Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

In our Corporate Social Responsibility Section:

Report to Congress

Now online is the Chicago Fed's first-annual Office of Minority and Women Inclusion Report to Congress.

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Upcoming Events

April 21-28				Money Smart Week
May 9-11				48th Annual Conference on Bank Structure and Competition

Features

Consumption and the Great Recession

Economic Perspectives article addresses why the latest recession featured the most severe and persistent decline in aggregate consumption since WWII and why its recovery path has been so weak. Read More

Medicaid and the Elderly

In 2009, Medicaid spent over $75 billion on 5.3 million elderly beneficiaries. Economic Perspectives article describes the Medicaid rules for the elderly and discusses their economic implications. Read More

New Issue of Risk Perspectives Available

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's supervision group follows current and emerging risk trends. Recent issue of Risk Perspectives highlights risk monitoring in the Midwest. Read More

Community Development Financial Institutions Assist the Underserved

Profitwise News and Views Spotlight explains how Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are assisting with the implementation of several new policy initiatives designed to direct capital to the nation’s underserved communities, business and home owners. Read More

Recent News

Economic Activity Decreased in March

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index was –0.29 in March, down from +0.07 in February. Read More

Midwest Manufacturing Cities

In a recent blog posting, Chicago Fed economist William Testa examines the redevelopment achievements of many older manufacturing cities in the Midwest. Read More

A Different Way to Review the Chicago Fed National Activity Index

Chicago Fed Letter analyzes the recent sources of strength and weakness in the CFNAI, using a new measure that is often a leading indicator of the index’s movements. Read More

Paper Discusses Effects of FOMC Forward Guidance

The Fed's use of new tools to communicate monetary policy is an effective way of changing market expectations, according to Chicago Fed President Charles Evans and three co-authors. The paper was released at the Brooking's Institute Spring 2012 Conference. Read More

Midwest Farmland Values Show Biggest Annual Increase Since 1976

Latest AgLetter reports farmland values for 2011 increased 22 percent from the previous year in the Seventh Federal Reserve District. Read More

Around the System

Is the Fed Audited?

Yes, the Board of Governors, the 12 Federal Reserve Banks, and the Federal Reserve System as a whole are all subject to several levels of audit and review.

Consumer Complaints and Information

If you have a problem with a bank or financial institution, contact the Federal Reserve for help.

"Monitoring long-run inflation expectations for evidence of substantial deterioration remains an important safeguard against unforeseen adverse developments."

Charles Evans, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, in a March 22, 2012 speech.

NAI
NFCI
MEI
MMI
MID

Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI)

National Financial Conditions Index (NFCI)

Midwest Economy Index (MEI)

Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI)

Latest Indicators — Feb*
Unemployment		Employment Growth		GSP Growth**
		Monthly	YoY	YoY
US: IL: IN: IA: MI: WI:	8.3% 9.1% 8.4% 5.3% 8.8% 6.9%	0.2% 0.1% 0.0% 0.6% 0.0% 0.3%	1.5% 0.6% 1.3% 1.2% 1.8% -0.6%	1.7% 1.6% 2.1% 3.1% 1.9% 2.2%
All data are seasonally adjusted. *Estimates of annual GSP growth are through 2011:Q4.