Bernard Baumohl

Bernard Baumohl is chief global economist at The Economic Outlook Group. He is well known for being ahead of the curve in assessing the direction of the U.S. and world economy. His ability to correctly predict the economy's path was recognized by the Wall Street Journal, which in 2019 ranked Bernie the most accurate forecaster in a major survey of economists.

Bernie began his career as an analyst with the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank specializing in international affairs and national security. He later served as an economist at European American Bank with responsibilities to monitor the global economy and develop forecasts. Bernie was also an award-winning economics reporter with TIME magazine who covered the White House, Federal Reserve and Wall Street.

A sought out speaker with an ability to translate complex economic concepts into plain English, he frequently makes keynote presentations before conferences, corporate boards and legislatures on the economic and geopolitical outlook. In additional to his current post, he conducts seminars on how forward-looking economic indicators can help business leaders better foresee turning points in the economy. He has also previously lectured at NYU, Duke University and Florida Gulf Coast University.

Bernie Baumohl is a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel and his projections on the economy and geopolitical trends are regularly featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Business Week, Financial Times, and on National Public Radio. He was a regular commentator with a variety of media outlets, including Public TV's Nightly Business Report. In 2023, Bernie also became the subject of a cover story with a major business magazine, which highlighted his insights on the economy and geopolitical trends.

The Secret Economic Indicators

Bernie is author of The Secrets of Economic Indicators: Hidden Clues to Future Economic Trends and Investment Opportunities (Pearson Education). His now classic book is in its 3rd edition and has been translated into several languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and German.

He is a recipient of the John Hancock Award for Excellence in Financial Journalism, and is a member of the National Association for Business Economics and the American Economic Association. Bernie holds an M.A. in International Affairs and Economics from Columbia University.

Speaking topics

What is the outlook for the US and international economy?

Bernie lays out the opportunities and risks ahead for the U.S. and international economy. It is a topic of tremendous urgency these days because the economic and geopolitical order of the last century is no more! The Covid pandemic, war in Ukraine and the reversals in globalization are completely transforming the entire business landscape. Adding more complexity to the outlook are rising interest rates and high inflation. As a consequence, every firm is now experimenting, exploring and testing out new strategies on how to survive and prosper in this new, and still evolving, business landscape.

Among the key themes Bernie covers in his keynotes are these:

  • Where is the economy headed and how might it impact your business?
  • What are the implications for consumer and business spending, supply chains, inflation, interest rates and dollar?
  • How do you make business decisions when the outlook is so murky and with geopolitical tensions escalating?
  • Who will be the leaders and laggards in the world economy?
  • Which economic and geopolitical threats are likely to erupt next?
  • How can businesses navigate through a crisis-prone world economy?

Geopolitical Risks: Where is the world headed?

Geopolitical seminar photo

Efforts to fully reboot the global economy after the Covid pandemic has been challenging. That is because in many respects the world has forever changed. Supply chains are being restructured. Globalization is shifting toward regionalization. Most majors economies now suffer an acute shortage of labor. The popularity of remote work is not some fad but a sustainable trend. Companies are also significantly ramping up investments in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to avoid falling behind their competition. All these events have permanently altered how people work, live and play. At the same time, the world economy has entered a new, more volatile era. There are dangerous conflicts looming in Europe, South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, North Korea and the Middle East. Moreover, every nation has to confront cyber attacks that grow in magnitude and consequence. Simply put, the geopolitical pot is now boiling furiously. Yet corporate leaders, investors and government policy makers have to make decisions every day---and be able to justify them! But how do you manage a company, allocate capital and make public policy in a world that is increasingly buffeted by economic, political and military shocks?

Bernie recommends specific steps leaders can take to function productively in a highly volatile environment.

If you would like to schedule Bernie to speak at your next conference, please contact us directly (609-529-1300), or email: sharon_lazard@EconomicOutlookGroup.com

View a brief sample of previous presentations By Bernard Baumohl

Recent Client and Audience Testimonials

  • "For three consecutive years, we have asked for Bernard Baumohl to return for his brilliant presentations on economics and geopolitics. It helps our leaders make decisions." (Electronics industry)
  • "Thank you for an absolutely excellent keynote presentation. We could not have asked for more and we are so appreciative. It is rare to find a person with your background, knowledge, and ability to deliver an economic update that gets raves." (Chamber of Commerce)
  • "We are happy to be a host sponsor and get a chance to listen to great speakers, like Bernard Baumohl, who presented the economic outlook." (Commercial Real Estate)
  • "Bernie, your presentation was a hit, both in terms of content and delivery. Thank you so much!" (International Trade & Finance)
  • "Bernard Baumohl was fabulous! This was his third visit and the information is always thought-provoking and informative. I simply love to listen to him." (Advertising and Marketing)
  • "Bernard's delivery made a complex, potentially uninteresting topic, very interesting and relatable to the current happenings in the world and in our attendees industry. I heard the same comment from many of our attendees after his talk." (Supply chain industry)
  • "Our clients thought Mr. Baumohl was fantastic and we hope to have him back at our next conference."(Finance)
  • "I wish we could have given him even more time! Throughout the afternoon, folks made a point of telling us how informative and interesting the Economic Keynote was. It was a fabulous luncheon program." (Entertainment industry)
  • "Your presentation was very well received by all. Really appreciate you providing good content and doing it in such an interesting and fun way." (Sports industry)
  • "Thanks for a super presentation. Our attendees thoroughly enjoyed your keynote. Rave reviews!" (Industrial Packaging)
  • "Most economists are dry but Mr. Baumohl was interesting and provided very useful information." (Travel)
  • "Mr. Baumohl's presentation was a hit. People continued to talk about his forecasts throughout the conference, and they especially enjoyed his engaging and entertaining manner. (Public utilities industry)
  • "I truly enjoyed this speaker. He could have been very technical. However, he presented things in an understandable manner that I could easly pass along to clients as well as others around me." (Human resources)
  • "We received extremely positive feedback and many compliments on your presentation. I hope we will be able to work with you for future events." (Lodging)
  • "Mr. Baumohl is an extraordinary economist. He was able to paint the U.S. macroeconomic environment in a clear, concise fashion. He is also the most accurate economist I have ever met." (Leisure and hospitality)
  • "We are indeed very grateful to Mr. Baumohl for giving such an enlightening speech on the current economic position of our country and the world. All of us learned something valuable. We need to have more of these in future conferences. Great job!." (Major U.S. government agency)
  • "Great talk. An economist with a sense of humor. Excellent content." (Real estate)
  • "Your session on the economic and geopolitical outlook was great and very informative. Thank you for taking the time to be there and present to our group." (Banking)
  • "Who knew economics could be interesting!" (Export industry)
  • "Fantastic speaker. Great content. Good delivery."(Construction)