Economic Commentary

ECONOMY AND POLICY March 13, 2020 Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses the latest market data. The lack of sufficient testing makes it difficult to access the spread of COVID-19. The increase in social distancing (avoiding crowds, reduced tourism and travel, canceled spectator events) should slow the spread and prevent hospitals from being overrun with infected […]

ECONOMY AND POLICY March 06, 2020 Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses the latest market data. COVID-19 fears continued to drive the financial markets. Share prices were volatile and bond yields dove further into record lows. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) surprised the financial markets by moving two weeks ahead of its scheduled policy meeting, […]

ECONOMY AND POLICY March 03, 2020 The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut rates by .50% in preparation for potential coronavirus impacts. For the first time since 2008, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) opted for an unscheduled, 50-basis-point rate cut on Tuesday, bringing the target range for the federal funds rate (the overnight lending […]

ECONOMY AND POLICY February 28, 2020 Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses his monthly economic outlook. At this point, much remains unknown about COVID-19. About 80% of people infected show minor symptoms, but 20% become seriously ill and about 2% die. That is less deadly than Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which had a mortality rate […]