Economic Links and Information

Economic Links on the Web

The following list is not an exhaustive list of economic resources. It is intended to help the student in finding various sources of information. Each type of source is placed under a general heading. Please note, the internet is a dynamic information source, this means that some of the links below may have changed. If this is the case please inform me at [email protected].

Search Engines
Evaluating Search Results
General Indexes and Directories
National and International News
Directories of International Newspapers
Current National and International Business News
Economic Indicators and Statistics
Current Financial Market Information
Economic Analysis and Forecasts
U.S. Historical Data
International Data
Central Banks
Economics and Business Related Magazines
US Government Agencies and Other Government Sites
US Government Publications
International Economic Resources
Law and Economics Resources
Labor Economic Resources
Economic and Social Policy Issues
Educational Resources

Search Engines

Here are some of the most common search engines on the net. These are not in any particular order.

Alta Vista
Google
Snap
LookSmart
Netscape
Yahoo!
Dogpile
MetaCrawler
Ixquick
About
Excite
GoTo.com
HotBot
Lycos
Magellan
MSN Web Search

Evaluating Search Results

Just because information is on the internet doesn't mean that the information is complete, accurate, or objective. Here are some ways you can evaluate the usefulness of the availabile information.

Does the source seem biased? Knowing the sources purpose and viewpoint can help you interpret any information you use from that source. For example, The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will tend to reflect the organization's goal of promoting animal rights. You need to interpret the information within that framework.

What do you know about the source? There are many reputable sources of information available on the web but be leary of information where the source is unidentified (or you don't know them) or of questionable integrity.

What is the original source of the information? Many times information is drawn from other sources. Sometimes these other sources are identified. If they are identified you can evaluate the usefulness of the information from the reputation of the original source. If the original source is not identified approach the information with caution.

Can you verify the sources information? The ability to confirm information is important. If the information can not be confirmed from another source, chances are the information is bogus. Also beware of the "friend of a friend" source. This type of information is usually incorrect.

Does the information seem reasonable? Given the information you already have, does this seem like it fits with the rest of the information? If it does not, chances are its not good information.

General Indexes and Directories

Here are some common sources of economic links. These are general sources of information on economics, data, news topics, and learning resources.

Bill Goffe's Resources for Economists on the Internet - This is the most comphrehensive source of economic links on the internet. The site is updated regularly and is maintained by the American Economic Association. The link is to a recent version but other versions can be found at most universities.

Scout Report on Business and Economics - This site contains information onrecently published research, working papers and newletters. It also offers a special focus on a new economic topic in each issue. Published biweekly.

ECONLinks - This directory is designed for the underggraduate student in economics. It provides easy access to economic and financial information on the web.

Social Science Data on the Internet - This site provides both economic and social science data. Provided by the University of California, San Diego.

Econ Data and Links

WebEc Economics Data

National and International News

Many of these sites have specific sections related to finance and economic news, as well as weather, sports, news, travel, and commentaries.

New York Times
Washington Post
Los Angeles Times
Chicago Tribune
USA Today
Tampa Tribune
St. Petersburg Times
CNN Interactive
MSNBC
ABC News
CBS News
Fox News
Time Daily
National Public Radio