The Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast provides data and analysis to policymakers, the business community, and gen
Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast 2021:Q2
Wed, 05/12/2021 - 1:11pm
The Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast provides data and analysis to policymakers, the business community, and general public. The report presents baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios for key Louisiana economic indicators.
Scenarios and projections will be updated quarterly to reflect the most up-to-date economic outlook for the U.S. economy and other vital sectors that are influential in shaping Louisiana’s economic activity. The report is compiled by Dr. Gary A. Wagner, professor and Acadiana Business Economist/BORSF Endowed Chair in Economics at B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration.
Executive Summary
Despite job gains that were slower-than-expected in the first quarter, the outlook for the national economy continues to strengthen. Over the next four quarters, professional forecasters now expect the U.S. economy to grow at a pace not seen since the early 1980s. As a result of this improved outlook, economic conditions in Louisiana are also more favorable now than at any time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The state is projected to gain almost 71,000 jobs in the next four quarters. Apart from Alexandria and Houma-Thibodaux, job growth is projected to exceed 3% in each of the state’s metro areas over the coming year. The outlook for tax collections and home prices have also strengthened. Over the next year, quarterly tax collections are generally expected to grow at an annualized rate exceeding 10%. Home prices grew at an annualized rate of 4% in the fourth quarter of 2020, and are expected to remain above 3% for the forecast horizon.
Every forecasting model contains uncertainty.The results in this report are intended to provide broad guidance and should not be a direct cause for decision-making. This is particularly true now in light of the evolving global pandemic surrounding COVID-19.
Full Report
2021:Q2 Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast >
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2021 Report Release Schedule
Third Quarter: August 20, 2021
Fourth Quarter: November 19, 2021