2026 Economic Outlook

Thursday, January 15, 2026
3:00–4:00 pm EST

Join the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for its annual economic outlook Fed Talk webinar.

Ed Knotek, senior vice president and director of research, will analyze incoming economic indicators and walk through the US economic forecast for 2026. The session will offer valuable insights for professionals, academics, business leaders, and others interested in economic trends and policy.

Various economic indicators critical for understanding the health and direction of the economy will be covered:

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The broadest measure of economic activity at the national level.
• Inflation Rates: Analysis of current inflation trends, the factors driving them, and their implications.
• Labor Market Indicators: Employment growth, the unemployment rate, wage growth, and other measures that capture the health of the labor market.
• Consumer Spending: Data related to the health of the US consumer, whose spending powers most of the overall economy.
• Business Spending: AI-related investments are raising capital spending, but that’s just one part of the story.
• And more.

The Fed Talk program is the Cleveland Fed’s speaker series illuminating an array of issues related to the economy. Each session features economists and experts discussing subjects such as inflation, workforce trends, banking, and community development. Attendees can enhance their understanding of economic issues and trends. Interactive Q&A sessions allow participants to ask questions and engage directly with speakers.

Speaker

• Ed Knotek, senior vice president and director of research, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Moderator

• Julianne Dunn, regional executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Cincinnati Branch