"This paper evaluates the ability of formal rules to establish U.S. business cycle turning point dates in real time. We consider two approaches, a nonparametric algorithm and a parametric Markov-switching dynamic-factor model. In order to accurately assess the real-time performance of these...

"This paper summarizes recent developments in the theory and practice of monetary policy in a closed economy and explains what these developments mean for U.S. dollar policy. There is no conflict between what is appropriate U.S. monetary policy at home or abroad because the dollar is the world's...