Talking Points

"Two fine studies have been released this year that can guide the slow-growing Midwest in finding its 'way forward.'"
— William Testa, Chicago Fed vice president and director of regional programs, (above) in his recent blog.

Economic Indicators

CFMMI
-0.7% in March.

CFNAI
-0.78 in March.

Farmland Values
+16% in '07 over '06.

Michigan Retail Index
+9.6 for sales outlook
–6.6 for sales performance offsite link

Latest News

May 11, 2008

Chicago Fed's Economic Perspectives Now Available
Second quarter 2008 edition explores education & health, tax, and inflation topics.

Federal Reserve Proposes Rules to Protect Consumers offsite link

New rules would prohibit unfair practices regarding credit cards and overdraft services.

2007 Annual Report Now Online
Examines market disruptions last year and the role financial innovation plays in fostering such disruptions.

What's the Role of Insurance Among Low-Income Households?
Chicago Fed Letter looks at connections between insurance, wealth building and preservation, and financial access for low-income consumers.

Federal Reserve Chairman to Speak at Conference
Ben S. Bernanke will be a keynote speaker at the 44th annual Conference on Bank Structure and Competition.

Facing the Challenge of Retiree Health Care
In Chicago Fed Letter, Economist Rick Mattoon examines how state and local governments finance and administer post-employment benefits. (PDF,58KB)

Financial Education Webcast offsite link

Oprah contributor Jean Chatzky moderated a recent education summit on "Building the Financial IQ of Generation Y."

Looking at Economic Trends and the CFNAI
Chicago Fed Letter explores an experimental methodology for the Chicago Fed National Activity Index. (PDF,181KB)

Upcoming Events

Bank Structure Conference
May 14-16, 2008

Payments Conference
June 5-6, 2008

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