BANK OF THE WEST ECONOMICS
Forecasting global, national, and regional economic and financial market trends
Know What’s Ahead
The world is rapidly changing. Knowing what to expect is critical today and will be in the future.
Economic analysis and forecasts from our award-winning Chief Economist Scott Anderson and his team help keep you informed whether you are a business decision maker, investor, or consumer.
Scott Anderson is the Chief Economist for Bank of the West. He analyzes international, national, and regional economic trends and provides forecasts for the bank management, business lines, and clients. He is a recipient of the NABE Outlook Award for most accurate economic forecaster.
U.S. Outlook
A weekly report with analysis of current U.S. economic activity and longer-term economic and interest rate forecasts.
Sticking With The Transitory Inflation Story
June 11, 2021
Consumer inflation continued to surprise on the high-side in May. Read more >
Consumer Services Demand Comes Roaring Back
May 21, 2021
Pent-up demand, excess savings, and the rapid increase in the number of Americans that have received the vaccine against the coronavirus is fueling a sharp rebound in consumer services spending this summer. Read more >
Inflation’s Rise Rattling Some Nerves
May 14, 2021
The big news this week was inflation’s roaring return. The April CPI and PPI price increases easily out-distanced economists’ forecasts of a more gradual climb. Read more >
Instant Analysis
Insights on the day’s U.S. economic releases and Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meetings and minutes.
June 17, 2021
Initial Jobless Claims Climb Back Above 400K – Leading Indicators Point To Solid Economic Growth Ahead
Initial jobless claims increased to 412,000 in the week ending June 12. This was up from a downwardly revised 375,000 in the prior week and the first increase since late April. Read more >
California Outlook
A quarterly analysis of California’s major economic regions and labor, housing, income, spending, and demographic trends.
California Economic Outlook – April 2021
April 28, 2021
California job growth rebounded strongly on service and restaurant business reopenings in February, but moderated a bit in March.
Read more >
California Economic Outlook – December 2020
December 17, 2020
California’s labor market recovery is lagging the nation as job losses in pandemic impacted industries remain high and new business restrictions and stay at home orders begin to bite.
Read more >
California Economic Outlook – September 2020
September 22, 2020
Economic growth has resumed and net job loss has ended in California after a sharp and unprecedented decline in March and April.
Read more >
The Economics of Climate Change in California
Bank of the West Chief Economist Scott Anderson addresses the risks and opportunities that climate change poses in California.
