For immediate release: April 7, 2008
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta today launched the Regional Economic Information Network (REIN), announced Dennis Lockhart, president and chief executive officer of the Atlanta Fed. The REIN was created to enhance the Atlanta Fed's knowledge and expertise about the Southeast's economy.
The REIN has two components—an online repository of Southeastern data and analysis and the Local Economic Analysis and Research Network (LEARN).
The repository of data and analysis contains Atlanta Fed reports on regional economic data that are updated on a regular basis. One new data series, D6, the Sixth District Common Economic Factor, is an estimate of the trend common to 25 distinct monthly series of economic data for the six Southeastern states in the Sixth Federal Reserve District. Other reports examine developments in the Southeast's labor markets, consumer spending, construction and real estate, industrial activity, financial services, agriculture, and state government finances.
LEARN is a forum for academics and researchers with a detailed knowledge of economic developments in local economies in the Southeast. LEARN participants discuss and exchange ideas on research, methodologies, and current economic developments.
"In our monetary policy role, we collect and analyze data covering various industries and indicators within the Sixth District," said John Robertson, vice president and regional research team leader at the Atlanta Fed. "Sharing information helps to better position the Atlanta Fed as a knowledge source. In addition, LEARN will hone our analysis and expand relationships. At the end of the day, our objective is enhanced understanding of the economy. More information leads to more informed decision making."
The Regional Economic Information Network can be found at www.frbatlanta.org.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta serves the Sixth Federal Reserve District, which encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia and parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. As part of the nation's central banking system, the Atlanta Fed participates in setting national monetary policy, supervises numerous commercial banks and provides a variety of financial services to depository institutions and the U.S. government.