archive
Planet Money
If The Fed Loses Money, It Can Just Print More
January 30, 2013 A snake-eating-its-tail thing happens when you think certain thoughts about money and the Federal Reserve.
Planet Money
Ben Bernanke Acts Like His Hair Is On Fire
December 12, 2012 The leaders of the Federal Reserve just did something that sounds boring but is actually a big deal: They promised to keep interest rates super low until the unemployment rate comes way down.
The Two-Way
Economy Is Growing At A 'Measured Pace,' Federal Reserve Says
November 28, 2012 The central bank says conditions continued to improve, though not dramatically, in recent weeks. The report adds to other evidence that the economy is moving along fast enough to keep unemployment from rising, but not fast enough to bring the jobless rate down sharply.
Planet Money
It's 10 P.M. In Frankfurt. Do You Know Where Your Gold Is?
October 25, 2012 Germany's central bank needs to prove that its massive gold reserve actually exists. This is not quite as random as it sounds.
Planet Money
All The Money The Government Is Printing This Year, In One Graphic
October 16, 2012 The government is printing 7.8 billion pieces of paper money, valued at $472.9 billion. Here's how that breaks down by denomination. Also: a special bonus graphic showing the lifespan of money.
Planet Money
NYT Excerpt: Time For A Little Reckless Spending
September 25, 2012 Ben Bernanke needs to convince consumers that they can trust the economy again, that now really is the time to jump back into the stock market or buy that bigger house.
Planet Money
Ben Bernanke, Unemployment, And Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
September 13, 2012 What people think is going to happen to the economy has a huge influence over what actually happens. The Fed knows this, and is trying to take advantage of it.
Planet Money
The Fed's Other Big Power
September 13, 2012 The Fed has the power to create money. But it has another, critical power: The power of words.
The Two-Way
Fed Hints At More Action To Boost Economy
August 22, 2012 Many Federal Reserve members said there would have to be action fairly soon if the economy didn't pick up, according to the minutes of their most recent meeting. Separately, the CBO warned of a recession if the economy goes off a "fiscal cliff" at the end of year.
Planet Money
The Endlessly Disappointing Jobs Recovery
August 1, 2012 Unemployment falls a little, then it stalls. It goes down a little more, then it stalls again. The Fed could announce new measures to bring down unemployment as soon as today.
The Two-Way
In 'Dour' Report, Fed's Bernanke Says Economy Has Decelerated
July 17, 2012 Though the central bank expects "moderate" economic growth in coming quarters, Bernanke offers a sober assessment of current conditions. But there is brighter news: Home builders say they're growing more confident about the housing sector's recovery.
Planet Money
Anna Schwartz, 1915-2012
June 21, 2012 "Anna did all of the work, and I got most of the recognition," the Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman once said.
Planet Money
Why The Fed's Latest Move Isn't Likely To Do Much
June 20, 2012 The Fed will continue to push down long-term interest rates. But that only helps people who can get a loan.
Planet Money
3 Things The Fed Could Do
June 7, 2012 When the leaders of the Fed meet later this month, will they take any new steps to try to boost the economy and bring down unemployment?
The Two-Way
Economy Is Poised For More Growth, But 'Fiscal Cliff' Looms, Bernanke Says
June 7, 2012 The Federal Reserve chairman sees reasons for growth to continue. But he warns that automatic spending cuts and the expiration of the so-called Bush tax cuts threaten to derail the recovery.
