Contact Info

t. 216.579.2036

f. 216.579.3050

bill.bednar@clev.frb.org

To arrange an interview with this research analyst, contact our media coordinator at 216.774.2514 or anne.m.diteodoro@clev.frb.org.

William Bednar |

Research Analyst

William Bednar, Research Analyst

William Bednar is a research analyst in the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. His primary interests include financial economics, macroeconomics, and international economics.

Mr. Bednar holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the College of Wooster and a master’s degree in economics from Cleveland State University.

  • Fed Publications
  • Other Publications
Title Date Publication Author(s) Type

 

 September, 2012 ; Todd Clark; Economic Trends
Abstract: Since the target federal funds rate bottomed out near its zero lower bound during the financial crisis, the Federal Reserve's balance sheet has been an important policy tool. This week the FOMC announced another round of asset purchases, which will further expand the balance sheet. We take a look at recent changes in the size and composition of the balance sheet and project those forward to the end of the year.
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 August, 2012 ; Mahmoud Elamin; Economic Trends
Abstract: Generally speaking, a bank-holding company (BHC) is a company that controls more than 25 percent of the voting securities of an FDIC-insured bank. One exception is if the company is holding the securities for trade. Such companies are not classified as BHCs. In this article we discuss the condition of U.S. BHCs since 2001. We focus on those with assets of more than $500 million.
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 July, 2012 ; John B Carlson; John Lindner; Economic Trends
Abstract: Prior to the financial crisis, the Fed’s security holdings were restricted to a mix of Treasury securities, which consisted of a combination of short-term bills and longer-term notes and bonds. At the start of the crisis, the balance of Treasury bills fell. This dip turned out to be the beginning of a major evolution in the composition of the Fed’s portfolio. As a result of the crisis, the Fed’s security holdings have been completely transformed.
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 April, 2012 ; Mahmoud Elamin; Economic Trends
Abstract: Back when the financial crisis was in full swing, a number of simultaneously exploding problems struck at AIG (American International Group). The Fed’s response was swift and varied. One particular response was Maiden Lane II, created to deal with problems in AIG’s securities-lending program. The last securities in Maiden Lane II were sold off at the end of February 2012. Did the American public and New York Fed benefit from the investment?
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Title Date Publication Author(s) Type

 

 February, 2012 ; Mahmoud Elamin; Economic Trends
Abstract: Structured finance has been vilified as the culprit behind the worst recession since the Great Depression. Every aspect of its design has been disparaged: faulty underlying loans, bad incentives for originators, dubious AAA ratings and mispriced risks. Did the Great Recession spell the end of structured finance or is it making a comeback?
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