Commodity financing markets shaken by Russia invasion; monitoring for U.S. financial stress
While volatility in commodity markets is not unusual, rapid and correlated price increases across many different types of commodities at once is much rarer.
April 14, 2022
Renewable energy projects present unique lender risks, need for oversight
A vigorous risk management program can mitigate potential problems facing banks and nonbank financial institutions engaged in financing these facilities—whether as agents, loan participants or direct lenders.
April 12, 2022
Recent inflation surges have modestly affected long-term expectations
Improvements in Federal Reserve credibility over the last 40 years have ensured that inflation expectations, particularly long-term inflation expectations, have so far remained well-anchored despite surging current inflation.
April 05, 2022
Minority depository institutions have vital role serving vulnerable communities
Minority depository institutions merit particular attention because of the unique role they play in nurturing economic activity in minority and low- and moderate-income communities.
February 01, 2022
Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Dallas conference explored housing, urban economics
Residential real estate prices rose sharply throughout the United States following the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020. While property owners received a capital gains windfall, first-time buyers and renters have struggled with reduced affordability.
January 25, 2022
Life insurers’ preference for familiar bond issuers limits COVID-19 shock transmission
Despite regulations that encourage diversification and informational symmetry among buyers, insurance companies tend to lend to their current borrowers. This bondholder–issuer relationship moderates the effect of transitory economic shocks such as those associated with the onset of COVID-19.
October 05, 2021
Treasury auctions during the pandemic: stresses but few surprises
The Treasury auction surprise indicator suggests that, despite a sharply negative reading in March 2020, Treasury auction outcomes have normalized.
August 31, 2021
Fed’s mortgage-backed securities purchases sought calm, accommodation during pandemic
We explore the Federal Reserve’s purchases of agency MBS—mortgage bonds guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—and related market dynamics during the pandemic, including why mortgage rates fell to historic lows.
August 26, 2021
The Paycheck Protection Program: Conditional Success or Unconditional Failure?
The Paycheck Protection Program, a key provision of the CARES Act, sought to stabilize small business finances and maintain employment.
June 22, 2021
Southwest Economy, Second Quarter 2021
Banks face new challenges as Texas rebounds from COVID-19 shock
The banking industry faced significant challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with profitability declining to levels not seen since the 2008–09 financial crisis.
June 18, 2021