Economic Business Meeting

Economics

Under the direction of chief economist Bart van Ark, the Economics Department produces in-depth, objective and global research, analysis, forecasts, and indicators.

From the Chief Economist

Bart van Ark

Cautious Consumer Keeps U.S. Recovery Dampened
Last month we pointed out how capex would be a bright spot for the economy in the first quarter, suggesting business had regained some confidence. ... more

The Conference Board U.S. Economic Outlook

The Conference Board Global Economic Outlook

The Economic Week

Last Week's Highlights

Winter storms held down activity in February. March saw milder weather (until this past weekend). While better weather might benefit industrial output and perhaps export growth, jobs are more im...more

Economic Indicators

Economic Resources

U.S. Indicators	International
Consumer Confidence Index® 10.5 pts U.S. Leading Index 0.3% Help-Wanted Online 66,900 Employment Trends Index 0.3% CEO Confidence 1.0 pts	Australia 0.6% Euro Area 0.8% France 0.6% Germany 0.7% Japan 1.8% Korea 0.3% Mexico 0.7% Spain 0.3% U.K. 0.4% U.S. 0.3%

Total Economy Database
Annual GDP, population, employment, hours and productivity for 123 countries.

Business Cycle Indicators
The composite indexes are the key elements in an analytic system designed to signal changes in the business cycle.

Monthly calendar

Research Reports

Foreign Exchange Management: Creating Value Through Better Decision Making
Foreign Exchange Management: Creating Value through Better Decision Making gauges the impact of the financial crisis on FX management practices

Protecting Critical Infrastructure: A Cross-Border Action Plan
Much of the critical infrastructure on which the citizens of the United States and Canada depend—transportation, energy, and communications systems, among others—exists on both sides of the border.

More Economic Research