Economic Forecasting, Research Paper Example

A) Historical Economic Data Resources

1. International Monetary Fund Data and Statistics – This site maintains a variety of quantitative and qualitative data on global lending, economic and financial indicators and exchange rates. Furthermore, the site breaks down this historical economic data by country and by time period over the last few decades. This resource is extremely valuable as it allows for a global economic perspective to emerge as well as to compare historical change across time.

http://www.imf.org/external/data.htm

2. Economic History Association Databases – This site manages a number of quantitative resources from the 18^th to early 20^th century with a focus on the U.S. and U.K. Data ranges from export statistics to biweekly Confederate and Federal currency fluctuations to agricultural statistics and customs house data. This is an excellent resource for any history of the early American economy as it emerged onto the global scene in the 19^th century.

http://econ.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTDEC/0,,contentMDK:22122200~pagePK:64165401~piPK:64165026~theSitePK:469372,00.html

B) Economic Forecast Data Resources

1. World Bank Global Economic Forecasts – This site brings together a variety of data resources and qualitative research to make quarterly projections on the world economy. In addition, the site provides evidence-based projections on a country by country basis. This service is invaluable for investors seeking to enter into a new national market or existing investors hoping to understand future developments.

http://econ.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTDEC/0,,contentMDK:22122200~pagePK:64165401~piPK:64165026~theSitePK:469372,00.html

2. Moody’s Analytics, Data: Historical and Forecast – This site offers comprehensive and detailed forecast data based on historical precedent and expert analysis. Of all the sites described this one is the most extensive with data on the national, regional and even metro and county levels. Furthermore, the site reports that its forecasting models consider a variety of economic, financial, demographic and consumer credit variables is projecting economic performance.

http://www.economy.com/home/products/databases.asp?src=left-nav