Newsletter
How Much Debt Does the U.S. Government Owe?
Wright, Mark L. J.; Friedman, Rebecca (2016)
The U.S. government is often referred to as the world?s biggest debtor. But how much debt does it owe? A visit to the website of the U.S. Department of the Treasury yields a bewildering array of different measures of U.S. federal government debt. Although the gross debt of the U.S. federal government is approaching $18 trillion, the debt that is subject to the debt limit is a few billion dollars smaller, while debt in the hands of the public is less than $13 trillion.
Chicago Fed Letter

Newsletter
Economy to Keep Rolling Along in 2016 and Accelerate Slightly in 2017
Strauss, William A.; Friedman, Rebecca (2016)
According to participants in the Chicago Fed?s annual Automotive Outlook Symposium, the nation?s economic growth is forecasted to be near its long-term average this year and to strengthen somewhat in 2017. Inflation is expected to increase in both 2016 and 2017. The unemployment rate is anticipated to edge lower through the end of 2017, reaching 4.8% by then. Light vehicle sales are predicted to be flat, at 17.3 million units, in 2016 and decrease slightly in 2017.
Chicago Fed Letter

Newsletter
Economic Outlook Symposium: Summary of 2015 Results and 2016 Forecasts
Friedman, Rebecca; Strauss, William A. (2016)
According to participants in the Chicago Fed?s annual Economic Outlook Symposium, the U.S. economy is forecasted to grow at a pace slightly above average in 2016, with inflation moving higher and the unemployment rate edging lower
Chicago Fed Letter