The seminar will discuss topical issue currently on the minds of macroeconomic policymakers in the areas of monetary policy (including the "last mile" problem of disinflation, diminishing central bank profits, and forecasting errors), fiscal policy (including the question of how much debt is really too much), and structural policies (including the causes of Europe's dismal longer-term growth outlook and the pros and cons of geoeconomic fragmentation). The emphasis is on applied empirical and analytical work in support of policy advice for central banks and governments.

The seminar will take place on Monday, December 2 & Tuesday December 3, 2024.

The course requirements are:

1. A 20 min presentation on the topic to be selected from a list of topics (forthcoming), followed by a discussion.

2. A written seminar paper on the same topic submitted by April 13, 2025.

Once the topics are announced, students will indicate their preferences (1,2 and 3), and topics will then be assigned based on a first come, first served basis. Final grades will be based on the presentation, class participation, and the seminar paper.