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Do Smoking Bans Make Economic Sense?

Should state and city legislatures pass laws to keep smokers from lighting up in public places, or should they just butt out of this issue? St. Louis Fed economist Michael Pakko talks about smoking bans and whether they help or hurt the economy in this 21-minute audiocast. Listen | Learn more

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Fed Proposes Rules on Unfair Credit, Overdraft Practices

The Federal Reserve Board on May 2 proposed rules to prohibit unfair practices regarding credit cards and overdraft services that would, among other provisions, protect consumers from unexpected increases in the rate charged on pre-existing credit card balances. (Read more.)

Review: Some History on Housing Troubles

Today's economic woes aren't even close to those of the Great Depression, but that period in history may offer some insights for us today. In this issue of Review, Fed economist Dave Wheelock provides a very readable account of the housing boom and bust of the 1920s and 30s and the federal government's initiatives to reduce foreclosures through government-sponsored refinancing and mortgage market reforms. Sound familiar?

Poole Reflects in Bank’s 2007 Annual Report

Former St. Louis Fed President Bill Poole looks back at his eventful 10-year presidency in the Bank's 2007 Annual Report. In a final interview, Poole discusses the Fed's proper role during times of crisis, such as the turbulent economic events that took place during his tenure. He also shares his thoughts on the FOMC's communication policies and on the evolving functions of Reserve banks. Also included are highlights from some of Poole's nearly 150 speeches.

Economic Conditions Weaken Nationally

The latest issue of the Beige Book reports weakening economic conditions nationwide, with slowing economic activity in the Eighth District. Visit our press room to hear Fed Economist Howard Wall summarize overall economic conditions in the region.

St. Louis Fed Celebrates Innovation in Our Communities

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis held its first-ever Exploring Innovation in Community Development Week, April 14-18, 2008. The purpose of the event was to draw national attention to innovations in the community development industry and its important role in American life.

Neighborhoods That Don't Work

Unemployment is becoming more concentrated. Neighborhoods that had high unemployment in 1980 had even higher unemployment rates 20 years later. What are the possible reasons—and solutions—for this trend? Find out in the April issue of The Regional Economist.

Reverse Mortgages—the Next Hot Spot?

The spring issue of Bridges takes a look at reverse mortgages, the rapidly growing market for this product and the need for consumer protection. Other articles in the issue focus on a program in Tunica, Miss., that helps teenagers start a business, credit scores and why they are important, and a matched savings account program that provides a safety net for youth “aging out” of foster care in St. Louis. (Read more.)

New Maps and Data Could Help Identify Foreclosure Hot Spots

The Federal Reserve System has created a set of dynamic maps and data that illustrate subprime and alt-A mortgage loan conditions across the United States. The maps, maintained by the New York Fed, display regional variation in the condition of securitized, owner-occupied subprime and alt-A mortgage loans.The maps and data can be used to assist in the identification of existing and potential foreclosure hot spots. (Read the Board's press release.)

Fed Announces Accelerated Check Restructuring Schedule

The Federal Reserve on March 31 announced modifications to its schedule for check processing infrastructure changes. The changes come as consumers and businesses continue the shift from using paper checks toward electronic payments and as financial institutions rapidly adopt electronic check processing. In the Eighth District, St. Louis will shift its check-processing operations to Atlanta in the fourth quarter of 2009, about a year and three months sooner than previously planned. (Read more.)

Poole to Join Cato Institute, University of Delaware

Former St. Louis Fed President Bill Poole has accepted positions at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., and at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del. After 10 years at the St. Louis Fed, Poole will join the Cato Institute as a senior fellow in the fall of 2008. Also in the fall, he will begin serving as a distinguished scholar in residence at the University of Delaware. (Read more.)

Inside the Vault Examines Globalization

Globalization has been crucial for economic growth over time. Find out more about its benefits and downsides in the spring issue of Inside the Vault, our economic education newsletter.

St. Louis Fed's New Burgundy Book Highlights Conditions around the Eighth District

The St. Louis Fed's Center for Regional Economics—8th District (CRE8®) has begun producing a new report called the Burgundy Book for each of the regions (zones) surrounding its four offices. The reports provide anecdotal information, along with formal data, and are released four times a year. In conjunction with the release of the reports, St. Louis Fed economists Michael Pakko and Howard Wall provide audio commentary on economic conditions in each District zone. Listen to St. Louis | Little Rock | Louisville | Memphis.

Data Sources

ALFRED® (Archival Federal Reserve Economic Data) is an application for retrieving vintage versions of economic data.

CASSIDI® (Competitive Analysis and Structure Source Instrument for Depository Institutions) is the St. Louis Fed's banking market structure and competitive analysis online application.

FRASER® (Federal Reserve Archival System for Economic Research) provides historical economic statistical publications, releases and documents.

FRED® is the Federal Reserve's economic and financial database.

GeoFRED™ enables users to create thematic maps of U.S. economic data by state, county or metropolitan statistical area.