older, more established firms. A new macroblog post looks at recent Atlanta Fed survey data to learn more about the different kinds of credit challenges firms face.
|
|
June 28, 2012
The ABCs of GDP
The latest in the Atlanta Fed's The Fed Explained series is a video that explores real versus potential gross domestic product, or GDP. Using an engaging animated format, the video defines what GDP means to an individual and its relationship to Fed policies.
|
|
June 26, 2012
Exploring U.S.-Mexico Relations
Fiscal, monetary, and electoral reforms resulted in a decade of stability for our neighbor to the south. A panel of economists and professors discuss the long history of U.S.-Mexico relations and explain why the time is right to create even stronger ties.
|
|
June 25, 2012
An interview with a risk expert: The costs of complying with Dodd-Frank 1073
Section 1073 of the Dodd-Frank Act is intended to increase consumer protection for cross-border remittance transfers. A risk manager talks with Portals and Rails about what some of the consequences, intended and unintended, of this new rule might be.
|
|
June 25, 2012
EconSouth Explores Energy Sector Dynamics in Louisiana
The worldwide thirst for energy has produced numerous effects on energy-producing areas such as Louisiana. As the energy sector is changing in response to new technologies and market forces, southeastern energy producers are figuring out how to supply energy while remaining profitable.
|
|
June 25, 2012
Do falling commodity prices imply disinflation ahead?
The result of falling commodity prices can take several forms, only one of which is falling prices. A new macroblog post looks at results from a recent Atlanta Fed survey that highlights some notable pricing trends.
|
|
June 25, 2012
Regional Economy Grows Modestly amid Concerns over Downside Risks
Southeastern business contacts and firms indicate that the economy continues to grow slowly, but businesses and consumers are taking a cautious approach as they look ahead. Read the Atlanta Fed's latest Southeastern Insights for the full report.
|
|
June 22, 2012
Employment growth and the FOMC Summary of Economic Projections
What might the labor force participation rate look like in the next few years? With so many variables to consider—including growth in GDP, inflation, and the unemployment rate—assumptions can prove difficult. Using the Atlanta Fed's Job Calculator, macroblog explores some possible scenarios.
|
|
June 22, 2012
Business Inflation Expectations Dip Again in June
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey, southeastern firms anticipate their unit costs to rise 1.7 percent over the next 12 months. June's reading was down a fraction from May's, when firms anticipated 1.8 percent inflation.
|
|
June 20, 2012
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
June 20, 2012
Southeastern housing update: Regional home sales growth remains positive in May
Are the Southeast's housing markets, badly battered by the real estate downturn, beginning to show signs of healing? A new SouthPoint post looks at recent results from an Atlanta Fed poll of real estate contacts.
|
|
June 18, 2012
MintChip: Sounds like ice cream, but it’s actually money
The Canadian Mint recently began backing the digital currency MintChip. Portals and Rails looks at the implications of this move not only for the currency systems of the countries the Canadian Mint services, but also for those of other countries around the globe.
|
|
June 15, 2012
Atlanta Fed Prepares for 2012 Storm Season
This comprehensive list includes contingency contacts and general contingency information to help banks work with the Fed in the event of a weather-related crisis. 
|
|
June 14, 2012
May sticky CPI up
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
June 11, 2012
A human firewall? Tips to keep information secure
In the spirit of ATM and Debit Card Safety Awareness Month, Portals and Rails offers several tips for consumers to protect their personal information.
|
|
June 7, 2012
Annual Review recaps work of Americas Center in 2011
Learn about the Americas Center's most significant projects, products, programs, and initiatives in its 2011 Annual Review.
|
|
June 6, 2012
Headwinds, Risks, and Monetary Policy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the economy and monetary policy at the Broward Workshop, in Fort Lauderdale on June 6.
|
|
June 5, 2012
Financial Markets Conference presentations, videos available
The Atlanta Fed's annual conference, "Financial Reform: The Devil's in the Details," featured policy sessions and papers  , as well as video interviews  , that addressed issues related to the role of the government in mortgage finance, the potential of a new shadow banking system, and more.
|
|
June 4, 2012
The new consumer protection agency looks at prepaid cards
As prepaid cards gain acceptance, the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is examining ways to make them safer for consumers. Portals and Rails looks at what it is the CFPB is doing.
|
|
June 1, 2012
By how much does job growth fall short of lowering unemployment?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) May report indicates 69,000 nonfarm payrolls were added last month and the unemployment rate increased slightly to 8.2 percent. The Atlanta Fed has updated its Jobs Calculator with new and revised employment numbers from the BLS.
|
|
May 29, 2012
Are social security numbers still secure enough for payments?
The Treasury Department created the social security number in 1936 to track workers' earning histories. But these days, we also use it to identify ourselves. Portals and Rails suggests that the payments industry adopt multifactor identification to keep our social security numbers out of the hands of wrongdoers.
|
|
May 24, 2012
New Video Explains Independent Foreclosure Review Process
The Federal Reserve Board's new video explains how borrowers who believe they were financially harmed during the mortgage foreclosure process in 2009 and 2010 can apply for an independent foreclosure review. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2012.
[ video in English
| video in Spanish
|
press release ]
|
|
May 23, 2012
Business Inflation Expectations Moderate in May
Southeastern firms expect their unit costs to rise 1.8 percent over the next 12 months, according to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation expectations (BIE) survey. May's forecast was down from the previous month, when firms anticipated 2.1 percent inflation.
|
|
May 21, 2012
Monetary Policy Limits: Federal Reserve Actions and Tools
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the limits of monetary policy from three angles at the Institute of Regulation and Risk, North Asia, in Tokyo on May 21.
|
|
May 21, 2012
Cramming and bill-to-mobile payments: Managing the risk
You can now pay for certain small transactions by applying charges to your mobile phone bill. Fraudsters are also trying to apply their own charges—to your bill. The industry can mitigate some risk, but you can help by carefully reading your bill, suggests this week's Portals and Rails.
|
|
May 15, 2012
Sticky CPI rose in April
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
May 14, 2012
Cooperating competitors? Yes, when it comes to payment standards
Private firms generally work together to develop payment standards through membership organizations. Portals and Rails asks: do standards increase competition in the payments industry by leveling the playing field? Or do they inherently favor the companies that most influenced their development?
|
|
May 9, 2012
Consumer Scam: People Should Not Use Atlanta Fed Account Numbers to Pay Bills; Could Face Late Fees, Other Charges
Recently the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has received some unauthorized transactions in which customers try to use the Atlanta Fed's account to pay their bills. Consumers should know that when making online or e-check bill payments, they cannot use Federal Reserve accounts.
|
|
May 7, 2012
Regulating mobile: Distinguishing the payment from the channel
Laws, regulations, and rules for credit card, debit card, or online payments should not change even when the payment goes through the mobile channel. After all, the handset is just another device, says this week's Portals and Rails, not a payment.
|
|
May 4, 2012
Do new numbers change the employment outlook?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) April report indicates 115,000 nonfarm payrolls were added last month and the unemployment rate declined slightly to 8.1 percent. The Atlanta Fed has updated its Jobs Calculator with new and revised employment numbers from the BLS.
|
|
May 3, 2012
A Look at the Economy through the Federal Reserve’s Dual Mandate
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the current economy through the lens of monetary policy at the 2012 Santa Barbara County Economic Summit on May 3.
|
|
April 30, 2012
Why are credit and debit cards still embossed?
Who hasn't experienced eye strain reading their card's raised numbers for an online purchase? Portals and Rails says cards are embossed still mostly for legacy reasons. When issuers finally adopt chip-embedded cards, it may also be time to discard the embossed card.
|
|
April 26, 2012
Can home loan modification through the 60/40 Plan really save the housing sector?
A recent article offers up a solution, called the "60/40 Plan," to help distressed homeowners. But according to a new Real Estate Research post, the plan is neither new nor does it consider factors that have hampered loss-mitigation activities since the mortgage crisis began.
|
|
April 25, 2012
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
April 23, 2012
Consumer protection: What to do when the consumer’s the threat?
Around 79 million households use online banking, and businesses are following suit. As banks strive to remain relevant, they must also stay safe. Portals and Rails lists five sound business practices that can go a long way toward safe electronic banking.
|
|
April 19, 2012
Multifamily Housing, Home Equity Featured in Financial Update’s "ViewPoint"
The new edition of Financial Update's "ViewPoint," from the Atlanta Fed's supervision and regulation division, includes articles about how the multifamily housing market is faring regionally and the current state of home equity lines of credit. The edition also looks at current national and regional banking conditions.
|
|
April 18, 2012
’Physical economics’: Get students moving while they learn economics
Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions. Extra Credit offers tips for incorporating physical activity in your economics lessons.
|
|
April 16, 2012
Online and mobile banking create many front doors
Around 79 million households use online banking, and businesses are following suit. As banks strive to remain relevant, they must also stay safe. Portals and Rails lists five sound business practices that can go a long way toward safe electronic banking.
|
|
April 16, 2012
Business Inflation Expectations Increase in April
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation survey, southeastern firms expect their unit costs to rise 2.1 percent over the next 12 months. April's reading was up slightly from the previous month, when firms anticipated 2.0 percent inflation.
|
|
April 13, 2012
Sticky CPI rose in March
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
April 11, 2012
The Devil’s in the Details
The Atlanta Fed's annual Financial Markets Conference on April 9–11 explored the government's future role in mortgage finance, the potential for new regulations to create another shadow banking system, and more. Stay tuned for highlights from the event.
|
|
April 11, 2012
Battling dads illustrate supply and demand? Using movie clips in the economics classroom
The latest issue of Extra Credit discusses how clips from popular movies can extend learning beyond the textbook and help teachers reinforce some basic economics concepts.
|
|
April 9, 2012
Mobile payments malware: Assault and low battery
The use of mobile devices to conduct online banking and payments is increasing. Vulnerability to malware attacks is also increasing. Portals and Rails says the industry must consider the risks in a discussion of security for the mobile channel.
|
|
April 5, 2012
Immigration Myths Unveiled
Take everything you know about immigration...and throw it out the window. Sounds drastic, but University of Southern California Professor Dowell Myers argues that most of our commonly held assumptions about immigration are wrong, and he'll tell you why.
|
|
April 5, 2012
Debunking a popular myth about mortgage lending
A new Real Estate Research blog post discusses a research paper that lays out the history of U.S. mortgage lending. The paper's authors find that the modern long-term, self-amortizing mortgage was not an innovation of the Great Depression.
|
|
April 4, 2012
Welcome to the blogosphere: Connecting technology, economics, and literacy skills
Teachers can find a treasure trove of economic resources in blogs, for use in teaching economic basics. Extra Credit offers a list of established blogs as well as tips for teachers to help students and classes start their own.
|
|
April 2, 2012
What defines an efficient market?
Back in the early 20th century, the Federal Reserve System began providing check clearing services. In this week's Portals and Rails, follow one check's circuitous route in the pre-Fed market as the presenting bank tried to minimize presentment fees.
|
|
March 29, 2012
Financial Update’s “ViewPoint” Features Banking Outlook Conference Highlights
The new edition of Financial Update's "ViewPoint," from the Atlanta Fed's supervision and regulation division, includes coverage of the Atlanta Fed's recent banking outlook conference, with video interviews of some conference participants. The edition also looks at current national and regional banking conditions.
|
|
March 29, 2012
Capture your students’ imagination with The Little Book of Economics
An excellent nonfiction book to supplement your textbooks, The Little Book explains basic macroeconomic, finance, and globalization concepts. Read a concise review and get access to guided discussion questions in the March 2012 issue of Extra Credit.
|
|
March 29, 2012
Employment and Recession
A severe recession leaves few demographic cohorts unscathed, but some groups get hit harder than others. What groups bore the brunt of the most recent economic downturn, and how do its effects differ from those of past downturns?
|
|
March 26, 2012
Is the Internet the world’s largest crime scene?
Even as online sales volume has grown, merchants have successfully reduced incidents of fraud. However, today's tight economy is a constraint on merchants' resources. With limited funds to purchase technology or hire staff to monitor transactions manually, can they remain ahead?
|
|
March 23, 2012
The Classroom Economist Explains Unemployment
The latest Classroom Economist takes unemployment into the classroom. Watch a video of an Atlanta Fed economist explaining the unemployment rate. Watch another with a teacher leading a class in a hands-on lesson. Take the interactive quiz to test your knowledge, and more.
|
|
March 21, 2012
Business Inflation Expectations Rise Slightly in March
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation survey, southeastern firms expect their unit costs to rise 2.0 percent over the next 12 months. March's reading is up slightly from the previous month, when firms anticipated 1.9 percent inflation.
|
|
March 20, 2012
Federal Reserve Financial Statements Posted
The Federal Reserve Board of Governors has posted the 2011 financial statements for all twelve Reserve Banks as well as a combined financial statement.
|
|
March 19, 2012
Balancing payments risk management and regulation with innovation
As the payments industry innovates, fraudsters do, too. This week's Portals and Rails discusses a recent presentation by an industry expert who stressed the importance of not regulating the industry to the point of stifling innovation.
|
|
March 16, 2012
February’s sticky price CPI rose 1.5 percent
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
March 13, 2012
Fed Board Releases Summary Results for Bank Stress Tests
The Federal Reserve Board has released summary results for the latest round of bank stress tests. These results show the majority of the largest U.S. banks would continue to meet supervisory expectations for capital adequacy based on an extremely adverse hypothetical economic scenario. 
|
|
March 13, 2012
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
March 12, 2012
How do new faces affect risks in money transfer business?
It is a sign of the times that a prominent social media company has recently entered into the money transfer business. This company is following the rules, but Portals and Rails suggests that we keep a watchful eye on other entrants—small innovative and possibly unlicensed start-up money transmitters.
|
|
March 5, 2012
Generations of payments innovations: An interview with Bob Kennedy
Atlanta Fed payments expert Bob Kennedy has a history—a banking history. His grandfather started a bank in the 1890s. When Kennedy's father took it over, 12-year-old Kennedy worked there as a teller. Portals and Rails offers Kennedy's unique perspective on the evolution of retail payments.
|
|
March 2, 2012
National Consumer Protection Week 2012
The 14th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is March 4–10. Visit the NCPW website to learn about consumer rights and access a host of information about ensuring privacy protection, managing money and debt, and avoiding frauds and identity theft. 
|
|
March 1, 2012
Monetary Policy and the Credit Channel
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks on current monetary policy at the Annual Banking Outlook Conference held on March 1 at the Atlanta Fed. The conference explores the 2012 outlook for the banking industry.
|
|
February 27, 2012
QR codes versus NFC: Cheaper, but worth the risk?
Last week, Portals and Rails investigated the security of near-field-communication (NFC) apps that are either on the scene or on their way. This week, the blog looks at a cheaper, interim technological alternative that is gaining attention: QR codes.
|
|
February 22, 2012
Business inflation expectations up slightly in February
According to the Atlanta Fed's monthly business inflation survey, southeastern firms expect their unit costs to rise 1.9 percent over the next 12 months. February's reading is up slightly from the previous month, when firms anticipated 1.8 percent inflation.
|
|
February 21, 2012
Security in the mobile wallet: Is it good enough yet?
The mobile wallet has been touted as one of the payments methods of the future. But when will the future arrive? The industry must confront and surmount technological and security hurdles before widespread consumer acceptance can occur.
|
|
February 21, 2012
Selling Korean tractors in Italy: Introducing middle school students to global linkages
Middle schoolers sometimes complain that the subject of economics doesn't relate to them. How can you get their interest? Start with a concrete story about how globalization touches them directly. Could they end up selling Caterpillars in Croatia? Medicine in Macedonia? Read more in Extra Credit.
|
|
February 17, 2012
Sticky price CPI rose 3 percent in January
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
February 15, 2012
Using humor and fiction to teach market basics to middle schoolers
Gary Paulsen's book Lawn Boy is a zany adventure about an enterprising boy looking for a way to make some cash. According to the latest issue of Extra Credit, this book is also an excellent tool for teaching your middle schoolers basic market terms.
|
|
February 14, 2012
Heart to Heart: An Economic Outlook and Federal Reserve Policy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks on the economic outlook at the New College of Florida in Sarasota, Fla., on February 14, 2012.
|
|
February 13, 2012
Real Time Analysis of the U.S. Business Cycle
The February update of this U.S. business cycle model shows a 7.2 percent probability that the economy is in a recession as of November 2011. The model monitors turning points and evaluates the strength of the economy in real time.
|
|
February 10, 2012
Health care employment: The prognosis is good
In an economy still struggling to regain jobs, the health care sector has added jobs every month since July 2003, even during the 2007–09 recession. Where are the industry's greatest needs? Extra Credit summarizes and updates a third-quarter 2011 EconSouth story.
|
|
February 1, 2012
I want to study economics, but what do economists do?
Help your economics-loving students learn what they can do with an economics major. This Extra Credit article considers colleges offering degrees in economics as well as the many career paths available to those with an economics degree.
|
|
January 31, 2012
The Good, the Bad, and the Risky: U.S. Payments System Faces Significant Change
Atlanta Fed First Vice President Marie Gooding spoke about significant changes in the nation's payments systems at the Jacksonville Business Round Table on January 31.
|
|
January 30, 2012
Is the United States payments industry following in the footsteps of the Netherlands?
Like the United States, the Netherlands had low fraud with their magnetic-stripe cards. But when fraud climbed, the Dutch industry adopted chip-and-PIN. Will the United States? Portals and Rails sums up a working paper describing successes and failures of countries adopting chip-and-PIN.
|
|
January 27, 2012
New Survey Measures Business Inflation Expectations
According to the inaugural issue of the Atlanta Fed's Business Inflation Expectations survey, respondents expect unit costs to rise 1.8 percent in the coming year. This new online resource, featuring interactive results and more, provides insight into businesses' pricing decisions.
|
|
January 25, 2012
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
January 24, 2012
Ready-made current events for the economics classroom
EconSouth, the Atlanta Fed's quarterly economic and business magazine, is a treasure trove of current economic events. Extra Credit reviews some of these stories and offers accompanying discussion questions to help economic educators link core economic concepts to the real world.
|
|
January 23, 2012
PIN authentication versus signature authentication
Portals and Rails looks at all the data to find that PIN authentication is more effective than signature authentication in preventing payment card fraud. But given recent statements from industry participants, it remains unclear whether PIN authentication will become the standard in the United States.
|
|
January 19, 2012
Sticky price CPI rose 2.7 percent
The sticky price index, published monthly by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, measures the slow-to-change components of the Consumer Price Index. These "sticky" prices incorporate inflation expectations and thus can be useful in gauging where inflation is headed.
|
|
January 18, 2012
Sovereign Debt and Default
November/December 2011
Notes from the Vault
Gerald P. Dwyer
The sovereign debt crisis in Europe has seen new developments almost every day. A conference at the Atlanta Fed examined the origins of the crisis, its larger implications, and what may happen in the coming year.
|
|
January 17, 2012
How risky? The elements of an effective payments risk management program
Without a comprehensive risk assessment, financial institutions may be vulnerable to losses and lawsuits, or even regulatory formal actions. Portals and Rails highlights a recent podcast in which an Atlanta Fed senior bank examiner discusses how these institutions can successfully manage retail payments risk.
|
|
January 12, 2012
Atlanta Fed Announces Monthly Survey of Business Inflation Expectations and Updated Inflation Project Web Page
The Atlanta Fed announced today that it will begin producing a monthly business inflation expectations survey release that will highlight surveyed Southeastern businesses' expectations on the inflation outlook and other factors that can drive pricing decisions.
|
|
January 11, 2012
Atlanta Fed publishes working paper reviewing chip-and-PIN successes and failures
While payment cards in much of the world are chip-enabled, U.S. cards continue to depend on magnetic-stripe technology. The Retail Payments Risk Forum's Douglas King, a payments risk expert, has published a working paper exploring the experiences of several countries that have moved away from the magnetic stripe.
|
|
January 9, 2012
Current Economic Performance, Underlying Fundamentals, and the Outlook
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks on the economy for the year past and the year ahead at the Rotary Club of Atlanta on January 9, 2012.
|
|
January 9, 2012
Sign up now for Extra Credit
New Year's resolution: Don't miss a single issue in 2012 of the Atlanta Fed's online newsletter designed expressly for educators teaching concepts of economics. The next issue is scheduled for release very soon, so subscribe now. Be sure also to read the most recent issue.
|
|
January 9, 2012
Is what you see what you get? Proposed pricing disclosures for electronic remittances
This week's Portals and Rails considers a proposed rule that would require money transmitters to disclose to their customers all the costs involved with sending money outside the United States. Greater transparency would help consumers better determine what their recipients will actually receive.
|
|
December 21, 2011
The Classroom Economist Explains Monetary Policy
The fourth quarter Classroom Economist offers videos, PowerPoint lessons, and other tools for teaching monetary policy. In one video, an Atlanta Fed economist explains the important concepts behind monetary policy.
|
|
December 19, 2011
The Many Flavors of EMV
The perceived cost of an EMV migration in the United States has been a huge barrier to adoption. Furthermore, EMV authorization and verification methods can occur in multiple ways. For mass adoption, the industry must come to an agreement. This week's Portals and Rails lays out the choices.
|
|
December 15, 2011
Center for Real Estate Analytics Explores Impediments to a Real Estate Recovery
A recent conference at the Atlanta Fed gathered university professors, research directors, practitioners, and economists to examine obstacles in the way of a real estate market recovery. Three dynamic panels focused on insurance, housing, and commercial real estate.
|
|
December 15, 2011
Remarks on Financial Responsibility
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies' graduation commencement at Georgia State University in Atlanta on December 15, 2011.
|
|
December 14, 2011
"ViewPoint" Examines National, Regional Banking Trends
"ViewPoint," the quarterly report from the Atlanta Fed's supervision and regulation division, presents the most recent data about banking conditions in the Southeast and nationally. This quarter's report in Financial Update includes information about small business lending, real estate lending, earnings performance, liquidity, and more.
|
|
December 13, 2011
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
December 12, 2011
Retail Payments Risk Forum conference explores the role of government
In light of the many legislative and regulatory changes affecting the payments industry that are already underway, how and when does government intervene in today's highly dynamic marketplace? Portals and Rails summarizes a recent conference that explored this question in depth.
|
|
December 6, 2011
Economist’s retirement pension work meshes with Fed’s efforts
Part of the Atlanta Fed's Public Affairs Forum series, this video features an interview with Dr. Joshua Rauh, who discusses the economics of state and local government finance. He points out that the accounting practices these governments use when calculating their liability leads them to understate their actual unfunded liability.
|
|
December 6, 2011
CenFIS conference explores sovereign debt, default
On November 28–29, 2011, the Atlanta Fed's Center for Financial Innovation and Stability hosted a conference to explore the pressing topic of sovereign debt defaults. Participants discussed sovereign debt in the euro area, the market for credit default swaps, and more.
|
|
December 5, 2011
The future of mobile payments
Although mobile payments have been slow to progress in the United States, some recent developments have been encouraging. Portals and Rails summarizes a recent interview with a prominent payments industry consultant, who discussed some of the challenges facing widespread mobile payments adoption.
|
|
December 1, 2011
What’s Ahead for 2012: The Facts about Forecasting
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economy and monetary policy at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, Atlanta, Ga., on November 29, 2011.
|
|
November 30, 2011
Central Banks Take Coordinated Action to Address Pressures in Global Money Markets
The Federal Reserve and foreign central banks are working together to ease strains in financial markets. Among other actions, the Fed extended its existing temporary U.S. liquidity swap arrangements and reduced the rate on those arrangements by 50 basis points.
|
|
November 28, 2011
Portals and Rails welcomes new director of Retail Payments Risk Forum
On December 1, Mary Kepler becomes the Forum's new director. With a long history at the Fed, Mary brings with her a lot of relevant experience. Please help the Portals and Rails team congratulate her, wish her continued success, and tell her she wears her new shoes well.
|
|
November 21, 2011
Remote deposit capture: If you expand it, will fraud come?
In the past two years, the market for remote deposit capture (RDC) has grown quickly while managing to keep fraud at a very low level. Portals and Rails looks at growth opportunities for this market that may create more opportunities for fraud.
|
|
November 16, 2011
The Future of Mobile Payments
Mobile payments have really taken off in Asian and African countries, but the United States has been slow to adopt this channel. An industry expert talks about why he thinks the United States will continue to lag, in a new Payments Spotlight podcast.
|
|
November 14, 2011
Evidence for PCI’s effectiveness in the fight against fraud
Does PCI DSS work, or doesn't it? At least one organization has collected data providing evidence that those in the payment card industry can benefit from correct and consistent use of data security standards. Portals and Rails looks inside the report.
|
|
November 10, 2011
Start-ups, Job Creation, and Bank Financing
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about start-up businesses and financing at a Federal Reserve conference on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2011.
|
|
November 9, 2011
Small Business and Entrepreneurship during an Economic Recovery - November 9-10, 2011
Presented by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and the Kauffman Foundation, this conference on November 9–10, 2011, aims to foster an in-depth discussion about the issues facing small businesses and entrepreneurs in the current economic environment.
|
|
November 7, 2011
International Fraud Awareness Week is here
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), organizations worldwide lose about 5 percent of annual revenues to fraud. In the spirit of International Fraud Awareness Week, Portals and Rails looks at some basic preventive measures for combating payment-related risks and fraud.
|
|
November 2, 2011
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
October 31, 2011
Cash, check, or charge: Paying for illegal activities
The state of Louisiana recently passed a bill limiting the use of cash for secondhand goods. The intent of this surprising piece of legislation was to eliminate the anonymity that cash offers and thereby help create a trail for transactions involving stolen items. Read more in this week's Portals and Rails.
|
|
October 24, 2011
Keeping pace as money transmitters proliferate
Money transmitters are becoming more prevalent and more important in our nation's payment system. Is it time to reassess their regulatory environment and consider the potential benefits of a national supervisory framework? This week's Portals and Rails post considers.
|
|
October 19, 2011
GAO Issues Report on Fed Governance
Today the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report on Federal Reserve governance, which was required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Federal Reserve Banks Comments on Report || Federal Reserve Board Comments on Report || Full Report
|
|
October 18, 2011
Expectations and the Economy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the economy at the CFA Society of East Tennessee in Chattanooga, Tenn., on October 18, 2011.
|
|
October 17, 2011
As payments system evolves, "funny" money is still no laughing matter
Counterfeit money has been in circulation in the United States since colonial times. And as payment types have advanced from paper notes to checks, cards, and now electronic payments, counterfeiters have kept pace. What does and what can the industry do to stay ahead?
|
|
October 11, 2011
High-impact events in a warming world: Business continuity planning for retail payments
Which will be first to reopen after a major disaster: your financial institution or the local diner? Portals and Rails emphasizes the importance of strong business continuity plans in a world subject to increasingly volatile weather.
|
|
October 7, 2011
Financial Capability and the Role of Trust
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the economy and financial capability at the Town Hall on Financial Capability, Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., on October 7, 2011.
|
|
October 3, 2011
Cyberspace trust: Proving you're not a dog
Do you really know who you're chatting with online? The latest Portals and Rails post summarizes an interview and podcast with Jeremy Grant. Grant is leading a White House initiative to build collaboration between the private and public sectors to increase online security.
|
|
September 28, 2011
The Classroom Economist Explains Fractional Reserve Banking
What exactly is a fractional reserve system? What are its roots, and how does it work? The third-quarter Classroom Economist, now available online, offers videos, a PowerPoint lesson, and other content designed to enhance teachers' presentation of the world's predominant banking system.
|
|
September 27, 2011
The Economy and Monetary Policy—The Latest “Twist”
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the economy and monetary policy at the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla., on September 27, 2011.
|
|
September 26, 2011
I can’t use my prepaid card for that now?
The recent Regulation II ruling may have the unintended consequence of reducing some functionality for general purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Portals and Rails asks, will the un- and underbanked population move to cash payments?
|
|
September 23, 2011
Deleveraging in Today’s U.S. Economy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economy and the economic outlook.
|
|
September 21, 2011
Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
September 19, 2011
The prepaid market: Growth and sophistication mean more risk
As the prepaid market adds products and functionality, consumer adoption also grows. By 2013, as much as $672 billion may move through prepaid cards. Portals and Rails looks at new rules and guidance created to help the industry operate in the new environment.
|
|
September 15, 2011
Beyond the Password: New Developments in Cyberspace Security
Remember this? One dog says to another, "The great thing about the Internet is no one knows you're a dog." Online dog attacks are unlikely, but other online attacks threaten your personal information. The latest Payment Spotlights podcast features online security. (MP3 8:09)  | Transcript 
|
|
September 12, 2011
Toward a better understanding of P2P payments
Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment products are some of the most innovative developments from the payments industry in the past decade. This week's Portals & Rails sums up a recently released discussion paper on this topic.
|
|
September 6, 2011
Using data mining to catch suspected financial wrongdoers
Data mining is the use of computer-based analytic tools that sift through large collections of data searching for patterns based on statistical techniques. Law enforcement agencies often use data mining to identify trends in financial crime. But what are its limitations?
|
|
August 31, 2011
Deleveraging in Today’s U.S. Economy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the economy at the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Lafayette, La., on August 31, 2011.
|
|
August 29, 2011
Seeing what dimly lies in the distance: Parting thoughts on addressing payments system risk
In his parting post for Portals and Rails, Atlanta Fed executive vice president and Retail Payments Risk Forum director Rich Oliver urges the payments industry to keep an eye on the future while also addressing today's pressing needs.
|
|
August 22, 2011
Is recent EMV announcement the catalyst the U.S. needs to catch up?
In the payments industry, it looks like the United States may finally be catching up to the rest of the world. Visa's recent announcement of its plan to step up its migration to chip payment cards may finally be the catalyst.
|
|
August 17, 2011
Giving Credit Where It Is Due: CDFIs in LMI Communities
Donna Gambrell, director of the U.S. Department of the Treasury's CDFI Fund, describes how community development financial institutions differ from other financial institutions and discusses their impact on low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities in this first half of a two-part podcast. (MP3 7:43)
| Transcript
|
|
August 15, 2011
Five Questions and Answers about Today’s Economy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks at the Rotary Club of Florence and the Greater Shoals/Sheffield Rotary Club, Florence, Ala., on August 15, 2011.
|
|
August 15, 2011
Lessons from the Mario Brothers: Finding the Keys to Fighting Fraud
Like a Mario Brothers game, negotiating the landscape of today's payments systems has many challenges. Can video and computer games teach us anything about strategy in fighting fraud? Portals and Rails suggests that smart offensive approaches rather than defensive actions are most effective.
|
|
August 9, 2011
FOMC Statement
The FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
August 8, 2011
Fighting the rising tide of elder financial abuse
Resulting in about $2.9 billion in annual losses, elder financial abuse is widespread and growing. This week's Portals and Rails looks at the numbers and asks, what is the best way to battle this pernicious crime?
|
|
August 6, 2011
Improve Whatever You Touch
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks at the University of Georgia Summer Commencement Ceremony, Athens, Ga., August 6, 2011.
|
|
August 2, 2011
The Economics of Sport: What’s the Score?
Advocates of using public funds to build sports arenas often point to their impact on the local economy, but do the costs outweigh the benefits? Dr. Robert Baade addressed this question and more during a recent Public Affairs Forum.
|
|
August 2, 2011
Atlanta Fed’s Lockhart Talks Monetary Policy, U.S. Economy
In two interviews televised from the 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Economic Summit in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart discussed the Fed's monetary policy and his forecast for economic growth.
|
|
August 1, 2011
Regulation E expected to add new consumer protections for remittance transfers
The Dodd-Frank Act requires Regulation E to add new protections for consumers who make remittance transfers to foreign countries. Will the new Reg E requirements increase efficiency in the remittance industry while preserving consumer protections?
|
|
July 29, 2011
Two Views of the Economy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economy and the economic outlook at the Third Annual Rocky Mountain Economic Summit, Jackson Hole, Wyo., July 29, 2011.
|
|
July 27, 2011
Beige Book (Atlanta summary)
|
|
July 25, 2011
Is the final Durbin Amendment rule an impetus for EMV in the United States?
With the much-anticipated release of Regulation II of the Durbin Amendment, the Federal Reserve Board may have given card issuers room to recoup a portion of EMV-related costs if they migrate away from mag-stripe technology.
|
|
July 21, 2011
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Opens for Business
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau officially opened its doors on July 21, 2011. Created one year ago by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the new watchdog will oversee consumer financial products and services, including mortgages, credit cards, student loans, prepaid cards, and more.
|
|
July 18, 2011
Where will biometric ID technologies fit in fight against fraud?
Hand geometry; fingerprints; voice and vein recognition; and retina, iris, and facial scans are all personal characteristics that can authenticate a person's identity. Portals and Rails continues its investigation into the use of biometrics to protect consumers.
|
|
July 11, 2011
Data collection: Is more better? What does the future hold?
Banks and other service providers create a negative externality whenever they verify payer identities by collecting personal data, according to Atlanta Fed economist Will Roberds. This week's Portals and Rails recaps an interview with Roberds, who discussed some economic theory behind payments risk and data security.
|
|
July 5, 2011
Dispelling prepaid card myths: Not all cards are created equal
In a continuing effort to debunk myths pertaining to the payments industry, Portals and Rails separates fact from fiction when it comes to consumer protection and liability with prepaid cards.
|
|
June 30, 2011
The Classroom Economist Talks Money
Why do we have money? What are its functions and characteristics? And what do giant stone wheels have to do with money? These questions and more are answered in the second module of the Classroom Economist, the Sixth District's newest resource for teachers.
|
|
June 29, 2011
Share your feedback on inflation-related topics
Complete a brief online survey to help the Atlanta Fed improve the way it delivers inflation research and reporting to you.
|
|
June 27, 2011
What are you signing away with a signature instead of a PIN on card transactions?
Financial institutions advise customers to make debit card purchases using the credit option rather than the debit option. Portals and Rails ponders the riskiness of the advice as well as the potential moral hazard.
|
|
June 23, 2011
Federal Open Market Committee Press Briefing
Watch a recording of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke give the second of four press briefings discussing the Federal Open Market Committee's economic projections and its policy decisions.
|
|
June 23, 2011
Financial Update’s “ViewPoint” presents banking data
Financial Update's new "ViewPoint" from the Atlanta Fed's Supervision and Regulation division offers the most recent data on southeastern banking trends, including earnings performance, asset quality, and asset concentrations. It also includes a spotlight on the residential real estate market and guidance on fair lending compliance.
|
|
June 20, 2011
Is a national data breach notification law on the horizon?
The onus of how or even whether an organization should notify consumers in the event of a data breach has fallen on state legislatures, resulting in significant differences between states. This week's Portals and Rails looks at the lack of standardized federal regulations governing data breach notifications.
|
|
June 13, 2011
Avoiding security missteps in the brave new world of pervasive data collection
Did you stop by the grocery store yesterday? Buy shoes from an online company? Chances are, this information about your buying behavior is being collected and stored in some database. This week's Portals and Rails wonders if online firms will proactively use existing data security tools to protect such consumer data, or if they'll be cleaning up after data breaches have already occurred.
|
|
June 7, 2011
In Support of an Explicit Inflation Target
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about inflation and the economic outlook before the Charlotte Economics Club, Charlotte, N.C., June 7, 2011.
|
|
June 6, 2011
Who does what in fighting payments crimes? Explaining the acronyms and roles of agencies
The multitude of acronyms for the agencies fighting financial-related crimes may be humorous, but payments crimes are no laughing matter. Learn about the responsible federal and state agencies in this week's Portals and Rails.
|
|
May 31, 2011
Stemming the rising tide of card breach incidents: PCI compliance or chip-and-pin?
Card data breaches continue to rise despite industry efforts to safeguard customer payment information. The vulnerabilities inherent in mag-stripe technology will continue to contribute to ongoing skimming attacks in the United States.
|
|
May 31, 2011
ViewPoint: National Banking Trends
"ViewPoint," the quarterly column from the Atlanta Fed's Supervision & Regulation department, includes the latest data on national banking trends such as return on average assets (ROAA) and how the overall decline in ROAA affected banks' performance.
|
|
May 24, 2011
ViewPoint: The State of the District
"ViewPoint," the quarterly column from the Atlanta Fed's Supervision & Regulation department, includes the latest data on regional banking trends such as asset concentration, asset quality, bank failures, earnings performance, liquidity, and loan growth.
|
|
May 23, 2011
Watch Bernanke, presenter interviews from 2011 Financial Markets Conference
The Atlanta Fed's 2011 Financial Markets Conference featured presentations on international lessons from the recent crisis, the costs and benefits of different regulatory structures, and the tradeoff between efficiency and risk in the banking system. New multimedia content from the conference further explores these topics.
|
|
May 23, 2011
The dilemma of measuring fraud in the U.S. payments system
Like Australian platypuses, the U.S. payments system is one of a kind. Compared to other countries' systems, the U.S. system is very large but very lightly regulated. This lack of a central agency means there is also a lack of data, hobbling the ability of organizations to make business decisions pertaining to fraud management.
|
|
May 18, 2011
New Economy, New Roles: Economic Development Organizations and Jobs
Economic development organizations must develop and execute job creation programs in today's difficult economy, even as their budgets are reduced. Denny Coleman, president and CEO of the St. Louis County Economic Council, discusses how local organizations can still add to the quantity and quality of local jobs.(MP3 11:57)
| Transcript
|
|
May 18, 2011
Atlanta Fed Forum Explores Retirement Challenges
A recent Public Affairs Forum hosted by the Atlanta Fed discussed the challenges facing America's retirement system. Roger Ferguson, president and CEO of TIAA-CREF, shared his vision for a revamped system that works for everyone.
|
|
May 17, 2011
Southeast housing update: Polls show existing home sales softened in April
Atlanta Fed polls show sales of existing and new homes overall remained sluggish in April, but Florida's battered housing market reported some sales strength, partly the result of distressed sales. SouthPoint looks at new data.
|
|
May 17, 2011
Retail Payments Risk Forum dispels mobile payments myths
In a recent interview and blog post, Cindy Merritt of the Atlanta Fed's Retail Payments Risk Forum addresses some of the common myths associated with mobile payments.
|
|
May 16, 2011
Practical tips for enhanced mobile security
As banking and payments make the transition from the real world to the virtual world, online and mobile security have become a top concern for both banks and consumers. Portals and Rails offers practical tips on using mobile devices to secure financial transactions.
|
|
May 15, 2011
Federal Reserve Communication: Striving for Clarity in a Fast Changing World
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economic outlook and the role of communication in monetary policy before the Media Financial Management Association, Media Finance Focus 2011, Atlanta, Ga., May 15, 2011
|
|
May 11, 2011
Real Estate and the Economic Recovery
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about real estate and the economy before the Council for Quality Growth in Atlanta, Ga., on May 11, 2011.
|
|
May 10, 2011
ViewPoint Spotlight: State and Local Government Finances
The budget squeeze that state and local governments are confronting has been in the spotlight in the wake of the recession. "ViewPoint," the quarterly column from the Atlanta Fed's Supervision & Regulation department, examines the challenges facing these entities' budgets.
|
|
May 9, 2011
Atlanta Fed Announces YouTube Channel
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta today announced creation of a YouTube channel featuring Atlanta Fed videos.
|
|
May 9, 2011
United front needed to prevent EMV card fraud from picking low-hanging fruit
The United States may be slowly moving to EMV chip-enabled cards. Portals and Rails suggests the need to make this a coordinated effort, while also keeping an eye to the experience of other countries, to effectively reduce fraud.
|
|
May 6, 2011
Insights from the Energy Advisory Council
The Atlanta Fed's New Orleans Branch recently convened regional leaders in the energy sector to discuss recent developments and trends in their industries. A new SouthPoint post examines some of their remarks and observations.
|
|
May 6, 2011
Mobile Payments Security
Mobile banking and payments is still an emerging industry, so the industry has yet to adopt common security standards. Soren Bested, managing director of Monitise Americas, discusses the need for such standards and stresses the importance of collaboration in developing them.(MP3 15:54)
| Transcript
|
|
May 6, 2011
Customer Service Contact Information
Federal Reserve customers operating in contingency mode should contact these customer support numbers with questions:
| Cash |
877-553-9735 |
| ACH |
866-234-5681 |
| Checks |
877-372-2457 |
|
|
May 4, 2011
Green Potential: Moving Sustainable Development Forward through Finance
Scott Muldavin, executive director of the Green Building Finance Consortium, discusses valuation and underwriting of sustainable real estate development.(MP3 10:57)
| Transcript
|
|
May 4, 2011
Not Your Father's Factory Job: Manufacturing and Economic Development
Jay Moon, president and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, discusses the increasingly technical and specialized skills needed to support advanced manufacturing. These skills, he says, are creating a greater focus on working with business, industry, and educational partners to develop a better skilled workforce.(MP3 11:56)
| Transcript
|
|
May 4, 2011
The Role of Risk Lending in a Dodd-Frank World
The financial crisis and ensuing recession led to significant changes in the financial system, and lenders are charting an industry reshaped by the Dodd-Frank Act's reforms. Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart addresses the national convention of the National Funding Association about the role of risk lending in the U.S. economy.
|
|
May 4, 2011
Americas Center Consumer Banking Conference: Strengthening the Financial Safety Net in Emerging Markets - May 4, 2011
The Atlanta Fed's Americas Center hosted the conference Strengthening the Financial Safety Net in Emerging Markets in Miami on May 4. Speakers discussed topics related to building financial capacity in communities to help them become more resilient in the face of financial downturns, natural disasters, and economic disinvestment. Presentations are now available online.
|
|
May 2, 2011
The check's in the mail, but it might be fraudulent
Criminals instinctively move to the path of least resistance, which in the payments industry is the decidedly low-tech paper check. Even as check volume declines, the cost of fraud per check written has doubled. How can the industry protect itself?
|
|
April 27, 2011
FOMC Statement
FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent. Other commentary from the meeting is available.
|
|
April 27, 2011
Atlanta Fed Prepares for 2011 Storm Season
This comprehensive list includes contingency contacts and general contingency information to help banks work with the Fed in the event of a weather-related crisis.
|
|
April 25, 2011
Small Things Really Matter: The Important Role of Microenterprise in Job Creation
Microenterprises, which employ about 20 percent of the U.S. private-sector workforce, have been especially important since the recent recession. Connie Evans, president and CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, discusses how economic developers can grow local jobs by supporting microenterprises. (MP3 13:16)
| Transcript
|
|
April 25, 2011
Bank-enabled P2P payments: Do potential data compromise risks outweigh the benefits?
The amount of personal information required by banks to complete person-to-person (P2P) payments may make these transactions too risky and too cumbersome. Are there alternatives?
|
|
April 17, 2011
Can electronification close tax loopholes opened by cash?
It's that time of year again! The vast majority of Americans pay their taxes voluntarily. Still, each year, the IRS reports a multi-billion-dollar tax gap—more than 70 percent of which is attributable to individual small businesses. This week's Portals and Rails looks at how the IRS will use the electronics payments system to combat tax evasion.
|
|
April 13, 2011
The Job Hunt: New Clues for Small Business Job Creation
Newly available data provide fresh insights into employment in the small business sector. Brian Headd, economist in the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, explores the changing relationship of small business to jobs. (MP3 7:45)
| Transcript
|
|
April 13, 2011
Rethinking the Relationship of Health Care and Economic Development
Who will pay for health care? How should it be delivered? Even though these topics arouse considerable national debate, nearly all economic developers agree on one important point: health care creates jobs.
|
|
April 13, 2011
Americas Center Annual Review: 2011
|
|
April 13, 2011
Americas Center Annual Review: 2010
The Atlanta Fed's Americas Center had an outstanding year in 2010. For example, FedGlobal ACH Payments now offers more services to more Latin American countries. Read about these initiatives as well as outreach efforts and other activities in the 2010 Americas Center Review, now available online.
|
|
April 11, 2011
Dispelling the myths about mobile banking and payments
So you think mobile payments lacks regulation? False! This week's Portals and Rails addresses this and other common myths surrounding mobile banking and payments.
|
|
April 8, 2011
A View of U.S. Manufacturing
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about U.S. manufacturing at the Knoxville Economics Club, Knoxville Economics Forum in Knoxville, Tenn. on April 8, 2011.
|
|
April 5, 2011
Employment in the Sixth District improves in February
The Southeast, though still struggling with high unemployment, made notable gains in payroll employment last month. Florida added 11,400 jobs in education and health care, for example, while Georgia's trade, transportation, and utilities industries added 6,900.
|
|
April 4, 2011
The Great Rebalancing
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economy at the International Economic Forum of the Americas, Palm Beach Strategic Forum in West Palm Beach, Fla., on April 4, 2011.
|
|
April 4, 2011
Atlanta and Boston Fed position paper promotes U.S. adoption of mobile payments
Portals and Rails summarizes "Mobile payments in the United States: Mapping out the road ahead," a collection of the views of the Mobile Payments Industry Workgroup. The work group was convened to develop a strategic vision for moving to an efficient and secure mobile payments system in the United States.
|
|
March 28, 2011
Headwinds and Tailwinds
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart, addressing the Rotary Club of Atlanta on March 28, 2011, looked at factors pushing economic growth forward and those holding it back. Lockhart discussed these opposing forces and arrived at a net positive outlook for the economy in 2011 and 2012.
|
|
March 28, 2011
The nitty gritty of money transfer operators (MTOs)
As the population of international migrants—more than 214 million—expands, so does the number of MTOs. The ubiquity of these MTOs is a blessing—and a curse, as MTOs usually do not fall under the jurisdiction of any single regulatory agency, making them vulnerable to fraud.
|
|
March 25, 2011
Headwinds and Tailwinds
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economy at the Bonita/Estero Market Pulse Conference in Ft. Myers, Fla., on March 25, 2011.
|
|
March 25, 2011
Retail Payments Risk Forum publishes white paper on mobile payments
The Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Boston recently convened a Mobile Payments Industry Workgroup to focus on the U.S. mobile payments ecosystem. Envisioning an efficient, ubiquitous mobile payments environment, the workgroup published a paper about the future of domestic point-of-sale mobile payments. 
|
|
March 23, 2011
Atlanta Fed Announces Plans to Sell Nashville Branch Building
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta today announced plans to sell its Nashville Branch building.
|
|
March 22, 2011
Federal Reserve Financial Statements Posted
The Federal Reserve Board of Governors has posted the 2010 financial statements for all twelve Reserve Banks as well as a combined financial statement.
|
|
March 21, 2011
FinCEN proposed new rule addresses money-laundering risks in prepaid products
With increased prepaid payments products comes more opportunity for criminal activity. Portals and Rails discusses a newly proposed FinCEN rule that could deter criminals from using such products for laundering funds.
|
|
March 18, 2011
Survey: Small business optimism improving, especially among young firms
Small businesses are an important cog in the economy's engine, and the Atlanta Fed conducts a quarterly survey to get an idea of how these businesses in the Southeast feel about the economy and their own prospects. A new macroblog post discusses growing optimism.
|
|
March 15, 2011
Regional unemployment rates stubbornly high in January
Recovery in the job market is slow to come to the Southeast. While some southeastern states are seeing improvement, the region's overall unemployment rate is higher than the national average. SouthPoint examines new data.
|
|
March 14, 2011
Comments on the Economy in 2011
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart's January 10 speech included remarks about his economic outlook for the year. Following the publication of his speech, Lockhart gave a video interview in which he elaborates on his thoughts regarding the economy.
|
|
March 14, 2011
Why U.S. issuers might be reluctant to adopt the EMV standard
This week's Portals and Rails considers the migration to EMV from an issuing perspective, using data collected by the Federal Reserve Board. The post raises such questions as, if the reports on fraud reduction in the U.K. are true, why are U.S. issuers dragging their heels?
|
|
March 10, 2011
Manufacturing momentum: Growth accelerates in the Southeast
New survey data show continuing strength in the region's manufacturing sector. New orders, production, and employment were all up, and the percentage of survey respondents reporting increased orders has risen for five straight months.
|
|
March 9, 2011
The seductive but flawed logic of principal reduction
According to the latest Real Estate Research post, principal reduction will not solve the foreclosure crisis. The bloggers say that principal reduction works only if lenders know exactly who will default. But in the real world, lenders can't know this, so principal reduction ends up being unaffordable.
|
|
March 8, 2011
National Consumer Protection Week 2011
National Consumer Protection Week is March 6–10. The Atlanta Fed is participating in this annual campaign to educate consumers on financial issues. Learn more about Federal Reserve resources on important topics such as preventing identity theft and understanding credit scores.
|
|
March 8, 2011
Southeastern economic update: Economic conditions improve modestly in early 2011
Have you wondered how the Atlanta Fed arrives at its observations regarding regional economic performance? A new SouthPoint post discusses some of the methods used in compiling the Atlanta Fed's Beige Book, which summarizes economic activity in the Southeast.
|
|
March 7, 2011
Economy Today and Policy Framework for Today and Tomorrow
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economy at the 2011 National Association for Business Economics Economic Policy Conference in Arlington, Va., on March 7, 2011.
|
|
March 7, 2011
One chasm that really isn't one
When it comes to inflation, is there a disconnect between what monetary policymakers profess and what consumers experience? A new macroblog post looks at the question and whether the gulf is as large as some believe.
|
|
March 7, 2011
Moving to chip-and-pin: The cost of foresight versus the price of hindsight
The short-term costs of moving to the more fraud-resistant chip-and-pin payment technology are likely preventing us from reaping even greater benefits. In five years—Canada's goal for moving its system to chip-and-pin—the U.S. payments industry may look back and regret not having started already
|
|
March 4, 2011
Gaining perspective on the employment picture
Recent data indicate that hiring has increased and the unemployment rate has declined slightly. So how optimistic should observers be about the employment situation? A new macroblog post looks at some recent analysis to gain perspective.
|
|
March 3, 2011
Understanding Today’s Employment Challenge
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about today's employment challenges to the Economics Club of Florida, Tallahassee, Fla., March 3, 2011.
|
|
March 2, 2011
Healthy Workforce Equals Competitive Advantage
Increasingly, companies are looking at the health of the local workforce when they locate. Dr. Rhonda Medows, chief medical officer and executive vice president at UnitedHealth Group, discusses the competitive advantage of a healthy workforce.(MP3 9:37)
| Transcript
|
|
March 2, 2011
Southeast retail update: A bump in the road for retailers in January
After a merry holiday season, southeastern retailers saw business slow down in January, consistent with a nationwide retail slowdown. A new SouthPoint post examines some of the explanations why cash registers rang less.
|
|
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.
|
|
February 28, 2011
Gains made in reducing identity theft, but significant fraud losses still loom
The incidence of identity theft and its related losses in 2010 were at their lowest levels since Javelin Strategy & Research began tracking fraud in 2003. But with U.S. credit and debit cards still using magnetic stripes, the potential for huge losses still looms large.
|
|
February 22, 2011
Third-party service provider risk and the Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices rule
Financial institutions outsourcing card programs and services to third-party service providers place trust in that provider. But that's no excuse for poor due diligence. These financial institutions must ensure compliance with Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices regulations.
|
|
February 16, 2011
Ready to Work? The Long-Term Impact of Child Health on Economic Development
The impact of chronic illnesses has led to a greater focus being placed on preventive health care, including a closer look at children's health. Dr. Jay Berkelhamer, past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, discusses trends in child health and workforce development.(MP3 10:15)
| Transcript
|
|
February 15, 2011
Interviews, presentations look back on the Fed’s beginnings
Recently released materials from the Atlanta Fed conference "A Return to Jekyll: The Origins, History, and Future of the Federal Reserve" examine the history and performance of the Fed since its beginnings in 1910.
|
|
February 14, 2011
Florida a key driver of regional home sale gains
Home sales rebounded in the Southeast in late 2010, and Florida—which had been especially hard hit by the housing sector's downturn—was among the states whose sales rebounded most strongly. SouthPoint examines recent data to survey the region's performance.
|
|
February 14, 2011
Can mobile address the rising tide of fraud in card-not-present transactions?
U.S. merchants, card issuers, and payments regulators are increasingly battling card-not-present (CNP) fraud as consumers increasingly move online. The U.K. provides an excellent case study of a contactless mobile payments system that has successfully reduced CNP fraud.
|
|
February 9, 2011
Regional input cost, manufacturing indicators rise in January
One way to take the pulse of the economy is by surveying purchasing managers about their future plans. SouthPoint examines some recent survey results and likes what it finds.
|
|
February 8, 2011
Rising Prices, the Cost of Living, and Inflation
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about the economic outlook and the differences between inflation and the cost of living to the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, Anniston, Ala., on February 8, 2011.
|
|
February 7, 2011
Assessing Investment Risk: Investors Show an Appetite for Commercial Real Estate
MetLife Inc. is one of the leading investing operations in commercial real estate. In this podcast, Ken McIntyre, managing director and head of strategic initiatives at MetLife, discusses the current risk appetite of investors and offers his perspective of a broader market recovery.(MP3 7:50)
| Transcript
|
|
February 7, 2011
Cash acceptance: A risky proposition for merchants
Portals and Rails regularly addresses the issue of emerging risks in electronic payments, but a recent post looks at the dangers that the use of cash brings. Businesses that accept cash risk attracting violent crime, employee theft, and counterfeit currency.
|
|
February 2, 2011
The Intersection of Medical Training and Economic Development
A critical shortage in medical professionals, especially in rural and low-income areas, is a challenge facing medical colleges. Dr. Wayne J. Riley, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College, discusses the future of medical training and its implications for economic development.(MP3 8:09)
| Transcript
|
|
February 2, 2011
Confidence improving in the region
Despite persistently high unemployment, many regional indicators reveal economic improvement of late. A new SouthPoint post takes the pulse of a number of them and what they might augur about the economy in the near term.
|
|
January 31, 2011
Functions of the Fed and the Current Economic Situation
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks at Miami Dade College on January 31, 2011.
|
|
January 31, 2011
Payments Spotlight podcast: The evolving threat of corporate account takeovers as seen through a bank's lens
This week, Portals & Rails discusses the most recent podcast in the Payments Spotlight series. This podcast features a bank executive and board member of NACHA and the Mid-Atlantic Automated Clearinghouse, describing how institutions can safeguard against cyberattacks.
|
|
January 28, 2011
Who Will Treat the Sick? Emerging Trends in the Hospital-Based Workforce
Hospitals face a human capital challenge as the public demands the latest treatments in the most upgraded facilities and as they prepare to respond to new legislation. Dr. Stephen Newman, Tenet Healthcare COO, discusses these challenges and opportunities.(MP3 7:39)
| Transcript
|
|
January 27, 2011
The future role of financial institutions in the domestic P2P environment
The expanding online and mobile person-to-person (P2P) market represents a threat to banks' traditional check business, but it also represents a potential opportunity for banks to offer a distinct service to their customers.
|
|
January 26, 2011
FOMC Statement
At its November 26 meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to maintain the fed funds rate at 0 percent to 0.25 percent and proceed with its planned purchase of $600 billion in Treasury securities.
|
|
January 21, 2011
Southeast housing update: Recent Atlanta Fed polls show December home sales improved
New Atlanta Fed surveys reveal regionally mixed performance of the housing market in the fourth quarter of 2010. But Florida, which was among the hardest-hit markets nationally, is reporting some positive results.
|
|
January 18, 2011
Atlanta Fed hosts conference on emerging risks, emerging payments
Payments experts, law enforcement, and other experts who gathered at the Atlanta Fed Nov. 15–16 shared knowledge and insights on retail payments-related topics, such as how fraudsters target social network sites to commit cybercrime. This week's Portals & Rails highlights this and other conference themes.
|
|
January 11, 2011
The pluses and minuses of reluctant consumers
Consumers' savings rate plays a significant role in the economy—not only in the United States but elsewhere. A new macroblog post examines the effect of a high savings rate in China and how changes in it could affect the trade imbalance in coming years.
|
|
January 10, 2011
The Economy in 2011: Sustainable Growth despite Headwinds
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart was scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club of Atlanta on Jan. 10, 2011. Inclement weather in Atlanta forced the cancellation of Dennis Lockhart's delivery of his speech, but the text of his planned remarks is available.
|
|
January 7, 2011
Atlanta’s Mixed Income Communities: Planning with the End in Mind
Renée Glover, president and CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority, discusses her approach to subsidized housing, how the economic downturn has affected this model, and what changes she sees on the horizon.(MP3 8:40)
| Transcript
|
|
January 4, 2011
Looking back, looking forward
Attempting to get a bead on how the economy might perform in 2011, macroblog discusses the outlook presented in the new issue of the Atlanta Fed's EconSouth. While encouraging signs are apparent, significant headwinds also lurk in the coming year.
|
|
January 3, 2011
Demand deposit accounts: Balancing convenience and risk
Consumers have many options when it comes to accessing their demand deposit accounts. However, these same options that offer convenience to the consumer offer more channels for the criminal to carry out fraud schemes.
|
|
December 16, 2010
"ViewPoint" examines banking challenges
Although the banking industry in the region is clearly still working through difficulties, banks are seeing a definite improvement over the previous quarter and year, according to "ViewPoint," a feature in the newly released edition of Financial Update.
|
|
December 14, 2010
FOMC Statement
FOMC keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 to 1/4 percent, confirms economic recovery is continuing.
|
|
December 10, 2010
Board to offer first-ever live webcast of meeting
The Federal Reserve Board announced it will webcast its upcoming meeting to discuss proposed rules on debit card interchange fees and routing. The meeting is scheduled to take place Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m. (EST).
|
|
December 9, 2010
Comments on "Toward a Faster Recovery and Reduced Risk of Deflation"
In an interview recorded Nov. 30, 2010, Atlanta Fed CEO Dennis Lockhart comments on his Nov. 16 speech. He discusses the FOMC's Nov. 3 decision to conduct large-scale purchases of Treasury notes to support economic recovery and serve as a precaution against potential deflation.
|
|
December 7, 2010
Atlanta Fed’s Patrick Barron Announces Retirement
Atlanta Fed first VP Patrick Barron announced he will retire Feb. 28, 2011, after 43 years in the System. On March 1, Marie Gooding, executive VP and retail payments product manager, will become the new first VP, and Cheryl Venable will become retail payments product manager.
|
|
December 6, 2010
Economic activity in Southeast in stabilization mode
The growing optimism regarding the economy that marked this spring and early summer have tapered off as the southeastern economy appears to have stabilized. Atlanta Fed expert talks about this and other issues regarding the region's economy.
|
|
December 6, 2010
Bernanke Appears on 60 Minutes
On 60 Minutes Sunday night, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke discussed a wide range of economic issues including unemployment, the federal deficit, and the Fed’s most recent asset purchase program aimed at boosting economic recovery.
|
|
December 1, 2010
Federal Reserve Posts Information on Loans Made During the Financial Crisis
The Federal Reserve Board has released detailed information on loans and other transactions it has conducted since late 2007 to combat the financial crisis and support economic recovery.
|
|
November 17, 2010
The Role of Technical and Vocational Schools in Easing Job Skills Mismatch
Technical and vocational schools are well positioned to provide practical training that meets the needs of local employers. James King, vice chancellor for the Tennessee Technology Centers, discusses how these schools can partner with employers and position their graduates to thrive in today's emerging job sectors. (MP3 12:35) | Transcript
|
|
November 16, 2010
Toward a Faster Recovery and Reduced Risk of Deflation
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about recent FOMC decisions to Alabama World Affairs Council in Montgomery, Ala., on November 16, 2010.
|
|
November 11, 2010
Business Feedback on Today’s Labor Market
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart speaks about today's labor market at an Atlanta Fed conference on "Employment and the Business Cycle," November 11, 2010.
|
|
November 5, 2010
A Return to Jekyll Island: The Origins, History, and Future of the Federal Reserve
The conference, co-presented by the Atlanta Fed and Rutgers University on November 5–6, 2010, honored the 100th anniversary of the historic meeting that resulted in a blueprint for the Federal Reserve System.
Also, watch the webcast with Ben Bernanke, Alan Greenspan, and Gerald Corrigan from Saturday morning.
|
|
November 3, 2010
Chairman Bernanke Answers Students’ Questions at Jacksonville University
On November 5, 2010, about 35 Florida college students had the rare opportunity to learn from Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve System. Bernanke fielded questions during an economics class at Jacksonville University.
|
|
November 2, 2010
On the Rebound: How Resurgent Cities Generate Jobs and Investment
Many older cities, once heavy in manufacturing, have long faced declining fortunes. However, some de-industrialized cities have become vibrant job centers. The director of the Boston Fed's New England Policy Center, Dr. Yolanda Kodrzycki, discusses the lessons these resurgent cities can offer. (MP3 11:13) | Transcript
|
|
November 2, 2010
FOMC Decides to Expand Its Holdings of Securities, Maintains Fed Funds Rate
To promote a stronger pace of economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with its mandate, the Committee decided today to expand its holdings of securities.
|
|
October 25, 2010
Addressing the Impact of the Foreclosure Crisis
A recently released report highlights the Federal Reserve's local efforts to help prevent foreclosures and support neighborhood stabilization.
|
|
October 21, 2010
Communication: The Key to Guiding Southeast Banks through Tumultuous Times
Michael Johnson, the Atlanta Fed's senior vice president of Supervision and Regulation, discusses the importance of communication between the banking industry and bank supervisors in these tumultuous times, as well as the new online Financial Update feature, "ViewPoint," a tool for communicating supervisory priorities and challenges as well as banking conditions in the Southeast.
|
|
October 18, 2010
The Challenges of Monetary Policy in Today's Economy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart delivers a speech about the economy and monetary policy at the Savannah Rotary Club, Savannah, Ga., on October 18, 2010.
|
|
October 15, 2010
Bernanke Talks to Teachers
Watch Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke converse with educators from each of the twelve Federal Reserve districts. On Sept. 30, 2010, Bernanke participated in a town hall meeting via live feed, talking with teachers and answering questions.
|
|
October 12, 2010
Fraud and Risk in the ACH Network
Fraud in the ACH network can occur through various channels, but financial institutions and businesses are taking steps to mitigate the risk of fraudulent activity.
|
|
October 1, 2010
Federal Reserve Announces Delay in the Issue Date of Redesigned $100 Note
|
|
September 28, 2010
The Approaching Monetary Policy Decision Dilemma
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart delivers a speech at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn., about the economy and monetary policy on September 28, 2010.
|
|
September 22, 2010
Three in One: Growing Jobs, Developing a Workforce, and Stabilizing Neighborhoods
Current economic conditions have inspired practitioners and policymakers to think more deliberately about the overlap between economic and community development. This podcast focuses on the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Civic Sites initiative, a holistic, neighborhood-based program aimed at creating jobs, a workforce, and vibrant neighborhoods. (MP3 13:32) | Transcript
|
|
September 21, 2010
FOMC holds federal funds rate steady, continues reinvesting principle payments
Citing a slower pace of economic recovery in recent months and subdued inflation, the Federal Open Market Committee voted on Sept. 21 to keep the federal funds rate steady at 0 to 1/4 percent.
|
|
September 9, 2010
Education Wage Gap
Although several factors may be at play in the growing wage gap between more- and less-educated workers, recent research shows that the rapid growth of computers has been most influential in increasing the value of more highly educated workers. This podcast discusses the phenomenon referred to as skill-biased technological change. (MP3 9:04) | Transcript
|
|
September 8, 2010
Community Colleges Explore New Paradigms for Workforce Development
The provost of Miami Dade College chats about how community, technical, and vocational schools can be agile in adjusting their curriculum to adapt to the fast-changing workforce needs of local businesses and to strengthen local economic development. (MP3 14:26) | Transcript
|
|
September 3, 2010
Gauging the Economy and Monetary Policy
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart delivers a speech about the economy and monetary policy on September 3, 2010.
|
|
August 18, 2010
Oil Spill Impact
With the well capped and most of the oil gone, the Gulf Coast is repairing the damage done to its economy, its "brand," and its ecology. This podcast features Atlanta Fed researchers discussing the impacts of the Gulf Coast oil spill on the region and the nation, to date and in the future.
|
|
August 1, 2010
Community Reinvestment Act Public Hearing Held at Atlanta Fed
One of four public hearings on modernizing the regulations that implement the Community Reinvestment Act took place at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on August 6, 2010.
|
|
July 19, 2010
Atlanta Fed Names Bennett Vice President, Lyons Assistant Vice President
Nicole Bennett has accepted the position of vice president in human resources for the Atlanta Fed, announced Dennis Lockhart, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Lockhart also announced that Blake Lyons has been named assistant vice president in facilities management.
|
|
July 15, 2010
Revitalizing Urban Industrial Sectors: A Roadmap for Diversifying the Economic Base
Using Atlanta as an example, Dr. Nancey Green Leigh, professor of city and regional planning at the Georgia Institute of Technology, discusses a roadmap for protecting and energizing an industrial sector as a viable source of job growth and economic investment. (MP3 10:27)
Transcript
|
|
June 30, 2010
Banking in the Southeast
Southeastern banks have experienced an eventful period and have recently endured significant challenges. Brian Bowling, vice president in the Atlanta Fed's banking supervision and regulation division, discusses the general state of banking in the region. (MP3 6:56)
Transcript
|
|
June 30, 2010
Recovery and the Challenge of Uncertainty
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart delivers a speech about the U.S. economy at the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on June 30, 2010.
|
|
June 23, 2010
Atlanta Fed Now on Twitter and Facebook
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta announced today it is introducing a Facebook page and Twitter feed to create a social media presence.
|
|
June 21, 2010
Atlanta Fed Announces Promotions, New Assignments
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has announced promotions and new assignments for Cheryl Venable, Richard Fraher, Jeff Devine, and John Kolb.
|
|
June 9, 2010
Mexico's Financial System in the Wake of the Crisis
Tapen Sinha, a professor at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City and a visiting scholar at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and Georgia State University, describes the changes in Mexico's financial system in the past century, especially since the 1992 passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (MP3 7:07)
Transcript
|
|
June 8, 2010
Discussing the 2010 Financial Markets Conference
Atlanta Fed economist and associate policy adviser Paula Tkac discusses the Atlanta Fed's 2010 financial markets conference, "Up from the Ashes: The Financial System after the Crisis," which examined critical aspects of the remaking of the financial system from both policy and practical perspectives.(MP3 8:32)
Transcript
|
|
June 4, 2010
Thoughts on Community Banks in the Southeast
Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart speaks to the Alabama Bankers Association annual convention June 4, 2010.
|
|
June 3, 2010
Sources of Employment Uncertainty
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart delivers a speech about productivity, labor, and the economy at Atlanta Technical College on June 3, 2010.
|
|
May 27, 2010
Redefining the Scope of Government Intervention in Secondary Mortgage Markets
How deeply should the government be involved in the mortgage finance system? Atlanta Fed financial economist W. Scott Frame discusses the issue in a speech to the Bankers Club of Chicago on May 27, 2010.
|
|
May 21, 2010
Regulatory reform via resolution: Maybe not sufficient, certainly necessary
|
|
May 20, 2010
Americas Center Looks Back at 2009 Milestones
The 2009 annual review from the Atlanta Fed's Americas Center highlights its major initiatives and describes a number of key projects for the upcoming year.
|
|
May 17, 2010
The Gulf Oil Spill
Michael Chriszt, assistant vice president in the Atlanta Fed's research department responsible for the Regional Economic Information Network, discusses the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and its potential impact on regional economies. (MP3 6:59)
Transcript
|
|
May 12, 2010
2010 Financial Markets Conference Surveys Postcrisis Landscape
|
|
May 7, 2010
Nashville Cash Operations Update
Fed stands ready to work with depository institutions and armored carriers in response to recent flooding.
|
|
May 3, 2010
Redesigning the $100 Note
Brian Thompson, a banknote designer at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, discusses the redesigned $100 note and the art of currency design. (MP3 6:55)
|
|
May 3, 2010
Atlanta Fed Announces Lesson Plan of the Year Winners
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta today announced the winners of the Bank's 2009–10 Lesson Plan of the Year contest.
|
|
April 23, 2010
Board to Hold Public Hearings on HMDA
|
|
April 21, 2010
Federal Reserve Financial Statements Posted
The Federal Reserve Board of Governors has posted the 2009 financial statements for all twelve Reserve Banks as well as a combined financial statement.
|
|
April 15, 2010
Progress Report on the Recovery
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the economy in a speech to a Rotary Club in Pensacola, Florida, on April 15, 2010.
|
|
April 13, 2010
Atlanta Fed Prepares for Storm Season
|
|
April 7, 2010
Sixth District Employment Trends Transcript
Menbere Shiferaw, an economic analyst in the Atlanta Fed's research department, discusses employment trends in the Sixth District.
|
|
April 7, 2010
Prospects for Sustained Recovery and Employment Gains
Atlanta Fed President and CEO Dennis Lockhart discusses the economy and labor market dynamics at a luncheon in Hartford, Conn., on March 31, 2010.
|
|
April 1, 2010
Atlanta Fed Names Davenport Senior Vice President
Leah Davenport has been named a senior vice president responsible for the Atlanta Fed's financial services and also has oversight of the District Cash Function Office, facilities and law enforcement.
|
|
March 30, 2010
American Council on Consumer Interests conference - April 14-16, 2010
Consumer advocates, scholars, and other experts will gather at the Atlanta Fed April 14–16 for the 2010 conference of the American Council on Consumer Interests (ACCI).
|
|
March 25, 2010
The Economics of Urban Growth Transcript
Ed Glaeser, professor of economics at Harvard University, discusses the economics of urban growth in Atlanta and the Southeast.
|
|
March 22, 2010
The U.S. Economy and Emerging Risks
Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart speaks to the Naples Council on World Affairs on March 22, 2010.
|
|
March 11, 2010
Sweet Charity: Foundations as a Source for Community and Economic Development Transcript
The overlap between economic development and philanthropy is growing. While we most often think of foundations as being involved in community development, they play increasingly more important roles in economic development. Douglas W. Nelson, retired president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, talks about how foundations can support economic development as sources of flexible capital and data-driven policy advocacy.
|
|
March 3, 2010
Recovery and Reform
Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart speaks to the New York Association for Business Economics on March 3, 2010.
|
|
March 3, 2010
Atlanta Fed Web Site Adds Inflation Resource
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta today introduced The Inflation Project, a page on the Bank's Web site that provides a compilation of links to inflation indicators, reports and research.
|
|
February 25, 2010
Atlanta Fed Names Campbell-Drake and Greene Vice Presidents and Tkac Assistant Vice President
Nell Campbell-Drake has been named a vice president in the Federal Reserve Bank's Retail Payments Office (RPO). Todd Greene has been named vice president and Paula Tkac assistant vice president in the Atlanta Fed's research division.
|
|
February 24, 2010
Banking on Economic Development: Financial Institutions and Economic Development—A Changing Paradigm Transcript
The importance of financial institutions in economic development efforts has varied by region. As communities struggle with funding economic development efforts, some are re-engaging banks in new ways. Indeed, the financial crisis has re-framed the banking sector's models of economic development deals. Bill Best, senior vice president for Community Development at PNC Bank and chair for the International Economic Development Council, discusses the key role banks play in community and economic development efforts during a time of recovery.
|
|
February 22, 2010
Atlanta Fed Adds Real Estate Research Blog to Web Site
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta today introduced Real Estate Research, a blog that provides analysis of topical research and current issues in the fields of housing and real estate economics.
|
|
February 22, 2010
Federal Reserve Announces Online Consumer Guide to Credit Cards
|
|
February 18, 2010
The Economic Outlook: A Tale of Two Narratives
Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart speaks to the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce on February 18, 2010.
|
|
February 10, 2010
New conferences focus on consumer issues, community reinvestment
The Atlanta Fed is cosponsoring two conferences this spring: the National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference in New Orleans (March 14–18) and the American Council on Consumer Interests Conference in Atlanta (April 14–16).
|
|
January 20, 2010
Reserve Banks Undertaking New Study of Nation's Payment Methods
|
|
January 11, 2010
The Economy in 2010 and Preserving the Role of an Independent Fed
Dennis Lockhart delivers remarks to the Rotary Club of Atlanta on Jan. 11, 2010.
|
|
January 8, 2010
The Changing Nature of Housing Counseling Transcript
Suzanne Boas, president of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta, talks about the changing nature of the organization's client demographics and the strategies CCCS is using to help homeowners across the nation avoid or recover from foreclosure.
|
|
December 17, 2009
Atlanta Fed Announces New Appointments in Bank Supervision, Retail Payments Risk and Corporate Engagement
Michael Johnson has been named to lead the banking supervision and regulation division at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Richard Oliver, executive vice president, will take responsibility for the Bank's Retail Payments Risk Forum. Andre Anderson is being promoted to senior vice president and moving to head the Bank's corporate engagement division. Clifford Stanford, assistant vice president, will move to bank supervision and regulation, and Richard Gilbert has been named an assistant vice president in bank supervision and regulation.
|
|
December 15, 2009
Time Magazine names Bernanke 2009 Person of the Year
Time Magazine names Bernanke 2009 Person of the Year
|
|
September 8, 2009
Stock Prices in the Financial Crisis
* Stock prices fell roughly 50 percent from peak to trough from October 2007 to March 2009.
* These drops in stock prices are large relative to those associated with earlier recessions since World War II.
* This extraordinary plunge in stock prices may reflect effects of the financial crisis rather than lower earnings from an especially severe recession.
|
