Region Focus Weekly Update - Archive - Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Weekly Update 2007 Archives

A weekly look at the economics behind the headlines.

December 19, 2007 — Ballpark Estimates

If you build it, will economic progress come too?

December 12, 2007 — VC in DC

Venture capital keeps flowing in the District of Columbia and the surrounding metro area

December 5, 2007 — Say It with … Cash?

Economic theory suggests that money is the best gift, but there are plenty of reasons why we still put presents under the tree

November 28, 2007 — Propane Paused

The South Atlantic propane market didn't melt down after losing its only pipeline in November

November 14, 2007 — Cyberspace Shutdown

For one online bank, going branchless turned out to be harder than expected

November 7, 2007 — Eating Local

Moving beyond a niche market, the local food movement faces some challenges

October 31, 2007 — Office Space

Downtown Charlotte has had the lowest commercial vacancy rate for three straight quarters, a product of national trends and local strengths

October 24, 2007 — Pricing Puzzle

Hannah Montana tickets for $250? It's an outrage to fans and parents — but not to economists

October 17, 2007 — Minding the Gap

A recent study on trends in leisure time suggests income isn't the only way to gauge inequalities in economic welfare

October 10, 2007 — Money Makes the World Go Round

A Q&A with University of Virginia professor Frank Warnock on the global flow of capital

October 3, 2007 — Watered Down

Can pricing solve North Carolina's water shortages?

September 26, 2007 — Cable by the Bundle

"A la carte" pricing of cable programming is back on the regulatory plate of the Federal Communications Commission

September 19, 2007 — A Quick Fix?

Easy access, inexpensive retail clinics are the latest players in the U.S. health care system

September 12, 2007 — Fill 'er Up

With ethanol production rapidly expanding and reaching beyond the Corn Belt to places like Chesapeake, Va., will markets be able to absorb all of this new supply?

September 5, 2007 — Economics 101

High school students show room for improvement in a nationwide economics exam

August 29, 2007 — Coming to America

The offshoring of jobs from the United States to emerging nations may be reversing direction

August 22, 2007 — Entertaining Retail

South Carolina showers "destination" retailers with subsidies

August 15, 2007 — Nursing a Shortage

As baby boomer nurses retire, they'll leave a large gap in the work force

August 8, 2007 — Racinos Racing Ahead

West Virginia is expanding gaming activities at several racetracks. The sport of kings, however, remains in trouble

August 1, 2007 — Fuss Over Fees

Virginia's new traffic "abuser fees" are under fire. The economics behind them is also in question

July 25, 2007 — Broadband Bandwagon

Government is helping to provide high-speed Internet access for communities large and small, but does it need to?

July 18, 2007 — After Sago

Eighteen months after 12 coal miners lost their lives in West Virginia, the impact of new safety regulations is still being felt

July 11, 2007 — Ad Intervention

Do nicotine replacement therapy ads actually encourage smoking?

June 27, 2007 — Dollars and Detention

Are prisons an economic development tool for rural communities like Grayson County, Va.?

June 20, 2007 — Liquid Assets

Can liquefying coal from places like Mingo County, W.Va., help solve our energy problems?

June 13, 2007 — ¿Banco del Futuro?

A new Hispanic-focused bank is set to open in North Carolina. Is it the wave of the future or a passing fancy?

June 6, 2007 — The Pain of Obesity

A Duke University study of its work force reveals dramatic differences in job-related injuries and claims among its most obese workers

May 23, 2007 — College Choices

A new study looks at the changing economic role of historically black colleges and universities

May 16, 2007 — Say No to Debt?

A North Carolina college trades additional financial aid for loans to make itself more affordable. Will the change attract a broader-based student body?

May 9, 2007 — Capped

The federal law capping bank deposits is getting renewed attention

May 2, 2007 — Nature for Sale

Who best manages parks and scenic attractions: the invisible hand of private markets or the public?

April 25, 2007 — Where to, SCHIP?

Congress will decide on the fate of the State Children's Health Insurance Program

April 18, 2007 — Clearing the Air

The costs and benefits of Maryland's new vehicle emission standards are as murky as the exhaust from a large SUV

April 11, 2007 — Pandemic Preparations

The economic damage from a flu outbreak could vary depending on the choice of responses

April 4, 2007 — Grading Colleges

The publicity generated by magazine rankings may lead to increased appropriations for state schools

March 28, 2007 — Diversify and Supply

Have market innovations increased the supply of credit?

March 21, 2007 — Markets vs. Gridlock

Will congestion pricing ease traffic on Northern Virginia's interstates?

March 14, 2007 — Acquisition Appeal

For banks, the urge to merge may be based on a lot of low-profile factors

March 7, 2007 — Stroke Buckle

Within the Southern states with the highest rates of stroke, the heaviest economic toll may be in the coastal plains of North Carolina and South Carolina

February 28, 2007 — Springing Forward

Will extending daylight saving time make a difference in energy savings?

February 21, 2007 — Flip-Flops

Speculative activity has slowed in Myrtle Beach's housing market, but the draw of coastal living remains

February 14, 2007 — Folded

Bank failures seemed like a thing of the past — until this month

February 7, 2007 — Making PROMISEs

Evaluating the benefits of West Virginia's merit scholarship program

January 31, 2007 — Keep on Truckin'?

How road congestion affects the trucking industry, and vice versa

January 24, 2007 — Smoking Gun

Washington, D.C., is the Fifth District's first major city to ban smoking in most workplaces and public spaces. What will this mean for the local economy?

January 17, 2007 — Households and Heating Bills

Energy costs make up only a small share of many household budgets. But for some, even small rate increases hurt

January 10, 2007 — Yachts and Cycles

A company that revives heritage companies fills some of the vacuum in North Carolina's manufacturing sector