Sound Bites

These files are in MP3 format and can be played with most media players, such as iTunes, RealPlayer or Windows Media Player.

Beige Book

Posted 4.16.2008

Fed Economist Howard Wall summarizes overall economic conditions in the Eighth District, with data gathered in the April 2008 Beige Book. | Listen to the full interview or listen to clips:

• Agriculture (Part 1: Overview)
• Agriculture (Part 2: Follow-up)
• Banking
• Consumer spending
• Economic conditions
• Manufacturing (Eighth District)
• Manufacturing (national)
• Real estate (commercial)
• Real estate (residential)

Burgundy Book Audio Clips Give Highlights of District Economic Conditions

Posted 3.19.2008

In conjunction with the release of the St. Louis Fed's new Burgundy Book reports, St. Louis Fed economists Michael Pakko and Howard Wall provide audio commentary on economic conditions in each of the District's four zones. The Burgundy Book reports provide anecdotal information, along with formal data, and are released four times a year. Listen to St. Louis | Little Rock | Louisville | Memphis.

Do Smoking Bans Make Economic Sense?

Posted 3.18.2008

Should state and city legislatures pass laws to keep smokers from lighting up in public places, or should they just butt out of this issue? St. Louis Fed economist Michael Pakko talks about smoking bans and whether they help or hurt the economy in this 21-minute audiocast. Listen | Learn more

Is Payday Lending Predatory?

Posted 4.2.2007

Although many consumer advocates say payday lenders are taking advantage of the poor and uneducated, Don Morgan, a New York Fed economist, counters that payday loans can be "welfare enhancing." Hear Morgan and St. Louis Fed economist Bill Emmons talk about this controversial research in a 14-minute audiocast. Listen | Learn more

Tracking Livestock

Posted 2.15.2007

Some farmers are angry about the government’s program to register farms and tag livestock so that any diseased animal can be traced back to its source within 48 hours. The cause may be noble, but the objections are many, starting with the cost. Hear what St. Louis Fed economist Michael Pakko has to say on this topic. Listen | Learn more

Wal-Mart and Banking

Posted 10.29.2006

The giant retailer's application last year to operate its own industrial bank sparked a firestorm that's yet to die down. Why do some bankers feel threatened? Why shouldn't Wal-Mart's customers save on financial services, too? Is there any risk for taxpayers? Hear the answers in an interview with St. Louis Fed Senior Economist William Emmons. Listen | Learn more