Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

Bernanke is Depriving Most Americans from Creating Real Wealth

February 8, 2012, 2:53pm

James Groth

In a commentary published today, I argue that Bernanke’s Fed policies are harming 90 percent of Americans while benefitting a wealthy few. Beyond punishing savers and rewarding borrowers, his policies are aggregating more wealth to individuals already holding significant amounts of it.

What Has Ben Bernanke Done For You Lately?

Why the Federal Reserve’s Policies Aren’t Helping a Majority of Americans

February 8, 2012

James Groth

As the Federal Reserve continues its easy money policies, many Americans are wondering why they aren't seeing the benefits from this move. This begs the question as to whether Fed Chair Ben Bernanke should alter his monetary policies.

Unemployment at 8.3 Percent Not What It Seems

February 6, 2012, 2:07pm

Anthony Randazzo

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its unemployment number for January last Friday and the headline came in at 8.3 percent. Let's be clear—that's not a bad thing. Especially being down from 9.1 percent last year. And it sure is going to make it challenging for the Republican's to criticize President Obama's economic prowess. But once again, this unemployment report is not all that great when digging behind the headline statistic.

(Video) Fed Doing Harm... to Savers

February 3, 2012, 5:57pm

Anthony Randazzo

Last night on Freedom Watch I questioned Fed Chairman Bernanke's ability to be self reflective after he suggested to Congress that they take care to "do no harm." While that is great advise and all, right now the Fed is actually causing harm, primarily to savers with its never ending zero interest rate policy.

New at Reason: The Revamped HAMP and Some Corrections for the Record

February 3, 2012, 4:35pm

Anthony Randazzo

Over at Reason.com, I have a piece today commenting on the revamped HAMP (coming on the heals of "new" new changes to HARP) program announced by the White House last week.

Senate Approves Lawmakers Insider Trading Ban. Whatever.

February 3, 2012, 11:01am

James Groth

After a “60 Minutes” report brought to the attention of the American public that Congress was capitalizing on non-public information, lawmakers quickly collaborated with one another and proposed two bills banning insider trading by members of Congress and their staff. This bill reeks of desperation.

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