Lookup Database

Economics

This list originally compiled by Newhouse masters student Brittni Smallwood.

Bureau of Economic Analysis

http://www.bea.gov/

This agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce says its mission is to “promote a better understanding of the U.S. economy by providing the most timely, relevant, and accurate economic accounts data in an objective and cost-effective manner”. The website conducts research, collects data, “develops and implements estimation methodologies” and then provides economic accounts of national, international, regional and industry data.

Consumer Price Index – Bureau of Labor Statistics

http://www.bls.gov/CPI/

This link is also part of the Bureau of Labor Statistics site. It posts monthly updates and fact sheets about the consumer price index. If you’re looking to understand what consumers pay when they purchase goods or services or how the change in prices is measured, then this is very helpful. There is also a news feed and at the bottom of the page are contact numbers.

Economist

http://www.economist.com/

The website provides analyses, insight, and opinion on current affairs and international news, economics, finance, and much more. The site provides content on world issues such as cultural patterns and industry news. Most helpful is the Business and Finance page.

Federal Reserve

http://federalreserve.gov/

This is the official site of the central bank of the U.S. The site offers information on economic research and data and the financial system of the United States.

Library of Economics and Liberty

https://www.econlib.org

This library site was founded by the Liberty Fund, Inc. , a conservative/libertarian foundation in Indianapolis. It offers what it calls “authoritative editions of classics in economics, and related works in history, political theory and philosophy.” It also hosts links for economic databases, an economics encyclopedia, and guides to break down economic topics. The library also posts a blog about current economic issues known as Econlog.

National Bureau of Economic Research

http://www.nber.org/

This private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization says it is committed to providing information regarding how the economy functions. The site features weekly economic publications as well as historical texts as far back as 1922. The site also discloses information on research projects, researchers and the latest economic data.

The Public Policy Institute of New York

http://www.ppinys.org/index.html

The site brands itself as an institute that provides the economic and social indicators for New York State. The site updates its information frequently. If you are searching for information about job creation, growth or loss this site would be a helpful tool. It also offers information about New York State spending, taxes and education. It also breaks down the New York stats along with the other 50 states.

US Census

http://www.census.gov/

This government site offers a wide range of information regarding the demographics and make up of the people of the United States. It projects information regarding American’s income, housing, health insurance and other issues. See the special topics section at the bottom of the page. FedStats offers statistics by topic.