Archive

20 DecShaky Ground – December 2018

This time of year we are asked to do a lot of economic forecast and year in review talks throughout the state. It is interesting to talk with so many business leaders and policy makers as they consider the road behind and ahead. In preparing for these talks, and the Forecaster, we are reminded that much of the data we all rely on is subject to revisions, sometimes substantial, which makes presenting it as facts sometimes uncomfortable. We have a lot to be thankful for this year continued expansion, low unemployment, and stable inflation. Throw in family, friends and food and you have yourself a party. In this issue we explore many different attributes to the expansion, employment, and potential impacts to our region. You know Amazon, Boeing and housing are on our minds. We are launching a social media presence. In January we will email out links for you to follow us on your preferred social media platform. We read a lot of interesting articles and analyses each week and will start sharing out the best of this content in the New Year! From all of us at Western Washington University, we wish you the very best of the season.

Volume: 26 - Number: 4

Leading Index Title:

Special Topic Title: Labor Force and Population

Authors:

  • Hart Hodges
  • Josh Grandbouche
  • James McCafferty

20 JunTariffs, Policies and Other Rumors – June 2018

Last quarter we unveiled a returning column written by our colleagues at Employment Security. Beginning with the September edition it will take you a little longer to read the Forecaster as we add an entire set of new pages that will present the state-wide forecast among other informative items. The expansion will mean more pages for you to read through but will not change the Puget Sound focused content. This expansion of the Forecaster is a key step in connecting the economic activity of the Puget Sound (which drives a majority of the state numbers) with the nuances of the overall stateís activities. In producing the Forecaster we draw upon the expertise of our colleagues from throughout the region, our faculty here at Western Washington University and our student research assistants. Each provides a unique perspective and voice to the topics we present with our goal of providing you the background to navigate within the economy. We also want to highlight the role of different faculty and student assistants. We have different experts contributing articles and ideas. We welcome your questions and topic suggestions for future articles. Email us at [email protected].

Volume: 26 - Number: 2

Leading Index Title:

Special Topic Title: Inside Unemployment

Authors:

  • Hart Hodges
  • James McCafferty

20 OctThank You – October 2017

One theme in this Outlook is the more things change, the more they stay the same. It's a new quarter with plenty of developments. From Harvey and Irma to the security problems at Equifax, as well as the uncertainty surrounding interest rates and geopolitical risks with North Korea, we have plenty of new things to consider.

Volume: 25 - Number: 3

Leading Index Title:

Special Topic Title: The Cost of Housing

Authors:

  • Hart Hodges
  • James McCafferty