Talking Points
"Without these policy actions, the downturn–and its cost to society–would be even more severe than what we are currently facing. They hold open the promise of mitigating the losses in jobs and output during the downturn. And avoiding unnecessary realignments of financial, physical, and human capital would reduce any permanent impairment to the economy's productive infrastructure." —Chicago Fed President Charles Evans in a January 3 speech.
The Economy
CFMMI
–1.6% in November.

CFNAI
–2.47 in November.

Farmland Values
+14% in 3Q over 3Q '07.

'Beige Book'
Midwest Economic Activity Declines offsite link

Michigan Retail Index
–11.0 for sales outlook
–6.1 for sales performance offsite link

Latest News

January 06, 2009 
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Chicago Fed Re-Appoints Chairman and Deputy Chairman
New terms begin January 1, 2009.
Rick Mattoon Economist Discusses State Budgets offsite link
In his blog, Chicago Fed's Richard Mattoon reports on the process of determining Midwest state budgets.
David Oppedahl Understanding Agricultural Markets and Food Price Inflation
In Chicago Fed Letter, David Oppedahl explores economic impacts of volatile ag prices and food policy on the macroeconomy.
Profitwise News and Views Now Online
Latest issue looks at Latin American immigrants' financial behaviors.
Anna paulson Raising Capital: The Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds
In Chicago Fed Letter, Anna Paulson describes the uses, funding and investment strategies of sovereign wealth funds.
Nobel Laureate Highlights Work of Chicago Fed Researcher offsite link
In his Nobel Prize lecture on December 8, Paul Krugman cited work by economist Thomas Klier on the U.S. auto industry.
U.S. Economic Growth Weak in 2009: Forecast
Inflation expected to move lower and unemployment rate predicted to rise in 2009, according to Economic Outlook Symposium participants.
Upcoming Events
Money Smart Week
April 18-25, 2009

Bank Structure Conference
May 6-8, 2009