All of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks study the economies of their regions, but how is this information used? Regional data historically haven't swayed monetary policy decisions, but they provide policymakers and researchers with timely information about economic conditions and with context for...

In response to the financial crisis of 2007–09, Congress created the Orderly Liquidation Authority (OLA), a new regime for winding down systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) that become troubled. The OLA provisions address two conflicting goals: mitigating threats to the...

Access to credit enables businesses to smooth income streams and take advantage of growth opportunities. Without credit, a business may be forced to cut production or restrain growth. If credit constraints affect businesses across economic sectors, the result could be widespread declines in...

The ratio of household debt to disposable personal income fell rapidly during the recession of 2007-09 as consumers defaulted on loans, paid down debt, and took out fewer loans. According to some economists, this household debt reduction — "deleveraging" — has constrained consumer spending,...