Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Highlights

Firms See Declines in Business Activity

Regional manufacturing executives responding to the Business Outlook Survey in August reported moderate weakness in the sector. The general activity index decreased to - 7.7 from a reading of 5.1 in July. In the special questions, firms were asked about export activity. Read the press release. See video of the press conference.

President Plosser Interviewed on Fox Networks

President Charles Plosser gives his views on the economic outlook, the housing market, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Watch the interviews with Neil Cavuto on Fox News Network and Fox Business Network .

Forecasters See Slower Pace of Economic Recovery

The outlook for growth in the U.S. economy looks weaker now than it did just three months ago, according to the 36 participants in the Third Quarter Survey of Professonal Forecasters. The downward revision is accompanied by weaker conditions in the labor market. Read the press release. For commentary on the third quarter survey, listen to the podcast.

Philadelphia Fed Releases Annual Report: “Out of Many...One”

The Philadelphia Fed’s annual report features President Charles Plosser's essay “The Importance of a Regional and Independent Federal Reserve.” This year’s report also examines how the Philadelphia Fed supported the stress test for large banks, worked to address the mortgage crisis through its outreach programs, and contributed to a better understanding of economic trends during the recent recession.

Bank Offers Regional Economic Trend Data

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Community Affairs Department has developed a resource that provides snapshots of trends in key economic and housing indicators by state, metropolitan statistical area (MSA), and metropolitan division (MD) in the Third Federal Reserve District, which includes Delaware, southern New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. See the press release.

Affordability and Availability of Rental Housing in Pennsylvania

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has released Affordability and Availability of Rental Housing in Pennsylvania, a study that assesses the needs of lower-income renters.