Plus, takeaways from the Iowa caucuses, how states are shaping technology policy, and using generative AI in research.
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Brookings Brief

January 17, 2024

A cashier pulls a receipt out of the printer.
The pandemic inflation episode is still unwinding

 

The Federal Reserve’s key inflation measure has averaged 1.9% over the past six months, very close to the 2% target. But the Fed isn’t declaring victory yet. In a new analysis, Louise Sheiner explains why there is still so much uncertainty around inflation and breaks down recent pricing trends across goods, services, housing, and more.

Read more

💡 To learn about what a “soft landing” looks like for the U.S. economy, read this explainer from Sam Boocker and David Wessel. 

 

Takeaways from the Iowa caucuses 

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage during his Iowa caucus night watch party in Des Moines, Iowa

Donald Trump won the Iowa caucuses with just over 50% of the vote. He won almost every county in the state and performed better than he did in 2016 among several demographic groups.

 

Elaine Kamarck shares her thoughts on the outcome and what it could mean for the upcoming contests. 

For more expert insights on the Iowa results and the 2024 election, register to watch our webinar tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. EST.

 

Spotlight on technology

 

How states are approaching tech policy. In 2023, states enacted 65 tech policy laws. On the latest episode of the TechTank podcast, Darrell West, Matt Perault, and Scott Brennen explore how states are shaping America’s technology landscape.

 

Generative AI for economic research. Large language models like ChatGPT have become useful across a wide range of tasks, including research. In a new paper, Anton Korinek discusses how economists can leverage this powerful technology.

 

Stay updated on the latest tech research and commentary by subscribing to the Brookings Center for Technology Innovation’s twice-monthly newsletter.

 
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