Semiconductor Shortages and the US Economy’

The pandemic has highlighted numerous manufacturing supply chain challenges. A critical issue being addressed recently is the global shortage of semiconductors. Increased demand for electronics, restrictions on manufacturing activity, and trade wars have all contributed to the problem. Consequently, the scarcity of these materials is impacting consumers as well as major sectors of the economy. This webinar will provide an opportunity to learn from industry experts about the following topics: • General overview of post-pandemic manufacturing supply chains • Analysis of the semiconductor shortage • Impacts on the electronics and automotive industries

Boom-Bust Oil Prices: No End In Sight’

Join the NEC and Bob McNally of Rapidan Energy Group for a discussion on energy and oil prices. The wild boom-bust volatility in global oil prices over the last fifteen years is the result of the absence of an effective swing producer. US shale oil production can’t play the swing producer role and the jury is still out as to whether the new Saudi-Russian “OPEC-Plus” group will become an effective, durable swing producer that is required for stability not only for oil prices but economic growth, energy transition policies, and geopolitics.

Inflation Fears and the Biden Stimulus: Look to the Korean War, Not Vietnam’

The debate among economists over the size of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package has drawn attention to past cases of inflation spurred by big government spending. Both sides have cited the Vietnam War of the 1960s as a precedent of an outbreak of inflation that would be difficult to reverse… A better historical analogy may be the large but temporary surge in inflation in 1951, related to the Korean War, which did not pose any lasting damage to the US economy.

What’s Next for the US Labor Market?’

As the pace of vaccinations is in a race with the new variants, uncertainty shrouds the US job market. Jed Kolko, Chief Economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab, will provide insights into how the job market may evolve over the next stage of the pandemic. With a unique view into the data around how companies and employees are approaching the labor market, Dr. Kolko will speak to how recent developments will shape the near future for employment.

China and the US: Long-term Challenges and Current Policy Priorities’

As China continues expanding influence on and command of the global economy, it’s overtaking of the United States as the dominant player is now a ‘when’ and not an ‘if’ scenario. Providing critical analysis of the challenges facing Beijing and Washington, Dr. Lovely addresses the consequential relationship between the two states and what should be expected and prioritized moving forward. With global implications across various sectors, she will discuss the unique diplomatic challenges facing the new Biden administration.

Risk & Resilience – Billion Dollar Disaster Analysis and US Infrastructure’

Applied Climatologist Adam Smith discusses the historical context of the outsized number and severity of disasters in 2020 that exceed one billion dollars in damage. Mr. Smith, who leads the calculation of the costs of large natural disasters impact on the U.S., will also explain how such figures are informing the White House’s American Jobs Plan, and a path forward for building and upgrading infrastructure to reduce the cost of damage from large weather events and other natural disasters.

The Post(?)-Pandemic Outlook for U.S. Construction’

The U.S. economy seems headed for a strong recovery, barring new covid-related setbacks. But nonresidential construction is lagging, even as homebuilding soars. Fast-rising materials costs and increasingly unreliable delivery times for materials are adding to the industry’s challenges. Mr. Simonson, chief economist for the nation’s leading construction association since 2001, will discuss the outlook for various construction segments, along with the prospects for federal infrastructure legislation and what that might imply.

The Economics of Giving: Nonprofits in a Pandemic World’

In a year defined by economic hardship for many, did philanthropic donations collapse or endure? Dr. Una Osili, who recently testified before the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress on charitable donations during the COVID-19 crisis, provides critical analysis of the trends and forecast models for nonprofit giving. Additionally, Dr. Osili will discuss the challenges and opportunities nonprofits face in their economic structures and the behaviors and priorities of donors both generally and in the unique circumstance of 2020.

Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Immigration’

The United States is the world’s largest economy and top migrant destination, but immigration is slowing and the native workforce is aging. Decelerating labor force growth implies weaker output, however immigration reform could both boost participation among existing immigrants and bring in more, fueling the economy. Dr. Orrenius, who served as senior economist on the Council of Economic Advisors, will examine these trends as well as policy impacts on native workers and taxpayers.