Forecasting Initial Unemployment Claims using Google Searches

3.23.20. Noah Williams. In the wake of the unprecedented economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, there is an increased need for high-frequency data. The economies in many locations around the globe have ground to a standstill, as businesses have shut down and workers have been ordered to shelter in place in order to try to slow the spread of the virus

The Uneven Effects of Chinese Tariffs

11.10.19. Kim Ruhl. As part of the escalating trade war, the Chinese government increased substantially the tariffs it levies on a range of products exported from the United States. Trade policy is applied at a national level—a good entering China from the United States is tariffed the same regardless of where it was produced within the United States.

The Dodd-Frank Act and Small Bank Creation

5.19.19. Kim Ruhl. In response to the U.S. financial crisis of 2007–2008, the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act” (henceforth, the Dodd-Frank Act or just the Act) was enacted on July 21, 2010. This sweeping reform was meant to stabilize the financial system and prevent future crises.