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.
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What would be the likely effect of completely paying off the public debt?
Describes some of the changes that would result from payingoff national debt for key figures, such as the Federal Reserve, the financial markets and institutions, and for other holders of government debt. Also presents some key financial statistics, such as changes that would result in Treasury securities and gross public debt.
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Why do we need economists and the study of economics?
Why study economics? This discussion explains why we needeconomists and the study of financial and regional economic issues to make sense of our complex environment.
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Are we on the verge of a turning point in the credit cycle?
Considers how changes in credit standards and asset quality affect credit cycles.
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How does the Federal Reserve System keep our banking and financial industry safe?
Discusses some of the primary responsibilities of bank regulatorsin ensuring the safety and soundness of financial institutions, as well as the changes to bank regulation and supervision brought about by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999.
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Are recent Fed actions and monetary targets appropriate for our technology- and information-based economy?
Considers the relationship between monetary policy & technology in the information-based economy and distinguishes between the success of monetary targets in the old and new economy.
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Discuss the definitions and means of calculating national income, personal income, and disposable personal income
A discussion of the definitions and means of calculating nationalincome, personal income, and disposable personal income.
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Should the government or the central bank be left in control of interest rates?
Referencing the history of monetary policy, (i.e. the Treasury Accord),this discussion focuses on why independent central banks, such as the Federal Reserve are more successful at reaching price stability through inflation and interest rate control than central banks acting under the direction of the treasury or the government.
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Compare the standard of living in countries with the same GDP but different population growth rates
Discussion surrounding GDP growth rate comparisons and the implications for divergent standards of living. Emphasizes the importance of normalizing the statistics used in an international comparison of growth rates by incorporating the effects of population growth.
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Why do investment banks syndicate a new securities issue (and related questions)?
The first part of this three-part Dr. Econ discusses why investmentbanks establish a syndicate in new securities offerings. The secondand third sections address the implications of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the role of insurance companiesas major bondholders in the financial markets.
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What is the single most important economic indicator for policymakers?
While no single indicator is used, several leading indicators,such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, and totalnonfarm payroll employment help the Federal Reserve monitorhow successful it is in attaining its goals.