Economic Research - Economic Research and Data, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

The Economic Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago conducts policy-relevant research on macroeconomics, microeconomics, financial studies, payments and regional economics issues.

News

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Farmland Values Still Down from Last Year

According to David Oppedahl in the latest AgLetter, farmland values in Seventh District were four percent lower in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. However, the value of "good" agricultural land for the District increased two percent in the third quarter of 2009 compared with the second quarter of 2009.

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Rescuing Asset-Backed Securities Markets

This edition of the Chicago Fed Letter discusses the asset-backed securities market and why it is important.

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Will Retirements Affect the Number of Teachers

In the most recent edition of Economic Perspectives, Daniel Aaronson and a co-author consider whether the retirement of Baby Boomers is going to affect the number of teachers in the classroom. Other articles examine the 1937 recession in the U.S. and look at sources of the unemployment rate.

Midwest Manufacturing Output Increased in September

The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 1.0% in September, to a seasonally adjusted level of 82.3 (2002 = 100).

Economic Activity Approaching Pre-recessionary Levels

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index was −0.81 in September, down from −0.65 in August. A recent edition of the Chicago Fed Letter (PDF,293KB) discusses how the CFNAI can be used to identify turns in the business cycle.

Michigan Retailers' Holiday Forecast Mixed

The Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, found that 35 percent of retailers increased sales in September over the same month last year, while 49 percent recorded declines and 16 percent saw no change. The results create a seasonally adjusted performance index of 42.5, down from 46.6 in August. Looking ahead, 38 percent of retailers said they expect higher sales during the fourth quarter holiday season over the same period last year, while 36 percent project a decrease and 26 percent no change.

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September Employment Numbers by Metro Area

Take a look at our data page to see the most recent employment and unemployment numbers. Most recently released are the MSA numbers for September. You can also check out our interactive charts to find out what's happening in the U.S. and in your industry.

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Chicago: Tall and Striving

In his most recent blog posting, Bill Testa talks about the importance that tall buildings have played in the growth of Chicago.