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Economic Synopses is a series of short essays (generally about 1 page) that provide insight and commentary on timely issues in economics, finance, banking, and other areas. These essays are meant to be clear and accessible for the interested, but not necessarily expert, reader.

2010, No. 4: Okun’s Law: Output and Unemployment (PDF 83k)
U.S. output growth declined less than in most other industrialized countries while U.S. unemployment rose higher and faster than it did in most other major industrialized countries.
by Christopher J. Neely
posted on 2010-02-03

2010, No. 3: Are Low Interest Rates Good for Consumers? (PDF 76k)
Although banks’ cost of funds has dropped dramatically with the federal funds rate target, households’ cost of funds has remained high, especially if we look at their cost of borrowing relative to their rate of return on saving.
by William T. Gavin
posted on 2010-02-02

2010, No. 2: Measuring Financial Market Stress (PDF 124k)
Although the STLFSI suggests the level of financial stress in the markets has declined significantly since September 2008, the stress level remains modestly higher than average.
by Kevin L. Kliesen and Douglas C. Smith
posted on 2010-01-15

2010, No. 1: The Evolving Size Distribution of Banks (PDF 142k)
If limiting the size of large banks were considered appropriate to reduce systemic risk, it would be a clear change of direction relative to the long-term evolution of the industry.
by Silvio Contessi
posted on 2010-01-11

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