How to best manage the failure of systemically important financial firms was the theme of a recent conference at which the latest research on the issue was presented. Here we summarize that research, the discussions that it sparked, and the areas where considerable work remains.

A comparison of Federal Reserve overdraft and reserve requirement rules with those of the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Japan, and the Bank of England, finding that no unique set of rules is necessary for effective performance of a central bank's monetary and payments system functions.

What is the best way to achieve price stability? Conventional wisdom says that a tough, independent central bank is all that is necessary. However, a new view—the fiscal theory of the price level—argues that an appropriate fiscal policy is also required, no matter how tough the central bank...

Low inflation over long periods is the sign of an effective central bank. The authors suggest that a large fraction of the worldwide decline in inflation since the early 1980s results from an international movement toward more independent central banks.

In the United States, the Federal Reserve has responsibility for both monetary policy and bank supervision. Other countries separate these functions to varying degrees. What lies behind this global diversity? Should a central bank be charged with conducting monetary policy and regulating banks,...

An explanation of how Mexico could further enhance its recent economic progress by implementing the provisions of NAFTA--unilaterally, if necessary--and by following through on its initiative to make its central bank autonomous.

Alexander Hamilton is the least known and most misunderstood of our nation's founders. His contributions include creating a monetary standard, establishing our banking system, and ensuring the young nation's creditworthiness. This Economic Commentary explains how much of our financial strength...

An examination of why, in the face of record earnings and ever-increasing demand for their products and services, banks are trimming their payrolls. The article also examines the fate of the job losers, as well as the banking industry's tremendous ability to weather major technological and...

Central banks have done a very impressive job of achieving low and stable rates of inflation in recent years. But despite past successes, they must always be ready to deal with new challenges that might arise. Sandra Pianalto, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, discusses...

An assertion that central banks can promote long-term investment and stable economic growth only by guaranteeing price stability and that a coordinated global easing of monetary policies would damage central-bank credibility and jeopardize progress against inflation.