NABE Professional Development Seminar for Journalists
"Effective Use of Economic Statistics in Reporting"
Sponsored by the NABE Foundation
May 8, 2008
7:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
National Federation of Independent Business
1201 F Street N.W., Suite 200
Washington, D.C.
Journalists are bombarded with statistics such as survey data, polling data, and economic statistics, all from a variety of government and private sources. While data provide critical details for reporters and editors covering many different subjects, too often statistics are hard to decipher and harder yet to analyze and report on clearly and concisely
To address these issues, the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) is pleased to sponsor this seminar for reporters, editors, researchers, and news librarians. Sessions will provide detailed and deadline-conscious approaches to the government's principal economic indicators, focusing on measures that are "hot topics" in the news. Hear from analysts about using private data series as "early signals" of economic trends. Use networking breaks to meet sources and develop contacts with NABE members, who are expert resources on key economic indicators.
COST: $50 per person before April 25; $100 after April 25. Download registration form
7:45-8:15 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast
8:15 a.m. Welcome by NABE Board Member Stuart Hoffman, chief economist,
PNC Financial Services
8:30-9:15 a.m. “Employment: What Do the Numbers Tell Us?”
With the release of the government’s employment report on the first Friday of each month, policymakers and private analysts sift through the first batch of key national statistics for the prior month. This session looks at both payroll and household survey employment data--what they say and don’t say about the economy’s health. Economist Deborah Klein, formerly of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will look at this rich data set and discuss often-overlooked components as well as topside numbers.
9:15-10:00 a.m. “Inflation: Key Measures and Latest Trends”
This session takes a close look at the consumer price index, the personal consumption expenditure index, and other price measures. How do they differ? How do policymakers and private economists use these data series and others as early warning signs? Veteran economics reporter Pam Ginsbach will provide an overview of inflation measures, how they track over time, and what they say about the current state of the economy.
10:00-10:15 a.m. Break/networking
10:15-11:115 a.m. “International Indicators”
The dollar has reached new lows against the Euro. It's even depreciating substantially against the Asian currencies. What has been the impact of the dollar change on U.S. trade flows and prices? At the same time, the deficit is still large and still needs to be financed. What has been the impact of the dollar change on the financing side? Against which countries and in which products is external adjustment taking place? Are trade prices rising and fueling inflation? Which countries and which financial instruments continue to be important for financing the deficit even as it adjusts. Brandeis University professor and author of “Is the U.S. Trade Deficit Sustainable?” Catherine L. Mann will lead this tour of international indicators.
11:15-12:00 p.m. Newsmaker Address
Donald Marron, Member-Designate, President's Council of Economic Advisers
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Optional working lunch/networking with NABE members