Monetary Brief News

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston News

Boston Fed finds increased reactivity in retail prime fund investors post-2020 crisis

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has released findings on the behavior of retail investors in prime money market funds during financial crises, presenting evidence that individual investors reacted more sensitively after the COVID-19 crisis...

Boston Fed president visits Manchester to assess business outlook

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan M. Collins recently visited Manchester, New Hampshire, meeting with local business leaders to discuss economic hopes and concerns.

Surge in home sales drives mixed economic activity according to Federal Reserve's Beige Book

The Federal Reserve's Beige Book, published eight times a year, offers insights into economic conditions across various districts.

Boston Fed officials discuss workforce issues during Connecticut visit

During a recent visit to Connecticut, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan M. Collins and First Vice President Karen Pennell addressed workforce concerns with local industry leaders.

Boston Fed highlights challenges faced by small businesses with current payment systems

Small businesses in the United States, which employ nearly half of all private sector workers, are facing significant challenges with payment systems.

New Hampshire experts join advisory board for public policy center

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has announced the appointment of Karen Emis-Williams and Brian Gottlob to the advisory board of the New England Public Policy Center (NEPPC).

Economic activity rises slightly; air travel strong; cautious optimism prevails

The Beige Book, published eight times a year by the Federal Reserve Bank, offers insights into economic conditions across various districts.

Housing crisis reshapes lives as solutions remain elusive

Danny McLaughlin's roots in Somerville, Massachusetts, date back to 1948 when his grandmother purchased a two-family house for about $12,000.

Federal Reserve reports slight economic slowdown amid mixed outlook

The Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book report indicates a slight decline in economic activity across the districts, influenced by unusual weather patterns affecting seasonal goods purchases.

Experts explore tech innovations' impact on future finance at Boston Fed conference

Economists and financial experts gathered at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for its 68th Economic Research Conference to discuss how technological advancements, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, might reshape financial...

Beige Book: Economic activity flat; international travel shows growth

The latest Beige Book, released on October 28, 2024, provides an overview of the economic conditions across various Federal Reserve Districts.

Boston Fed President visits Vermont towns facing economic challenges

The town of Springfield, Vermont, once known for its vital machine tool industry during World War II, is working to recover from the loss of jobs and identity that followed the industry's decline. Bob Flint, executive director of the Springfield Regional Development Corporation, highlighted efforts to clean up former factory sites with $9 million already spent and an additional $5 million committed. This remediation is seen as a step toward commercial redevelopment.

Federal officials tour revitalized Fitchburg under Working Places program

Like many small New England cities, Fitchburg developed around a river and the mills it powered. The city struggled after the mills began closing in the mid- to late 20th century as manufacturing declined nationwide.

Immigrants help revitalize aging communities in northern New England

Traffic was so rare on the road in Lewiston, Maine, where David Chittim and his wife bought an old farmhouse in the late 1970s, that they’d jump to look out the window every time a car passed by. The newlyweds, both 27, moved to the house because it was something they could afford and fix up themselves. But even though it was just a few miles from the city’s downtown, Chittim said they were “essentially isolated.”

Boston Fed report examines household stress amid fluctuating inflation

A recent field note from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Regional & Community Outreach department examines how U.S. households perceive and respond to changing prices. The research, which utilized national survey data, indicates that despite a significant decline in inflation over the past two years, many Americans remain concerned about price increases.

Boston Fed president assesses economic landscape during Rhode Island visit

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins visited Newport, Providence, and Cranston on Wednesday to understand the economic challenges and successes in Rhode Island. During her trip, she engaged with local business leaders and nonprofit organizations.

Federal Reserve Bank president visits Maine towns discussing economic challenges

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan M. Collins visited Biddeford, Bangor, and Millinocket this week to observe how Maine business owners and residents are addressing economic challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Economic activity expands modestly amid stable employment

The Beige Book, published eight times annually, compiles anecdotal information on current economic conditions from each Federal Reserve Bank's District. This data is gathered through reports from Bank and Branch directors, interviews with key business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources.

Boston Fed paper explores interbank liquidity risks amid crises

A recent working paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston examines how liquidity risks can propagate through networks of financial institutions, particularly during times of crisis. The study, coauthored by Lina Lu, a senior financial economist at the Boston Fed, and published by the Bank’s Supervisory Research and Analysis group, focuses on the impact of liquidity shocks within interconnected banks.

Federal Reserve leaders assess impacts of Working Cities Challenge in Chelsea

Leaders from across the Federal Reserve System visited Chelsea, Massachusetts, on Monday to learn about local economic conditions and hear about the lasting impacts of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Cities Challenge. The Fed contingent, including Reserve Bank presidents and first vice presidents – among them Boston Fed President Susan M. Collins and First Vice President Karen Pennell – met with Chelsea residents and community leaders. They also toured the downtown of this majority Hispanic/Latino city of about 38,000, located a few miles from Boston’s financial...