How is the Economy Really? What We Can Learn from Consumer Sentiment and Data

Time: 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Please plan to arrive early to allow time to go through security. Refreshments will be provided before and after the event. Program begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

NEW! Four Ways to Attend:

For this year's District Dialogues event, we're offering four ways to join the conversation: In person at one of our three branch locations (Richmond, Baltimore, or Charlotte--addresses below) or virtually via Zoom.

• Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Richmond Branch, 701 E Byrd Street, Richmond, VA 23219
• Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Baltimore Branch, 502 S. Sharp Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
• Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Branch, 530 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
• Virtual via Zoom

When it comes to the economy, sometimes households report feeling blue, yet the economic data appears more positive. What might explain this disconnect, and why is consumer and business sentiment not always in alignment with economic data? Join us Wednesday, May 15 for the next installment in our District Dialogues series as Richmond Fed economists Renee Haltom and John O’Trakoun lead a discussion on the state of the economy, consumer and business sentiments, and the potential implications of any disconnect between the two:

• What does economic data and research say about the state of the economy?
• How are consumer sentiment and economic data related?
• How does sentiment influence consumer and business decisions?
• Do sentiments vary based on income, locality or other demographic characteristics?
• What implication does consumer and business sentiment have for policymakers?

This event is free and open to the public, and registration is required. Please plan to arrive early, as it may take time to get through our security screening.

If you’re interested in learning more about the current state of the economy, this event is for you!