Informed policymaking relies on good data, but economic data are often misunderstood and misused. In this briefing, PWBM Senior Analyst Alex Arnon will walk participants through useful data sources, their use and interpretation, and common pitfalls to avoid. Topics will include traditional sources such as GDP and "jobs day" employment reports, newer sources such as PWBM's high frequency economic data, and issues such as seasonal adjustment and data revisions.

This briefing is an elective lesson in PWBM’s new Certificate for Policy Professionals, which is geared toward congressional staffers and other public policy professionals who work in the Washington, DC area. The program will train students in the economics of public policies and the process of how policies are made. After completing the program, certificate earners will be better prepared to understand and articulate the economic trade-offs of legislation. Please visit our certificate page to learn more.

Instructor: Alexander Arnon, PWBM Senior Analyst

Please contact us at budgetmodel@wharton.upenn.edu if you have any questions about the event.