Economic outlook briefing scheduled

Continued boom, steady as it goes, or bust? Learn the prospects for the economy in Wisconsin, the Midwest, the nation and the world at “Economic Outlook: 2001,” a daylong executive briefing sponsored by the School of Business.

Speakers and topics for the briefing Friday, Sept. 22, at the Fluno Center for Executive Education, 601 University Ave., are:

• Outlook for the United States Economy: Dana Johnson, head of research, senior managing director, Banc One Capital Markets, will discuss imbalances threatening continued low inflation and growth and financial market reaction to Federal Reserve tightening of interest rates.
• Outlook for International Economies: Nariman Behravesh, international economist, Standard & Poor’s DRI, will offer a global view of the economy. He’ll provide up-to-date information on international trade, finance and government regulations; global market opportunities and risks; privatization and trade policy; and worldwide economic and financial and political developments.
• Outlook for Financial Markets: Clare Zempel, managing director and director of investment policy, chief investment strategist and chief economist, Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc., will focus on current banking and financial market conditions, projections for the stock and bond markets, and interest rates for the last quarter of 2000 and first quarter of 2001.
• Outlook for Wisconsin and the Midwest Economies: Don Nichols, professor of economics and public policy and director of the La Follette Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy, UW–Madison, will discuss business, employment and economic conditions in Wisconsin and the Midwest. He’ll supply industrial and financial projections and forecasts of changes in investments, exports, commercial construction, manufacturing and consumer spending.

Associate professor Chuck Krueger, who directs Economic Outlook, says participants will be able to review and discuss trends affecting business and markets with some of the most insightful economists in the country. After each briefing, speakers will respond to questions and comments.