Leadership

Chicago Fed research executives guide the efforts of the economists and policy professionals whose work informs the public and policy makers by examining important economic issues.

Financial Economics

The Financial Economics team studies financial markets and their role in facilitating economic activity by corporations and households. The team evaluates monetary policy transmission through a variety of credit markets and uses market prices to estimate expectations of key economic variables. Its research interests include multiple areas of asset pricing, household finance, financial intermediation, corporate finance, and municipal finance.

Macroeconomics

Macroeconomists study issues related to the economy as a whole and the factors that influence it. The Macroeconomics team conducts research on a broad array of macroeconomic topics for peer-reviewed publication and to further the policy mission of the Bank.

Microeconomics

Microeconomics researchers study how individuals’ and firms’ actions affect the quantity, price, and quality of goods and services—and how these actions and outcomes are affected by policy decisions.

Community Development Policy and Engagement

Community Development Policy and Engagement works at the intersection of research, policy, and relationship-building to identify and understand conditions in low- and moderate-income communities across the Seventh District and to promote opportunity in those communities. CDPE staff work closely with a diverse group of community representatives, including from financial institutions, community-based organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, nonprofits, and the philanthropic and private sectors, to advance positive economic outcomes for lower-income and underserved households. Articles, policy briefs, and convenings are among the tools CDPE uses.

Regional Analysis and Engagement

The Regional Analysis and Engagement team works to identify and understand the trends and circumstances that impact the Seventh District economy and to assess the current economic conditions facing its people, businesses, and communities. This is accomplished by conducting original research and connecting with District stakeholders in industry, government, and community organizations.

Regional and Community Development Research

The Regional and Community Development Research team focuses its work on scholarly research that advances our understanding of the economy of the Seventh Federal Reserve District and the nation, including in low- and moderate-income communities.

Financial Market Group

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Financial Markets Group is focused on advancing financial policy and robust market practices to promote the stability of the U.S. financial system. The group applies market practitioner, legal, technological, and other expertise to study challenges and risks in financial markets and infrastructures. It has particular expertise in the derivatives markets and clearinghouses in which Chicago is a global leader.

Insurance Initiative

The Chicago Fed Insurance Initiative provides expert analysis of policy issues related to the insurance industry for the Federal Reserve System. Established in 2011, the Initiative is motivated by the importance of the insurance industry in the overall economy as well as by the key role the industry plays for households and financial markets. To help conduct its analyses, the Initiative examines insurance regulatory filings and speaks regularly with insurance firm representatives.

Policy and Communications

The Policy and Communications team produces policy studies, forecasts, and business cycle analyses centered on supporting the Bank president’s FOMC responsibilities and helps coordinate related efforts around the department. The team develops speeches, presentations, and other communications for the Bank president, senior staff, and RPPE analysts to explain economic and policy developments. Team members conduct original research over a range of economic topics.

Economic Mobility

The Chicago Fed Economic Mobility Project provides evidence-based research on the factors and policies that affect economic mobility to those who can enact meaningful change.

Research Assistants

The Research Assistant program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is a two-year commitment designed for recent college graduates with a background in economics or related fields. RAs support the academic research and policy work of staff economists.

Internships

The Chicago Fed's paid summer internship program is designed to give undergraduate and graduate students direct exposure to Bank operations. Interns aid our mission by taking on project-oriented, hands-on assignments and professional development activities.