Guiding monetary policy with accountable autonomy
Assessing the work of the Federal Reserve, Frederic Mishkin contends that communication and transparency must counterbalance the necessary independence of a strong central bank.
Too small to fail?
Innovative, upstart ventures have a crucial role to play in economic recovery, says Michael A. M. Keehner, who suggests it may be time to give entrepreneurs a stimulus package of their own.
Stopping the foreclosure freefall
As Washington weighs action to stabilize the housing market, a new proposal for stemming the tide of foreclosures from Professors Chris Mayer and Tomasz Piskorski of the Business School and Edward Morrison of Columbia Law School is gaining currency. The key, they argue, is to align the financial incentives of all stakeholders to modify loans that homeowners cannot afford and remove legal barriers that deter servicers from seeking loan modifications.
Assessing the shorting ban
Short sellers are often targets in a down market, but without them, argues Charles Jones, prices are off the mark.
Lenders enter the limelight with caution
Transparency in credit markets may have unintended consequences.
Rethinking America’s innovative edge
In his new book The Venturesome Economy, Amar Bhidé argues that the willingness and ability of Americans to develop and use innovations derived from the scientific research of other nations is a crucial driver of U.S. prosperity.
Discounting financial literacy
How time preference influences the decision to participate in financial-literacy programs.
Going after economic gangsters
In a new book, Raymond Fisman discusses how using the tools of economics to confront corruption can help alleviate poverty and promote stability in the developing world.
Who benefits from the WTO?
The trade organization doesn’t treat rich and poor nations the same, but all members can gain from collective negotiations.