Wall Street Journal lauds NEMA economists for hitting the bull's-eye with their forecasts

The economic forecasting team for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., of economics, topped the The Wall Street Journal's (WSJ) economic forecasting survey for 2011. Each year the WSJ compiles forecasts of real GDP, inflation, interest rates, employment and other indicators from economists representing trade associations, financial and consulting firms, and academia. NEMA's forecasts for 2011 by Don Leavens, V.P. and chief economist, and Tim Gill, director, were the most accurate in aggregate of the 52 surveyed.

“In a year in which faulty government data threw just about everyone for a loop, it's nice to come out on top. A strong fourth quarter 2010 economic growth rate estimate by the government that was later revised sharply downward encouraged many economists to soften the level of their pessimism in early 2011,” said Leavens.

“Like other forecasters, we upped our growth forecast, but only modestly. Our restrained enthusiasm about growth coupled with a closer read on inflation and interest rates helped to sustain our forecast at the top,” added Gill.