Abstract yThis paper discusses indepth the state of the economy in context of the rise and then consistent drop in interest rates over the last 5 years. It discusses what the impact is such rate cuts is on all aspects of the economy and also highlights the various kinds of interest rates.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview of Interest Rates and their Significance as a Macroeconomic Tool
Types of Interest Rates Impact of Change in Interest Rates on the Current Economy
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The Federal Reserve like other Central Banks seeks to maintain a financial environment within which competitive markets support the efficient use of productive resources. The overarching principle is that central bank should provide the necessary monetary and fiscal stability in a way that leaves the maximum freedom of action to private markets. In keeping with this principle, monetary policy is implemented by indirect means, with an interest rate policy instrument than with direct credit controls. Thus interest rates are part of the Federal Reserve's key macroeconomic tools that it has at its disposal to control the markets? and inadvertently the entire economies money supply. The quantity of money within an economy can determine various exogenous and endogenous factors that can keep the markets and the economy in close range of the equilibrium position. This is important in-order to prevent the extensive number of boom and bust cycles the American economy has faced in the early part of the last century."
Abstract This paper explores whether policy endogeneity partially explains the negative relationship generally reported between parental involvement laws and abortion rates, since parental involvement laws are found to be negatively related to both teen and adult abortion rates. Since parental involvement laws may be more likely to be passed in jurisdictions with a higher level of anti-abortion sentiment, both the laws and anti-abortion sentiment may be responsible for lower abortion rates. To explore this possible interrelatedness, a religiosity-level variable was used as a proxy for anti-abortion sentiment, since anti-abortion sentiment might affect abortion rates directly and indirectly through the greater likelihood of the enactment of parental involvement laws.
From the Paper "The relationship of parental involvement laws and religiosity level to abortion rates was analyzed for teens and adults; regressions were estimated for four age groups: 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, and 30-34 years old. Residence county-level 1995 abortion rates were regressed against parental involvement laws and religiosity levels as well as several control county-level variables--restrictive public funding, unemployment rate, population density, percent of college graduates, extent of poverty, percent of married-couple families, and geographic region. The sample consisted of the 1,008 counties from the 17 states that reported abortion numbers by county and by age group."
Tags: abortion, involvement, laws, parental, rates, research, study
Abstract This paper examines the exchange rate in Australia and its effects on the overall economy of the country. The author looks at the fluctuations and the economic conditions that impact the exchange rate and the advantages and disadvantages of fixed and floating exchange rates.
From the Paper "Prior to December 1971, the value of $A was pegged to the value of the pound sterling. From December 1971 to September 1974, the value of the $A was pegged to the value of the US dollar. From September 1974 to November 1976, the value of the $A was pegged to a trade-weighted index on a basket of currencies. Since November 1976 to December 1983, the exchange rate for Australia dollar was determined by the Trade-Weighted index [TWI], but additional fluctuation was incorporated when economic conditions required them. Unfortunately, the main criticism of the TWI was that it did not make the allowances for capital movements in and out of the economy. "
Abstract This paper examines the qualities of Argentina's exchange rate and whether these properties have been good for the economy or not. It looks at factors such as it being a fixed rate vs. a floating rate and how each of these are better in certain economic conditions.
From the Paper "The country of Argentina has over the past several months seen the endemic problems that is has had with its economy over the past years (and even decades) burgeon into a crisis, resulting in the devaluation of its currency, the closing of many schools, a crisis in confidence by both Argentineans and people in many other countries, and substantial political upheaval as the government has repeatedly - and rapidly - changed hands. The causes for the country's economic failure are complex and interlinking: This paper examines one of the most important causes, which is the country's exchange rate."
Tags: currency, foreign, exchange, rate, floating, fixed, Argentina
Abstract This paper explains that the primary factor affecting the exchange rate of a country adopting a floating exchange rate regime is the supply and demand of the respective currency on the international market. The paper then goes on to discuss the various factors that make the demand and supply vary, thus affecting the exchange.
From the Paper "In the respective announcement, the public found out that the US economy had produced only 21,000 new jobs and none in the private sector, from the 150,000 that had been predicted previously. The signal this send the investors was quite clear: the US economy is not performing as well as we may have thought, it is not producing new workplaces (which would be a sign of rising business, as new employees would be needed). The subsequent devaluation of the US dollar was a natural psychological reaction from the investors."
Abstract This paper discusses the implications of public relations regarding the Katrina disaster for President George W. Bush and the Republican Party.
This is in light of the fact that the public approval of the president's handling of his job and personal favorability ratings have declined to low levels among American voters. The Bush administration's decisions on the War in Iraq are increasingly unpopular among voters, with low approval rates of the president's handling of the war and deep doubts about the value of the war in relation to costs. The president's ratings have sharply declined as a result of the president's handling of Hurricane Katrina. The paper concludes that voters are increasingly dissatisfied with Bush's presidency. It is therefore clear that the Bush administration will have to work long and hard to come up with new ideas for improving the president's image or face an unsuccessful second term.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Methodology and Data Collection
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
References
Appendices
From the Paper "In recent months, much of America's attention has been focused upon the tragedies associated with Hurricane Katrina's damage to Louisiana. Among the issues associated with the aftermath has been the performance of President George W. Bush and the federal government in responding to the catastrophe. Many national polls (Silverman, 2005, CBS News, 2005) have shown significant dissatisfaction with Bush's handling of the hurricane's damage."
Abstract The paper shows that bank interest rates have been steadily decreasing since the September 11th attack on America and that the attack caused the business failures of major corporations, such as World Com and Enron. It discusses that one of the areas that are going stronger then ever is the real estate industry and many homeowners are taking the option to refinance their homes. The paper shows that banks and financial institutions are not in favor of this procedure as a homeowner who refinances his house may lower his monthly payments several hundred dollars - banks are making significantly less money on the lowered monthly payments through refinances. The purpose of the essay is to discuss how the lowered interest rates are affecting the housing industry.
From the Paper "House sales are running a record high this year, according to Reaser, chief economist of Bank of America. The refinancing of mortgages is supporting a major portion of the economy that is surviving and thriving. At the present time, refinancing is showing no signs of slowing down; in fact it is steadily increasing. People are putting the extra money into home improvements and buying new cars, another low interest financing option."
Abstract This paper discusses the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar exchange rate and exchange rate theories in the past five years. The paper suggests reasons for these fluctuations and the advantages and disadvantages of this to foreign investors. It also suggests reasons that the U.S. dollar did not plummet, as could have been expected, after certain national disasters of the past five years.
From the Paper "Exchange Rate Theories and the U.S. Dollar Exchange rates of the United Sates dollar are currently high due to the fact that foreign investors are purchasing more American money than was previously believed possible. Hurricane Katrina, as well of the terrorist bombings of September 11th, 2001, made many within financial markets believe that the exchange rate of the dollar would plummet due to U.S. domestic problems. However, the current exchange rate is the highest it has been in years, with foreign investment firms continually buying dollars to pay for goods. It is also evident that foreign investors are purchasing U.S. goods more rapidly than in previous years, also a contradiction to what financial experts believed was possible after 9/11. The disastrous events did, however create a period of time in each case in which the U.S. dollar dropped significantly in value, and goods were slow to move into the market."
Abstract This paper discusses how an exchange rate, in terms of the Canadian economy, is the value of the Canadian dollar as compared to the currencies of other countries (Bank of Canada website). The exchange rate has many functions, including the determination of the cost of imported goods and the money Canada receives for exported goods. The paper further discusses how in real terms, when the value of the Canadian dollar drops, imported goods become quite expensive. In effect, the volume of Canadian imports is reduced. However, when this occurs other countries pay less for Canadian products and export sales in the nation are increased (BOC).
A look at how China uses its foreign exchange rate to make it difficult for foreign goods and imports to penetrate the Chinese market while simultaneously encouraging foreign investment.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 62.95
Abstract This research examines the supposition that China utilizes its foreign exchange rate to erect an effective barrier to foreign imports of goods and services while it encourages foreign direct investment. The strategy China employs to expand its export market and minimize its import market is simple but effective and not as blatantly antagonistic as an outright tariff on imports or imposition of quotas on imported goods.
Abstract This paper explores seed dispersal mechanisms in three different plant communities. It focuses on the role of birds and the maintenance of plant biodiversity. The paper discusses seed dispersal in Wisconsin Arboretum, Pheasant Branch Conservancy and Baxter's Hollow. It also looks at the ways in which seed dispersal in these areas is dependent on animals.
Table of Contents:
Wisconsin Arboretum
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Baxter's Hollow
From the Paper "The overstory is dominated by cottonwood, boxelder and silver maple. The only apparent mechanism for seed dispersal is wind. Cottonwood and Silver Maple dominated, possibly due to their ease of wind dispersal. Nut trees were not found, possible due to the wetness of the forest floor. The forest floor is dominated by Bucktorn (80%) (Budyak et al, 2006). This is probably due to its ability to survive and germinate in wet environments, rather than due to seed dispersal mechanisms. Buckthorn is not a favorite of deer, which may also play a role in its dominance in the area. A majority of the seeds within the understory are easily wind dispersed such as Virginia creeper, sweet Cecily, and white avens. These species comprise the other 20% of the understory. Wind was the primary seed dispersal mechanism, with birds and animals playing a minor role in this area."
Abstract This paper describes the categories of biological agents that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified as posing a significant bioterrorism risk. The paper points out that botulinum toxin produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum has been tagged by the CDC as being in the highest risk category because it is easily transmitted from one person to another, possess high morbidity rates and has the potential for widespread panic and public chaos. The paper relates that there is a great challenge to health authorities in distinguishing a naturally-occurring botulism outbreak and one that is the result of a terrorist attack because the botulism symptoms from either scenario are the same.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Clostridium Botulinum and the Botulinum Toxin
Botulism: Background, Pathogenesis and Treatment
Botulism and Bioterrorism
Challenges to Preventing a Botulinum Bioterrorist Attack
Conclusion
From the Paper "Biological agents used in bioterrorism attacks are commonly found in nature but are often scientifically manipulated in order to increase their potency, their antimicrobial resistance and their dispersal factor. In their campaign to sow their seeds of terror, terrorists have increasingly turned to biological warfare because unlike traditional tactics such as nuclear warfare, biological weapons are inconspicuous and often invisible to the human eye. They remain undetected by authorities during their latent or incubation periods as they slowly infect the majority of the population."
Tags: category, clostridium botulinum, nature, dispersalrate, incubation periods
