Description:
The average saving rate for the typical American household before the recession started in 2007 was 2.9 percent; since then it has risen to 5 percent. Uncertainty about the future was the primary driver for the increase. More saving is a good thing, right? Well, some economists argue it might be detrimental to the overall economy. Given the benefits to individuals, how could this be? This month’s Page One explores this “paradox of thrift.”

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
The famous"Dewey Defeats Truman" headline illustrates the importance of timely and accurate data. Agencies that compute economic indicators for the $14 trillion U.S. economy face a tough challenge: providing up-to-the minute results and ensuring the reliability of the data. This month's Page One newsletter, "Dewey Defeats Truman": Be Aware of Data Revisions, explains why there is often a trade-off between these two factors and discusses the importance of data revision.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
Income inequality has been rising in the United States and other developed countries. The March 2012 Page One Economics Newsletter discusses income inequality, its causes, and some possible policy solutions.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
Modern economies rely heavily on financial intermediaries to channel funds between borrowers and lenders. In the first edition of the Page One Economics Newsletter, the role of traditional banking is outlined and a parallel system—shadow banking—is explored.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
To those unfamiliar with financial and economic lingo, the terms bandied about in the news can sometimes make no sense. The January 2012 Liber8 Newsletter, "What Do Financial Market Indicators Tell Us?" offers some help with explanations of common terms. The essay is accompanied by a table of terms, definitions, and the significance of each to the broader economy.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
Although the recent Great Recession was severe, its financial impact never paralleled that of the Great Depression. The November Newsletter compares these two economic downturns and shows how lessons learned in the Great Depression helped current Federal Reserve policymakers stabilize the economy during the recent economic crisis.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
Natural disasters often cause extensive loss and damage, yet post-disaster reconstruction may create opportunities that bring long-term economic benefits. Read the October 2011 Newsletter "Natural Disasters: From Destruction to Recovery" for details.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
Have you ever bought something you really couldn’t afford? You simply swipe your credit card and leave the store with something shiny and new. That instant gratification overpowers any thought of the regret you’ll have when you must start paying off your accumulated debt. Economists call this phenomenon time inconsistency. Read the September 2011 newsletter for some ideas on how to prevent time inconsistency for yourself and your government.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
The cost of a college education continues to rise.The Project on Student Debt estimates that a typical 2009 college graduate accumulated $24,000 in student loan debt. Is a college degree worth the cost? Read the August 2011 Newsletter for the latest data on college versus high school graduates' earnings and employment prospects.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
Last July, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 brought the most sweeping financial regulatory reform since the Great Depression. The May 2011 Liber8 newsletter outlines key provisions of the Act intended to prevent or lessen future financial crises and enhance consumer protection.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
"Quantitative easing" has been in the headlines a lot from 2009 to 2011. First there was QE and then QE2. What exactly is quantitative easing, who does it, and how does it affect the economy? This month's newsletter has the answers.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.

Description:
To find out more about fiscal and monetary policy— who conducts them, how they work, and their roles during economic downturns— read this month's newsletter.

Note:
Prior to the Feb. 2012 issue, the newsletter was published under the title Liber8 Economic Information Newsletter.