Updated Economic Outlook for 2026: August Briefing
It’s time to look back at our Five Economic Trends for 2026 from January and see where things stand. Don’t miss our monthly briefing at 9 AM EDT Friday, August 7, with Chief Economist Gerald Cohen.
Luther Hodges Scholars Honors Thesis: Where Curiosity Becomes Leadership
Each year, a few Luther Hodges Scholars elect to lead a yearlong honors thesis, a rigorous research project that’s far different from their classroom learning.
Kuhnen offers WSJ thoughts on low-income workers’ wages
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Camelia Kuhnen spoke with The Wall Street Journal for an article on wage growth among the lowest-earning US households.
Cohen Discusses What’s Behind State’s CNBC Ranking
Gerald Cohen told a Charlotte newscast that North Carolina’s healthy economy and its high-quality workforce drive its continued strong performance in CNBC’s annual Top States for Business rankings.
State Establishes NC Economic Forecasting Initiative at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
The North Carolina Economic Forecasting Initiative will use state economic data to generate rigorous, accessible county-level forecasts for all 100 counties.
Governor Names Ouimet to Healthcare Affordability Panel
Governor Josh Stein named Kenan Institute Executive Director Paige Ouimet an advisory member of the NC Health Care Affordability Commission, Business North Carolina reported.
When Will the ‘Vibecession’ End? July Economic Briefing
Join Kenan Institute Research Director Camelia Kuhnen as she discusses the latest employment report during the institute’s monthly briefing at 9 AM EDT Thursday, July 2.
Structures and Solutions: Conference Tackles Wealth Inequality Issues
Speakers brought research and experience to bear on access issues tied to education, childcare and more at the Conference on Market-Based Solutions for Reducing Wealth Inequality.
Building Community Together: Insights from the Fifth Third Neighborhood Program
The Kenan Institute led an expert assessment of the Fifth Third Neighborhood Program. The full assessment includes six lessons learned that emerged from stakeholder interviews and a thorough review of the bank’s community investment strategies used in nine Midwestern and Southeastern communities from 2021-2025.
Riding the Seesaw: May Economic Briefing
Join Kenan Institute Research Fellow Greg Brown as he discusses the up-and-down year for job growth and the fresh employment report during the institute’s monthly briefing at 9 AM EDT Friday, May 8.
The Fed’s New Test: Press April Briefing
Beneath the headlines about Iran and oil, a quieter story is building. Join Kenan Institute Research Fellow Christian Lundblad as he discusses the situation and takes your questions during the institute’s monthly briefing at 9 AM EDT Friday, April 3.
Economic Risk in the Age of AI and Escalation: March 2026 Briefing
During the institute’s monthly briefing at 9 AM EST Friday, March 6, Chief Economist Gerald Cohen will discuss two new forces affecting the US economy, artificial intelligence and the Middle East.
Economic Health Risks? February 2026 Briefing
During the institute’s next monthly briefing at 9 AM EST Wednesday, February 11, Kenan Institute Director of Research Camelia Kuhnen will assess the economy’s health following the delayed release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
New Jobs Data and the 2026 Economic Outlook: January Economic Briefing
Join us at 9 AM EST Friday, January 9, as Chief Economist Gerald Cohen examines fresh employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and previews his Five Trends commentary in our monthly economic briefing.
Cohen to ‘Marketplace’: Continued Productivity Growth Not Assured
Institute Chief Economist Gerald Cohen told American Public Media’s “Marketplace” on December 11 that it’s tempting to think we’ll remain in an era of higher productivity because “that generally matches with an era of … lower inflation.”
Dealing with Data Uncertainty: December Economic Briefing
Join us Friday, December 5, at 9 AM EST as Research Fellow Greg Brown examines how federal agencies are tackling a historic data backlog and what it means for policy and business amid ongoing uncertainty.
Frontiers 2025: Four Insights Redefining How We Work and Lead
Common threads tied together the vast collection of information at the 2025 Frontiers of Business Conference. We offer takeaways for those looking to tackle the skills gap and build a more robust and resilient economy.
Filling the Data Gap: November Economic Briefing
The government shutdown has slowed the flow of economic data out of Washington to a trickle. Kenan Institute Chief Economist Gerald Cohen will look at available indicators to fill the gap during the institute’s monthly briefing at 9 AM EST Friday, November 7.
The Shutdown Edition: October Economic Briefing
Join Kenan Institute Research Fellow Greg Brown at 9 AM EDT Friday, October 3, for the institute’s monthly briefing, discussing the real uncertainty and potential effects of the government shutdown.
Kuhnen in WSJ: In This Economy, Homeownership Is Determining the Winners
Kenan Institute Research Director Camelia Kuhnen talked to the Wall Street Journal about the “two-speed economy,” where high earners and many older Americans are in good shape but unemployment for others has jumped.
Consumer Mood Check-In: September Economic Briefing
Kenan Institute Research Director Camelia Kuhnen will analyze the new employment report and assess the overall financial health of American households during the institute’s monthly briefing at 9 AM EDT Friday, September 5.
Jobs Report: A Moment of Clarity? August Economic Briefing
During the institute’s next monthly briefing at 9 AM EDT Friday, August 1, Kenan Institute Research Fellow Christian Lundblad will examine Friday’s employment data for some clarity on the economy’s trajectory.
Chief Economist Sits Down With UNC’s The Well
Gerald Cohen discussed Empowering American Cities, the Kenan Institute’s collaboration with Fifth Third Bank, in a question-and-answer session featured on UNC.edu.
Tariffs and Deportations: July Economic Briefing
Join us on Thursday, July 3, as Research Economist Sarah Dickerson explores the economic impacts of current U.S. policy during our monthly briefing.