UA Eller College To Share Economic Outlook for 2018-2019 Next Week

Anthony Chan and George Hammond

University of Arizona economists forecast what’s ahead for Tucson and nation at luncheon on December 8 at the Westin La Paloma Resort

TUCSON, Ariz.– The University of Arizona Eller College of Management will host its annual Economic Outlook Luncheon on Fri., Dec. 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Westin La Paloma Resort, 3800 East Sunrise, in Tucson. Presenters George W. Hammond, director and research professor at Eller’s Economic and Business Research Center, and Anthony Chan, Chase chief economist, will share their predictions for 2018 and 2019 regarding job growth, the housing sector, the stock market, exports, interest rates and more.

“The buzz about the Tucson economy is strong, with many more firms announcing plans to add jobs here than there were in 2016,” Hammond said. “But while the buzz is strong, actual job growth in 2017 has been mediocre.”

Job gains were stronger last year, when Tucson posted the fastest job growth since 2012. Even so, growth was slow compared to peer metropolitan areas, Arizona and the nation.

“Most new jobs were in service-providing sectors. In an encouraging development, manufacturing added more than 600 jobs last year, driven by gains in the high-paying aerospace sector,” Hammond said. “The question is where will job growth be next year? Will announcements of job increases translate into faster employment gains?”

In other developments, the U.S. dollar has lost ground to the Mexican peso lately but remains stubbornly high.

“The strong dollar is weighing on Arizona’s exports to Mexico, our most important trading partner,” Hammond said. “Will the dollar continue to fade next year against the peso? When will that translate into improved export performance?”

While economic growth in southern Arizona will be a main focus for Hammond, Chan will address the outlook for the global economy and financial markets. While the U.S. economy continues to grind out growth, monetary policy is transitioning and fiscal policy seems poised for change. What’s next for the stock market, monetary policy, fiscal policy? What will the new political environment mean for future U.S. and global growth?

The luncheon is geared towards C-level executives, business owners, financial managers, entrepreneurs, community leaders and anyone interested in Arizona’s economic health.

Tickets are $85 per person. Reservations are requested by December 4. To reserve tickets, visit eller.arizona.edu/outlook/2017. For more information, contact outlook@eller.arizona.edu or call (520) 626-9137.