U.S. Consumer

• How much of the growth in consumer credit has been due to the Federal Government? Valeo Financial Advisors
• Consumer Sentiment Hits 5-Year High in October CNBC

U.S. Economy

• With the average price of a gallon of gas in U.S. falling below $3.50, when was the last time it was below $3?, $2? Valeo Financial Advisors
• Trade deficit narrowed in September to $41.5 billion, the lowest level since December 2010 Chart: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Personal Finance

• About 1/2 of all millennials— those between the ages of 18 and 34—think they’ll be worse off than their parents. A generation defined by debt: CNBC
• In New York, it takes about three years for a bank to foreclose on a house. In Texas, about three months. Planet Money

Miscellaneous

• Historical Echoes: Proto-Shadow Banking in Ancient Rome Federal Reserve Bank of New York
• Be in charge of monetary policy! Play the Fed Chairman game and see how you do Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco