Econ Focus (formerly Region Focus) is the economics magazine of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. It covers economic issues affecting the Fifth Federal Reserve District and the nation and is published on a quarterly basis by the Bank's Research Department.
Cover Story
Measuring Quality of Life: How should we assess improvements to our standard of living?
Economists and policymakers often use average income as a way to gauge a country's "standard of living." But income alone doesn't capture overall quality of life. Should policymakers use other measures — including health, education, and even aggregate happiness — when making economic policy?
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Recession and a changing mail market have altered mail streams — especially first-class mail, over which the United States Postal Service has a monopoly. Despite cost-cutting, the USPS will face hard choices if it is to stay financially viable in the long run.
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Medical innovation has allowed some routine health care to be performed in clinics located in retail stores. These outlets have created new competition that may affect the traditional ways health care is delivered.
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Antitrust laws were originally created to protect consumers against monopolies. Yet today many believe some market arrangements that might appear anticompetitive instead enhance the welfare of consumers.
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A decline in consumer spending cut the demand for seasonal workers in the tourism hotspot of Myrtle Beach, S.C., illustrating how overall business conditions affect seasonal employment.
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Departments
Department |
Article |
Additional Resources |
|---|---|---|
President's Message |
Decentralization and the Fed | Related Links |
Upfront |
Economic News Across the Region | |
Federal Reserve |
Role of the Beige Book | Related Links |
Jargon Alert |
Inferior Goods | Related Links |
Research Spotlight |
You Get What You Pay For | Related Links |
Policy Update |
Lenders Remain Slow to Modify Problem Loans | Related Links |
Around the Fed |
Safety First | Related Links |
Interview |
Timur Kuran | Related Links |
Economic History |
The Rescue of Long-Term Capital Management | Related Links |
District Digest |
Living Standards in the Fifth District | |
Opinion |
A Case Against “Do Something” Policymaking |
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