News & Publications
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/Blog/2021/January/BlogImage_HomeProduction_Pt2_011921.jpg)
The large drop in weekly work hours during the pandemic led to increased time spent on activities like cooking and child care.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/Blog/2021/January/BlogImage_MexicoUSAborder_011421.jpg)
A drop in U.S. enforcement encounters in the spring suggested the pandemic temporarily slowed unauthorized entry attempts, but such encounters have risen in recent months.
![Federal Reserve districts](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/Blog/2021/January/OVBlogImage_DistrictsMap460.jpg)
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/Images/About-Us/Diversity/pride_parade.jpg)
We believe the Federal Reserve most effectively serves the public by building a more diverse and inclusive economy.
From St. Louis Fed President Jim Bullard
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/HomePage/FromThePresident/bullard.jpg)
St. Louis Fed President James Bullard shared his views on a variety of topics during the Reuters Next virtual forum. He spoke about several aspects of Fed policy, the arrival of vaccines, the possibility of higher inflation, and more.
FRED® Economic Snapshot
Who We Are
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/HomePage/WhoWeAre/circle1.png)
by Design
The Federal Reserve is a central bank system that includes the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., and 12 independent regional Reserve banks.
This decentralized structure ensures that the economic conditions of all areas of the country are taken into account in the making of monetary policy.
Learn more about the importance of the Fed’s regional structure.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/HomePage/WhoWeAre/circle2.png)
Mission
The Federal Reserve promotes a healthy economy and financial stability by:
- Pursuing maximum employment, stable prices and moderate long-term interest rates
- Ensuring safety and soundness of the nation's banks and financial system and protecting consumer credit rights
- Maintaining stability of the financial system and containing systemic risk
- Providing services to depository institutions, the U.S. government and foreign official institutions
Learn more about what we do.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210119192005im_/https://www.stlouisfed.org/~/media/HomePage/WhoWeAre/circle3.png)
Leadership
The St. Louis Fed is overseen by a board of nine independent directors who are familiar with economic and credit conditions in the Eighth District.
The Bank's president, first vice president and a team of officers manage the Bank's day-to-day operations. The Management Committee is the central policymaking body of the Bank.