Dr. Econ
Dr. Econ answers many questions with a focus on monetary policy and Federal Reserve related issues. The Doctor does not do homework, give financial advice or provide research support.
-
What are the money and foreign exchange markets? What forces influence supply and demand in these markets?
General explanation of money markets and foreign exchange markets, as well as some of the principal factors that influence money market rates and foreign exchange rates.
-
First, why haven’t the boundaries of the 12 Federal Reserve Districts been adjusted to reflect changes in population or economic growth? Second, do the western states receive similar central banking and research services from the Federal Reserve, as do other areas of the country where Reserve Banks serve smaller geographic areas and populations?
Brief reference to Fed history, as well as a discussion of Fed district boundaries and Fed district comparison.
-
What are the rationales for using a fixed money supply rule, rules employing feedback mechanisms, or allowing policy makers discretion when setting monetary policy?
Discussion focusing on the rules of monetary policy, including the Taylor Rule, feedback mechanisms, and the discretion of policymakers in the art of monetary policy.
-
What will happen to the Fed if the national debt is paid off? Could the Fed buy precious paintings in the open market, instead of using Treasury debt to implement monetary policy?
Discussion regarding changes that might occur in implementing monetary policy without treasury debt. Also examines how payingoff the national debt would affect the Fed securities portfolio.
-
When were the most prolific bull and bear market periods in the United States?
Explanation of bull markets and bear markets in relation to stock market indexes, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
-
Please explain what the social security surplus is and why is it important?
Discussion of the relationships between Social security and surplus, and social security and trust fund.
-
What makes Treasury bill rates rise and fall? What effect does the economy have on T-Bill rates?
Explanation of T-bills, treasury auctions, and t-bill interestrate movements.
-
Why did the national debt in the hands of the public increase from approximately $700 billion to over $2,400 billion during the 1980s?
Explanation for the increase in national debt in the 1980s, in which increases in government spending and decreases in tax receipts were significant contributing factors.
-
How do you calculate a nation’s wealth and why might different methods be used to estimate wealth?
Discusses some of the key components in calculating national wealth (i.e. U.S. assets) and conducting cross-country comparisons. Mentions the importance including measures of wealth to provide a standard measure for comparison, such as distribution of wealth based on family net worth.
-
How do you define ‘Commercial Loans’ and what is the economic importance of these types of loans?
Discusses how commercial and industrial loans enable business borrowing, and how bank loans to business supply funds for a wide range of business purposes, including inventory financing and investments in equipment.