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A man studies a map that's different from what's ahead.
September 2, 2020

White Americans Overestimate Racial Progress. But Certain Attempts to Remedy That Could Backfire.

Researchers hoped that having white participants read about racism would help them grasp the true extent of racial gaps in wealth and income. They were wrong.

economist reads board of recession indicators
August 26, 2020

We’re Several Months into the COVID Economy. What Have We Learned?

From household spending to the strength of the dollar, an economist sees some clear trends—and signs of what’s to come.

Workers in less work-from-home-friendly sectors suffered greater economic consequences of COVID-19.
June 24, 2020

Why the Next Round of COVID-19 Aid Should Target Industries That Can’t Work from Home

A new study pinpoints which sectors—and which workers in those sectors—suffered the most. Congress should take note.

New research finds that when a more trusting CEO takes over, a company becomes more innovative.
June 1, 2020

Want Your Employees to Innovate? Trust Them.

R&D teams take more risks—and do better work—when their CEOs have faith in them.

“Smart containment” offers better health and economic outcomes than quarantines alone.
May 27, 2020

The Wrong Way to Ramp Up COVID-19 Testing

Robust testing is key to safely reopening the economy. But a new model shows that if testing is not paired with “smart containment,” it could backfire.

A policy maker debates how to help the economy during COVID-19.
May 11, 2020

The Treasury’s Former Chief Economist Takes Stock of the Pandemic’s Economic Impact

Kellogg’s Janice Eberly zeroes in on a few data points that demonstrate the massive challenge policymakers face.

A home made of dollar bills blows away
May 5, 2020

Here’s How Americans Are Spending Their Stimulus Checks

Real-time data pinpoints what we’re buying, and who’s spending the fastest.

A store closes because of COVID-19
April 14, 2020

Companies Need to Prepare Today to Survive the Next 18 Months

An economist explains how leaders can try to lower fixed costs, retain workers, and mind their brands.

April 10, 2020

A Closer Look at Consumer Stockpiling During the Coronavirus Crisis

Researchers examined how households responded to shelter-in-place orders. They uncovered some surprises.

A job hunter googles job information.
April 1, 2020

The Unprecedented Stock-Market Reaction to COVID-19

A new analysis explains why this pandemic really is different.

woman and dog look out at closed businesses
March 26, 2020

Containing COVID-19 Will Devastate the Economy. Here’s the Economic Case for Why It’s Still Our Best Option.

The death toll from failing to contain the virus will be far more costly to society.

China's expanded monetary policy after the Great Recession helped support less productive companies.
March 24, 2020

Take 5: What Previous Recessions Can Teach Us about the Coronavirus Crisis

From stimulus strategies to how businesses will fare, research on past downturns can help inform our outlook today.

How immigration affects the economy depends on taxation and worker skills.
March 2, 2020

When Do Open Borders Make Economic Sense?

A new study provides a window into the logic behind various immigration policies.

Economists have uncovered a better way to predict fluctuations in exchange rates.
January 2, 2020

Predicting Exchange Rates Is Hard. Could Dusting Off an Old Technique Help?

Investors take note: the “real exchange rate” may be a more accurate long-term forecaster than economists thought.

Economists look back at what alternative monetary policies could have led to a quicker recovery from the financial crisis.
December 2, 2019

Two Ways the Economy Could Have Recovered Faster after the Great Recession

Doubling down on these monetary policies could help combat future financial crises.

A worker whose wages have stagnated
December 2, 2019

What’s Causing Wage Stagnation in America?

Previous explanations pointed to globalization and automation. But research shows that employer concentration is also to blame.

Commercial mortgages before and after Dodd Frank
November 1, 2019

How Dodd-Frank Made Commercial Mortgage Loans Safer

The financial reform bill increased the cost of certain loans, but lowered the risk of default.

Indian flag with economic indicator signage
November 1, 2019

India’s Economy Is Slowing Down. What Happens Next?

The country’s chief economic advisor discusses how labor, trade, and energy factor into the country’s economic outlook.

An upcoming sales tax spurs car sales.
November 1, 2019

How Raising the Sales Tax Could Help Fight a Recession

New research points to a counterintuitive new tool to spur spending.

physical vs intangible investment
October 4, 2019

Companies Are Shifting Investment Away from Physical Capital, with Far-Reaching Consequences

Buildings and machinery are out. Software, IP, and research are in. Here’s why it matters.

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