Regional Economist

October Update

National and District Data (pdf)

National and District Overview

Past Issues

Please send comments or questions regarding The Regional Economistto Howard J. Wall.

Down, But Not Out:

The Future of Community Banks

Despite their size disadvantage, community banks have repeatedly dodged the roundhouse punch from big banks and their economies of scale. Can personalized customer service keep them sparring?

[ Lead Article ]

How Long Can the Expansion Continue?

The current expansion is about to become the longest in U.S. history. But that doesn't mean it's about to end.

[ President's Message ]

The NAIRU: Tailor-Made for the Fed?

Fed critics have charged the central bank with relying on an outmoded economic indicator to predict inflation. But the charge doesn't suit the evidence.

[ Economic Background ]

Revamping Medicaid: A Five-Year Check-Up on Tennessee's Experiment

With the federal government's blessing, Tennessee replaced Medicaid with a managed care system of its own. Five years later, the prognosis is mixed: Health care coverage is in the pink, but finances are in the red.

[ Economic Briefing ]

A Tale of Two Cities

Hannibal, Mo., and Quincy, Ill., sit on opposite sides of the Mississippi River and employ opposite approaches to economic development. At least that's what they've done in the past.

[ Regional Report ]