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Banking and Financial Markets

Article

A Guide to Understanding Mortgage-Backed Securities

Research in Focus — James Vickery of the Philadelphia Fed and his coauthors discuss the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market in detail, with a special focus on government-backed residential MBS.

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About Us

About

Meet Our Next President: Anna Paulson

After a nationwide search, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has selected Anna Paulson to serve as the next president and chief executive officer. Her term will begin on July 1, 2025.

Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Releases Statement

Although swings in net exports have affected the data, recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated. The FOMC seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. Uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished but remains elevated. The FOMC is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate. In support of its goals, the FOMC decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 percent. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the FOMC will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The FOMC will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage backed securities. The FOMC is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective. In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the FOMC will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The FOMC would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the FOMC's goals. The FOMC's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.

Aruoba-Diebold-Scotti Business Conditions Index

An index designed to track real business conditions at high observation frequency

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Payment Systems

Working Paper

Interchange Fees in Payment Networks: Implications for Prices, Profits, and Welfare

WP 25-18 – This paper examines the level of a wholesale price — the interchange fee — typically set by a payment card network that influences the distribution of acceptance costs and benefits incurred or received by merchants and consumers.

Economic Outlook and Final Thoughts

Philadelphia Council for Business Economics | Philadelphia, PA

Event

Apr

22-23

2025

Economic Mobility Summit

Philadelphia