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UNC Asheville Hosts 29th Annual Economic Crystal Ball Seminar

April 1, 2013

UNC Asheville's 29th annual Economic Crystal Ball Seminar will be held on Thursday, April 18, at UNC Asheville's Lipinsky Auditorium. Noted economists David W. Berson and James F. Smith will make forecasts on the business and financial outlook for the coming year. The seminar, sponsored by the UNC Asheville Economics Department and Parsec Financial, begins with a 6:15 p.m. reception, followed by the speakers at 7 p.m., and a question-and-answer period at 8 p.m. The seminar takes place at Lipinsky Auditorium on campus and is free and open to the public.

The economic outlook portion of the program will focus on inflation, employment, interest rates, the strength of the dollar and housing market. The financial outlook presentation will explore the implications of Federal Reserve policy for financial markets. Various investments will be addressed, with an emphasis on interest rates and the bond market.

Berson is senior vice president and chief economist for Nationwide Insurance, where his responsibilities involve leading a team of economists that act as internal consultants to the company's business units. His numerous previous professional positions include vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae, president of the National Association of Business Economics, and a senior management position with Wharton Economics Forecasting.

Smith is chief economist at Parsec Financial. In his more than 30 years as an economic forecaster, Smith has served in private industry, government and academic institutions, including tenures with Wharton Econometrics, Union Carbide, the Federal Reserve and the President's Council of Economic Advisors.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. To register, contact UNC Asheville's Economics Department at 828.251.6550 or email kmoore@unca.edu.