North Carolina Economic Forecast to look at inflation, jobs, recession risks

For more than 40 years, Charlotte Professor of Financial Economics John Connaughton has produced reliable research for unreliable times, through the North Carolina Economic Forecast.

 The 2024 third-quarter forecast is scheduled for noon, Thursday, Sept. 5, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. There is no charge for this lively and informative session, presented by the Belk College of Business and hosted by The Dubois Center.

 Lunch at 11:30 a.m. offers a networking opportunity, as does an alumni coffee at 11 a.m. Registration is requested. While a Zoom option is available, in-person attendance provides the best way to network with other business professionals and with Connaughton.

 Starting with the first forecast in 1981, Connaughton has offered insights driven by data and informed by decades of expertise, during periods of inflation and recessions, contentious election cycles, a worldwide pandemic, shifting employment sectors, wars, government shutdowns and catastrophic bank failures.

 “Dr. Connaughton’s North Carolina Economic Forecast is a great example of the important research conducted by our faculty in the Belk College of Business,” said Dean Richard Buttimer. “His quarterly economic forecast offers critical insights into the evolving economic landscape of North Carolina. This research is vital for businesses in Charlotte and across the state, providing knowledge needed to navigate these uncertain times.”