Data and Indicators
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What’s the Fed’s Balance Sheet?
Federal Reserve policy actions have increased the size of the Fed’s balance sheet to about $4.5 trillion. But what exactly is the Fed’s balance sheet? Here’s the answer from Glenn Rudebusch, director of SF Fed Economic Research.
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Boosting the Power of Youth Paychecks: Integrating Financial Capability into Youth Workforce Programs
For many lower-income youth, a first paycheck represents an important opportunity to enter the financial mainstream, avoid costly predatory financial services, and establish positive financial behaviors and attitudes. The MyPath Savings program shows positive, scalable results that support low-income working youth as they bank, save, and build their financial confidence.
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How Does China’s Slowdown Impact the United States?
How big a concern is China’s slowdown for the U.S. economy? This blog reviews financial and trade linkages between the two countries to explore possible transmission channels. At least for now, the overall direct impact appears to be limited, although U.S. exposure to China is growing.
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How Modernizing India’s Payment System can Drive Financial Inclusion
India’s heavy reliance on cash has wasted resources and limited financial inclusion, leaving nearly half the population without a bank account. In response to this problem, the government has introduced policies to promote non-cash payments, provide hundreds of millions of new payment-capable accounts to the unbanked, and encourage new technology and innovation throughout the banking sector. The combined effect of these efforts could have a major impact on economic welfare and financial inclusion in the coming years.
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Recycling Shredded Cash to Reduce the Fed’s Environmental Impact
In 2015, Reserve Bank Cash Services, across its 28 operations, recycled U.S. currency with the equivalent weight of nearly nine fully loaded 747 airplanes.
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New $20 Note to Feature Harriet Tubman
Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew today announced plans for the new $20, $10 and $5 notes, with the portrait of Harriet Tubman to be featured on the front of the new $20.
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2015 Annual Report
In the 2015 annual report, What We’ve Learned…and why it matters, find out how changes in demographics, and in employer and worker needs, have created a “new normal” in the U.S. labor market. Plus, learn how China’s economic slowdown is affecting global economic activity.
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The Global Impact of Chinese and Japanese Economic Growth
Thirty years ago, Japan was growing so quickly that some predicted it would overtake the United States, while China’s economy was small and closed. Much has changed. China has overtaken Japan as the world’s second largest economy, but as China shifts to a “new normal” of lower growth, observers are increasingly concerned that it may no longer serve as the world’s economic engine. Meanwhile, proactive Japanese economic policy has renewed interest in Japan’s prospects.
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President’s Speech Easter Eggs
SF Fed President John Williams had fun with a few of his recent speeches, sprinkling in references to some of his favorite songs and artists. How many of these seven do you recognize?
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Korea’s Shipbuilders and Lenders Navigate an Oil Storm
Persistent overcapacity, high inventories, a strong U.S. dollar, and global economic uncertainties have had a substantial impact on oil prices. In response, oil companies have slashed capital expenditures, leading to significant losses at South Korean shipbuilders exposed to oil rig construction. In anticipation of further losses on their shipbuilder exposure, Korean banks have been increasing their loan loss provisions to shore up their allowances and are reporting a considerable impact on earnings.