Potential output is an estimate of what the economy could produce. Actual output is what the economy does produce. If actual is below potential a negative output gap there is “slack” in the economy. If actual is above potential—a positive output gap—resources are fully employed, or perhaps overutilized. The May 2021 issue of Page One Economics® explains how the output gap is useful for checking the health of the economy. It also points out how errors in the estimation of potential real GDP can reduce the effectiveness of policy.

They say that "money makes the world go round." Just imagine a world without money as our method of payment for everyday transactions. Without money, we would all need to barter for necessary goods and services. For example, suppose an accountant needs to have her car fixed. Under a barter system, she would have to find someone who needed some tax advice in exchange for car repairs. The search to find a barter partner is time consuming and wasteful. Money solves this problem and many others. Read more about the three main functions of money and the damaging effects of too much inflation on these functions in the March 2013 issue.

Redlining was the practice of selectively classifying neighborhoods as most likely to default on repayment of a mortgage loan. Houses in redlined neighborhoods held little value as collateral, and lenders would only offer mortgage loans for these houses at above-average interest rates. Over time, these neighborhoods had the largest concentrations of African Americans. The September 2021 issue of Page One Economics® explains how residents in redlined neighborhoods could not afford to become homeowners and accumulate wealth at the rates other groups did. It also points out how only when the federal government passed laws banning discrimination in housing and banking did the segregation of African Americans to specific neighborhoods start to ease up.

The Federal Reserve conducts the nation’s monetary policy to promote maximum employment and price stability through the federal funds rate. The May 2019 issue of Page One Economics reviews the previous framework for monetary policy, and then describes the Federal Reserve’s new strategy for influencing the federal funds rate and the broader economy.

Buying a home is a major financial decision, and for young people in particular the entire process can seem overwhelming. Learn about mortgages and the steps people can take early in life to prepare themselves financially to buy a home, in this February 2022 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance.

The February 2018 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance focuses on an important milestone in transitioning to adulthood—getting your own place. The article discusses important topics related to renting, including careful preparation and effective planning, a realistic budget, weighing options against important criteria to make the best choice, and understanding a lease.

The output gap is one (of many) economic indicators used by economists to measure the strength of the economy. What exactly is the output gap, and how accurately does it predict the state of the economy? Read the November 2012 issue for an explanation of the output gap and answers to these questions.

With the click of a button or swipe of a card, money can flow into and out of bank accounts without hesitation. This Page One Economics article examines what it takes for that money to move quickly and reliably to and from accounts, and how a new service developed by the Federal Reserve can contribute to US payment systems.

Where can borrowers get loans when banks and credit unions aren't an option? Maybe a low credit score, lack of collateral, or small loan amount don't fit with large lending sources. The November 2015 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance describes a growing trend—peer-to-peer lending—as an alternative for borrowers and potential investment opportunity for lenders.

Remember when airlines started charging for checked bags? What happened to the number of checked bags after this added charge? And what happened to the availability of in-cabin storage space on planes? The April 2013 issue answers these questions and discusses the pivotal role price plays in a market economy.

Are many products made in the United States anymore? As it turns out, yes. In fact, U.S. manufacturing output is near its highest level ever—and with fewer workers. How is that possible? Productivity growth. The March 2017 issue of Page One Economics describes what affects productivity, why economists are concerned about its recent slowdown, and what can be done about it.

In this February 2024 Issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance, we’ll explore the most common retirement savings plans and other things to consider as you begin thinking about retirement. We will compare employer-based defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans, as well as options available to individuals. Understanding the basics of retirement savings accounts can help you feel empowered to start making decisions today for your retirement!

Inflation has been on many people’s minds. There are several measures of inflation available, and each one plays a role in providing a more complete understanding of inflation’s causes and effects. This Page One Economics® Econ Primer describes key measures of inflation, including the consumer price index, and how the Federal Open Market Committee pays particular attention to these measures as it makes policy decisions—adjusting its policy stance when necessary to move the economy toward maximum employment and price stability.

The cost of a college education seems to be skyrocketing—but is it really? Learn about the concept of price discrimination and how it affects college costs.

Pandemics, hurricanes, and other scientific events can alter the course of markets. Changes in technology can, too. The March 2021 issue of Page One Economics® explains the laws of supply and demand and uses graphs to show how price and quantity change when markets shift.

The familiar magnetic stripe credit cards used for decades in the United States are being phased out. Read about the new smart-chip credit cards, designed to reduce fraud and improve security, in the March 2016 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance.

Spending patterns change over time because of changes in income, education, the structure of our families, and technology. The April 2018 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance addresses how phone technology has changed our lives and our budgets.

The life cycle model shows that saving for the future requires people to limit consumption during their working years and save so they will have a "nest egg" to draw on during retirement. Recent changes in how people save for retirement have shifted some responsibility from firms to individuals. Read more in the November 2014 issue.

What skills do you need to develop for future success? Academics for sure, but soft skills are also important. Learn more about soft skills, the labor force, and unemployment in the May 2016 issue of Page One Economics: Focus on Finance.

Stock market mutual funds offer investors diversified stock market portfolios, but there are several types. Actively managed funds attempt to “beat” the market by using research, forecasts, and judgment to pick stocks with the best growth prospects. Passively managed funds attempt to replicate the market by buying a representative sample of the stocks on a specific stock market index. Which to choose? The April 2016 issue of Page One Economics explains the efficient market hypothesis and how it might influence your investment decisions.