RICHMOND, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/28/15 -- A slew of Web startups have launched the "sharing" economy, making it easier for individuals to rent out their homes to travelers and to provide transportation services using their own cars, among other endeavors. The sharing economy may increase consumer welfare by giving consumers new choices. But critics argue that these businesses have gained an unfair advantage over incumbents by ignoring regulations designed to protect consumers. The cover article in the latest issue of Econ Focus magazine looks at the debate over this growing economic sector.
Also in this issue:
- Money and politics. Legal changes in campaign finance have made it possible for people, corporations, and unions to expand their support of political activity. Who has increased their spending most -- and are they getting anything for their money?
- Debating Fed crisis policy. The 19th century classical economists Walter Bagehot and Henry Thornton are often credited with having written the book on crisis management for central banks. How can their teachings be applied to 21st century financial crises?
- Craft brewing. Craft breweries -- small, independent beer producers -- have multiplied from eight in 1980 to more than 3,400 today. And craft beers are growing in popularity. Research has shed light on the unique structure of the craft brewing industry, including its emphasis on cooperative competition, and the reasons for its success.
- Interview with Claudia Goldin of Harvard University on women's labor force participation, the changing landscape of U.S. education, and how economics is like detective work.
Econ Focus is the economics magazine of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. It covers economic issues affecting the Fifth Federal Reserve District (the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and most of West Virginia) and the nation.
For a free subscription to Econ Focus or for copies of the magazine, contact the Bank's Research Publications division at (800) 322-0565 or subscribe online. The articles are available online at http://www.richmondfed.org/publications/research/index.cfm.
Contact:
David A. Price
Senior Editor
Econ Focus
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Office: (804) 697-8018
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