Key Takeaways:
For more than 40 years, The Wall Street Journal's Economic Forecasting Survey has provided a consensus outlook on the U.S. economy from a panel of over 70 academic, business, and financial economists. The survey, currently conducted quarterly, aims to help readers better understand future economic conditions.
"The Wall Street Journal’s Economic Forecasting Survey has helped readers better understand the direction of the U.S. economy by publishing consensus forecasts," Anthony DeBarros, a data news editor for the Journal, wrote in an overview of the survey.
The panel of economists is asked to forecast a range of key economic indicators, including quarterly and annual real GDP, the consumer-price index, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Funds Rate. While some questions like GDP have been a mainstay, others have been rotated based on current events.
While the article describing the survey's methodology has no direct market impact, the quarterly results themselves can influence investor sentiment and strategic positioning by providing a clear expert consensus on future economic conditions. The survey's findings often serve as a benchmark for market expectations.
The survey's frequency has evolved, moving from twice a year in the 1980s to monthly from 2003 to 2021, and now to a quarterly schedule. The Journal also notes it may conduct brief additional surveys as news warrants. The full list of panelists and their latest forecasts are available alongside the published survey results.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
