Economic Research at the St. Louis Fed
The Research division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is in the top 1% of all economics research departments worldwide.Per the independent, volunteer-run RePEc service. Under the leadership of Research Director Carlos Garriga, our research economists expand the frontier of economic knowledge by producing high-quality, original research in macroeconomics, money and banking, and applied microeconomics.
St. Louis Fed economists develop their own research topics. With support from colleagues and other professional research staff, they publish in refereed journals and present at conferences all over the world. Economists also contribute to monetary policy discussions by advising the Bank president on a range of topics, especially in preparation for Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings.
The working paper series and other St. Louis Fed publications allow our economists to quickly and efficiently provide the public with analysis of economic trends, policy, and historical and current data.
Also, Research leadership understands that the proximity of innovative thinkers can help us reach our goals. We host visiting scholars and sponsor or co-sponsor events, inviting economists from around the world.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We depend on a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives among our economists to expand current ideas and reveal new areas for exploration. The St. Louis Fed is committed to representing workforce diversity at all levels. We accomplish this, in part, by developing a robust talent pipeline—from high school to graduate school—for students to enter and excel in the field of economics.
Our efforts start early on through economic education—free economics and personal finance lessons for K-8 students and advanced content and programs for high school students. They continue with:
- Real-world experience for our high school student board of directors
- Guidance and mentorship for our undergraduate and graduate interns
- Engaging employment for our research associates
Further, the Women in Economics symposium and podcast series, launched in 2018, highlight women who are making their mark in the field of economics.
A History of Innovation
The St. Louis Fed’s tradition of innovation began decades ago with Homer Jones, who served as research director from 1958 to 1971. Under Jones and then-St. Louis Fed President Darryl Francis, our Review became the first Fed publication styled as an academic journal. This long-running, peer-reviewed publication has featured research and commentary by world-renowned economists.
Jones is also known for the guiding principle that everyone should be able to access data the same way a professional researcher can. He instituted popular data publications that were mailed to subscribers. Today, millions of users enjoy FRED, our free economic database that launched in early form in 1991.
