The Latest

Research Brief / Banking

A Quiet Expansion of Deposit Insurance Could Disrupt U.S. Banking

Seen as a backstop to small- and midsized banks, the program, allowing insurance in multiples of $250,000, alters banking’s risk calculus

A sunny afternoon traffic jam in Chengdu, China. Research Brief / Government

Chinese Citizens, Given Voice in Local Budgeting, Are More Satisfied With Country’s Regime — and Want More From It

Taste of democracy engenders the opposite of cynicism

Radio tower waves, communication tower on earth Research Brief / Bond Market

One Way the Stock Market Sends Signals to Bond Traders

Thin stock trading, amid both price volatility and a period of potential economic change, leads bond investors to seek a higher yield

Hand holding up a full house featuring three 7's and two kings. Research Brief / Investing

Why Would a Hedge Fund Manager Reveal Stock Positions?

A model suggests that the data might lead index funds to target those same stocks in oversight of corporate management

Search results of three different types of pink slippers Research Brief / Consumer Behavior

As Few as Three Options Can Be Too Many for Online Shoppers 

A large field experiment suggests two items is the sweet spot for converting motivated lookers into buyers

Quiz

Whose Job Is — and Isn’t — at Risk From Robots?

Also: withdrawal penalties on bank CDs; breathalyzers and DUIs; and how to manage with fewer managers

Chalkbaord illustration of a group of business people during a boardroom meeting Research Brief / Corporate Investment

The Role of Board-of-Directors Pay in Effective Corporate Investing

A model juggles who should suffer when a project goes awry; job market prospects of the CEO; and the quality of information shared in the boardroom

AI operated robots working in warehouse moving customer packages for delivery. Research Brief / Technology

Think Your Job Is Safe From Robots?

Automation depresses career pay for many workers, notably including those in industries not automating

A list of CD interest rates Research Brief / Banking

CD Withdrawal Penalties: Often More Than Worth the Risk

Banks know you won’t do the math: Even after a penalty for early withdrawal, the longer-term CD often nets out to a better deal

Quiz

The Low-Paid Workers Who Make AI Go

Also: A bot lets young adults text with their 60-year-old selves; when nonprofits should let volunteers call dibs on tasks; and how hard times affect political beliefs and preferences

An illustration if how the Future You chatbot works. Research Brief / Nudges

Young Adults, With an AI Bot, Chat With Their 60-Year-Old Selves

Research progresses on forging closer bonds with our future selves, encouraging behavior helpful to later lives

A woman deposits her vote in a sealed envelope into an official voting ballot box in Washington state. Research Brief / Politics

Prediction Markets + Polls + Economic Indicators: Better Election Forecasting?

A model incorporating markets that allow betting on elections suggests a role in prognostications

A man is seated in his car is using an ignition interlock, which is a breath test device linked to a vehicle’s ignition system. Research Brief / Behavioral Decision Making

The Deterrent Effect of Ignition Interlock Devices — Before They’re Even Installed

Adding a car breathalyzer to existing penalties could substantially discourage drunken driving

Personal perspective view of a female doctor talking with a patient Research Brief / Nudges

A Psychological Approach to Helping Doctors Do Better at Doing No Harm

Behavioral nudges reduced doctors’ overprescribing and overtesting of older patients

Semantic segmentation of cars on a road. Research Brief / Technology

AI’s Somewhat Hidden Secret: Invisible Human Workers

How 934 workers around the globe regard their labor; it doesn’t have to be this way

Retro engraving illustration of face with a terrified expression. Research Question / Economy

When the Economy Goes South, Political Opinions Veer Right

A survey of 77 papers seeks better understanding of how crises shape beliefs and preferences