Recession Probability Models

There are a variety of economic models that are supposed to predict the probabilities of recession. While I don’t agree with the methodologies employed or probabilities of impending economic weakness as depicted by the following two models, I think the results of these models should be monitored. Please note that each of these models is …

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St. Louis Financial Stress Index – January 17, 2013 Update

On March 28, 2011 I wrote a post (“The STLFSI“) about the  St. Louis Fed’s Financial Stress Index (STLFSI) which is supposed to measure stress in the financial system.  For reference purposes, the most recent chart is seen below.  This chart was last updated on January 17, incorporating data from December 31,1993 to January 11, …

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The January 2013 Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Survey

The January Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Survey was published on January 10, 2013.  The headline is “‘Cliff’ Deal Seen Hitting Growth.” Although I don’t agree with various aspects of the survey’s contents, I found numerous items to be notable, both within the article and in the Q&A found in the spreadsheet. An excerpt from …

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St. Louis Financial Stress Index – January 10, 2013 Update

On March 28, 2011 I wrote a post (“The STLFSI“) about the  St. Louis Fed’s Financial Stress Index (STLFSI) which is supposed to measure stress in the financial system.  For reference purposes, the most recent chart is seen below.  This chart was last updated on January 10, incorporating data from December 31,1993 to January 4, …

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CEO Confidence Surveys 4Q 2012 – Notable Excerpts

On January 7, The Conference Board released its 4th Quarter CEO Confidence Survey.   The overall measure of CEO Confidence was at 46, up from 42 in the third quarter. [note:  a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses] Notable excerpts from this January 7 Press Release include: CEOs’ assessment of current …

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St. Louis Financial Stress Index – January 3, 2013 Update

On March 28, 2011 I wrote a post (“The STLFSI“) about the  STLFSI (St. Louis Fed’s Financial Stress Index) which is supposed to measure stress in the financial system.  For reference purposes, the most recent chart is seen below.  This chart was last updated on January 3, incorporating data from December 31,1993 to December 28, …

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Deflation Probabilities

While I do not agree with the current readings of the measure – I think the measure dramatically understates the probability of deflation, as measured by the CPI – the Atlanta Fed maintains an interesting data series titled “Deflation Probabilities.” As stated on the site: Using estimates derived from Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) markets, described …

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