Economics
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two people stand on a scatterplot grid
January 7, 2022

When a Bunch of Economists Look at the Same Data, Do They All See It the Same Way?

Not at all, according to a recent study, which showed just how much noise can be introduced by researchers’ unique analytical approaches.

aspects of the economy in mural form
December 8, 2021

Top Economic Concerns for 2022

Growth continues, but risks abound.

man holding sack of money over his head while other man is crushed by sack of money
December 1, 2021

Can Larger Loans Help Small Firms Grow?

Sometimes. But it turns out that lenders are bad at figuring out which businesses will benefit.

November 1, 2021

What Businesses Must Do to Curtail Climate Change

We need to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. This will require a new system of incentives.

coffee plantations on a hillside
September 1, 2021

In Some Markets, Competition Can Do More Harm Than Good

A study of the Rwandan coffee industry shows how informal contracts can break down as new competitors enter, resulting in higher costs and lower quality products.

Man walking wearing suit on left side of body and shorts on right side.
August 11, 2021

COVID Has Accelerated These 4 Labor Market Trends

From greater flexibility to higher wages, the workplace is never going to look the same.

dollar signs stand on a road
August 6, 2021

Should Americans Be Worried about Inflation Right Now?

Three economists with opposing views weigh in.

man watches business report on television with bills on table
August 2, 2021

To Better Measure Economic Uncertainty, Look Beyond the Stock Market

Incorporating news sources, surveys, and even Twitter conversations can help give policymakers more nuanced data.

stacks of cash on U.S. map
July 13, 2021

The U.S. Economy Is Still Finding Its Footing. But States Are Doing Pretty Well.

Why California is thriving—and even Illinois is on the upswing.

globe as coronavirus
July 1, 2021

Measuring COVID’s Devastating Impact on Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Global surveys of more than 30,000 people revealed widespread drops in income, rising food insecurity, and an increase in domestic violence.

US one dollar bill as puzzle with missing pieces
June 1, 2021

U.S. Firms Are Investing Heavily in Innovation, Yet Economic Productivity Has Slowed. Why?

The answer may lie in how pharmaceutical companies are targeting their R&D spending.

person fills out census form race category
April 1, 2021

To Escape Jim Crow–Era Discrimination and Violence, Some Black Men Passed as White. But How Many?

Hundreds of thousands, according to a new study of Census data. Doing so provided some economic benefits but came at a great personal cost.

aspects of the economy in mural form
March 13, 2021

With More Stimulus Relief on the Way, Here’s a Look at America’s Covid Economy

A former Treasury official discusses where things stand now—and what the future might bring.

Ambulance drives through austere neighborhood with mansions in background.
February 1, 2021

Why Do COVID-19 Death Rates Differ Wildly from Place to Place?

Researchers were surprised by the variable that best predicted fatalities.

Indian farmer using cell phone
December 4, 2020

How an Advice Hotline Is Making Farmers in India More Productive

Previous efforts to provide farmers with guidance fell short. But this venture went further.

auctioneers and bidders mingle
November 11, 2020

How Auctions­ Help Solve Some of the World’s Most Complicated Problems

Whenever you turn your lights on, query Google, or stream a video on your phone, it’s likely an auction happened in the background. Our faculty discuss the decades of research that helped make auctions so ubiquitous.

Older customers look into a restaurant
November 2, 2020

Meet the (Surprisingly Rational) COVID Consumer

Research on initial consumer spending shows that those at higher risk were making safer choices.

Auctioneer sells ad space on search page
October 29, 2020

What Is “Auction Theory,” and What Kinds of Questions Can It Answer?

The recent Nobel put the field of auction theory in the spotlight. An economist explains how it works, using his own research as a guide.

Federal Reserve Bank sending out funds
October 19, 2020

Unpacking the Federal Reserve’s Aggressive Response to COVID-19

A Kellogg professor spent the past year at the Fed. He explains the bank’s “guns-blazing” response—and the limits to these interventions.

Person pays for groceries with SNAP card
October 1, 2020

Does Requiring Food-Stamp Recipients to Work Actually Increase Economic Self-Sufficiency?

The answer is increasingly urgent as politicians debate whether to reinstate the requirement, which was paused during the COVID-19 recession.

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