WashU Expert: Federal Reserve buys time on possible rate hike​

​While the economy has rebounded, the recent market upheaval in China, and the resulting ripple effects felt globally, raised concerns. The Fed’s decision to hold rates steady buys more time to gauge global markets’ strength, and possible volatility, should a rate hike be put into place in the near future.

Recession and recovery prime topics of top economists’ visits to WUSTL

Two prominent economists made headlines last week in visits to the Olin Business School when they shared their views on the economy and its recovery from the “Great Recession.” Former Federal Reserve chief Paul Volcker and St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank president and CEO James Bullard, PhD, offered different perspectives on jobs, financial reform and the global economy. One dared to suggest the need for increased taxes in the near future; one said the current crisis in Greece could slow the U.S. recovery.

U.S. monetary policy focus of Feb. 5 forum

Experts from the St. Louis Federal Reserve and around the country will be on the Washington University campus Friday, Feb. 5, to discuss the Federal Reserve’s role during the recent recession and future directions for policy. The free public conference, “Monetary Policy Amid Economic Turbulence,” begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Bryan Cave Moot Court Room, Anheuser-Busch Hall.

Economic recovery: don’t count on consumers

Steve Fazzari What will generate the growth necessary to put many of the unemployed back to work again?  That’s the question economist Steve Fazzari is asking as we move past the first recession of the 21st century.  “In the deep downturns of the 1970’s and early ’80’s, strong consumer spending growth led to strong recoveries. Unfortunately, I just don’t see that happening this time”  says Fazzari.  Includes video interview.

Bernanke’s ‘Great Moderation’ is not over

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke coined the phrase “the Great Moderation” back in 2004 to refer to the relative stability of the U.S. economy over the previous two decades. Many believe “The Great Recession” of the past two years has jolted the economy out of its moderate mode and back into a state of high volatility. Washington University in St. Louis economist James Morley disagrees. He argues the Great Moderation is alive and well and will help the economy recovery from this latest financial shock.

Don’t blame free trade for a weak economy

Even though the benefits of free trade outweigh the harm, the subject has not garnered a lot of attention during this year’s election cycle. WUSTL business professor Jim Little discusses why it is important for Congress to liberalize trade and the dangers of embracing stricter policies.

Expert available to discuss possible economic stimulus package

Stuart GreenbaumFormer dean of the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, Stuart Greenbaum, is available for comment on the wisdom behind the stimulus package proposals under consideration in Congress. Greenbaum is skeptical that a stimulus package will be effective and proposes several other strategies that could improve the economy.
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