Recently added articles from FRBSF Economic Letter:
New highs in unemployment insurance claims.
Sep 08, 2009; ... Unemployment insurance benefits have been on an upward trend over the past two decades, partially reversing an earlier decline. The trend is associated with shifts toward a higher share of job losers among the unemployed and longer durations of unemployment, which may cause benefits to ...
Credit market conditions and the use of bank lines of credit.
Aug 31, 2009; ... Many credit line agreements contain restrictive covenants and other contingencies that may limit the ability of borrowers to draw on their lines, which is a particular concern to small firms. This Economic Letter reviews recent empirical studies that suggest that private firms' access to ...
Growth accounting, potential output, and the current recession.
Aug 17, 2009; ... Total factor productivity--a measure of the efficiency with which labor and capital are used--has fallen during the current recession. But, after adjustment for lower utilization of labor and capital, such productivity has risen strongly over the past two years. These growth-accounting ...
Have the Fed liquidity facilities had an effect on Libor?
Aug 10, 2009; ... In response to turmoil in the interbank lending market, the Federal Reserve inaugurated programs to bolster liquidity beginning in December 2007. Research offers evidence that these liquidity facilities have helped lower the London interbank offered rate, a key market benchmark, ...
Did welfare reform work for everyone? A look at young single mothers.
Aug 03, 2009; ... Since Congress overhauled the U.S. welfare system in 1996, single mothers between 18 and 24 have reduced welfare dependency, increased workforce participation, and registered gains in household income. The group's growing attachment to the labor force means they may be better positioned to ...