Economics students Advance to 2018 College Fed Challenge Semi-Finals

SUNY Oneonta's 2018 College Fed Challenge team, a group of the college's most talented economics and business economics students, competed in the Liberty Street Division of the College Fed Challenge competition on Oct. 24 and has qualified to advance to the semi-final round on Nov. 14 at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City.

During the preliminary round, the five students gave a presentation on the economy that included a forecast of near-term changes in economic and financial conditions that would impact monetary policy, risks to their forecast, and a recommendation for a stance on monetary policy. Teams are required to prepare a slide deck consisting of charts and graphs used to determine their policy recommendation.

The five presenters then answered questions given by a panel of judges in a 15-minute session. The panel consisted of New York Fed economists and staff who are experts in their field.

While only five representatives formally presented to the judges during the competition, SUNY Oneonta's team totals 17. Presenters, alternates and non-presenting team members work collectively on the presentation throughout the semester and travel together to New York City for the competition. The non-presenting team members prepare the five presenters with potential questions from the judges and ensure the accuracy of the data and content of the required slide deck.

The Oneonta team offered a presentation on campus that served as a dress rehearsal for the Fed Challenge during an evening event for faculty and students. The presentation was entirely student-run and included discussion on monetary policy and policy tools, the Fed Challenge competition and recruitment, and a question and answer session with the audience. There were more than 90 in attendance.