Attention Economy


Monday, August 22, 2016

What Do Economists Think of the 2016 US Electoral Cycle?

A survey of US business economists conducted by the National Association for Business Economics:

Highlights from the survey:
“Growing Number of NABE Economists See Monetary Policy as Too Stimulative, Fiscal Policy Too Restrictive; Want Next President to Focus on Stimulating Stronger Economic Growth.

A significant majority of respondents (62%) believes that uncertainty about the national election is holding back U.S. economic growth somewhat (52%) or significantly (10%). About one-third (35%) of respondents indicates uncertainty is not holding back growth. In the March survey, participants were asked if uncertainty about fiscal policy was holding back growth, with 46% indicating “yes” and 50% indicating “no.”

As for which presidential candidate would do the best job as president of managing the U.S. economy, a majority— 55%—choose Hillary Clinton, while 15% pick Gary Johnson, and 14% select Donald Trump. Fifteen percent indicate “Don’t know/no opinion.

Almost two-thirds of respondents (65%) indicate that trade policy under the next presidential administration and Congress should become more open and free. Twenty-three percent favor the status quo, and just 9% favor a more protectionist trade policy.”