The Center for Economic Research & Forecasting

The Cal Lutheran team is one of California's best — which of course often means being willing to share bad news as well as good. Their presentation skills are exceeded only by the accuracy of their forecasting.

– Joel Kotkin, author, speaker and futurist

CERF in the News

An updated listing of all of CERF's appearances in the news media.

Stimulus effectiveness unclear as region waits for bulk of funds to be allocated
Michael Shaw and Ron Trujillo, Sacramento Business Journal
Sacramento is still waiting for a big jolt from the federal stimulus program — only about a third of the money awarded has been spent here more than a year after the funding was authorized.
4 reasons why Texas beats California in a recession
Kit R. Roane, Fortune

Back in 1965, The Mamas & the Papas reached the top of the charts with "California Dreamin'," a song pining for a return to the warm safety of their home state. But these days they'd be better off dreaming about Texas.

Area in throes of double dip recession, experts at CLU conference say
Sylvie Belmond, The Acorn

Despite hopes for a turnaround this year, California’s economy will continue to sputter until the business climate improves and unemployment drops, experts said Tuesday during a state and federal economic forecast at the Lundring Events Center on the campus of CLU in Thousand Oaks.

New economic forecast from Ventura County University for state, nation is grim
Lance Orozco, KCLU

A new locally produced economic forecast paints a grim recovery picture for the state, and national economies. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with Dr. Bill Watkins, with the California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research, and Forecasting.

University Releases Dismal Forecast for California Economy
Jessica Selva, San Fernando Valley Business Journal

While a state economic forecast report by California Lutheran University shows some strengthening of retail sales and international trade for the rest of 2010, the state economy is still expected to remain weak.

Watkins: California recovery will be soft
Tony Biasotti, Pacific Coast Business Times

Don’t get too excited about those little signs of economic recovery, California Lutheran University economist Bill Watkins said June 29 in his latest state and federal economic forecast presentation.

CLU economic forecast more dreary
Stephanie Hoops, Ventura County Star

In their second-quarter forecast made public today, California Lutheran University economists issued a gloomier vision for the rest of the year than most of the nation’s economists have.

Economic forecast blames Legislature for lack of growth
Mark Anderson, Sacramento Business Journal
A new economic forecast predicts no economic growth, weak job growth and double-digit unemployment for the next few years in California.
Forecast Has Gloomy State Outlook
Deborah Crowe, Los Angeles Business Journal

Economists at California Lutheran University on Tuesday had a dour outlook for the state and national economy, with international trade and retail spending one of the few bright spots in California.

Biz Buzz: Annual economic forecast cautiously optimistic
Bill Morem, The Tribune