Sam M. Walton College of Business

The official X account of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Big news for the Walton College! 🎉

We've climbed to No. 20 on @theprincetonrev’s list of the Top 50 Graduate Entrepreneurship Programs, up 15 spots since 2023!

Learn more: https://t.co/t4xi2x9qd9

#WaltonCollege #UARK

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Last week, Mervin Jebaraj joined the NWA Council to present the State of the Region Report. Employment rose 2.6% to 307K, GDP grew 1.4% to $33.3B, and median income increased 4.5% to $81,208.

Check out the full report: https://t.co/JCTjxQkXic

#WaltonCollege #UARK

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

To wrap up, it was a pleasure hearing from moderator Rupal Poltack and panelists Dana Peterson, Sam Khater, and Mervin Jebaraj as they shared insights into the global, national, and regional economic outlook for 2025!

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

When asked what they are most optimistic about, the panelists highlighted the U.S. economy’s remarkable resilience. Despite global challenges, the U.S. has outperformed expectations, recovering more strongly and steadily in the shadow of the pandemic.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

As @MervinJebaraj wraps up the regional forecast, the panelists will now take questions from the audience. Looking forward to the discussion!

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Northwest Arkansas is expected to add around 6,000 jobs in sectors that have seen steady growth in recent years.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Arkansas has experienced significant job growth in healthcare, with nearly half of all new jobs coming from the sector. While this trend is expected to continue, the pace may slow compared to previous years.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Arkansas' annual wage growth has consistently remained under 5%—a fairly strong pace that reflects a healthy job market.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Arkansas’ economy has been performing well, with state GDP growth outpacing the national average.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Next, @MervinJebaraj, Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, takes the stage to share insights on the state and regional economic forecast.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

To wrap up the domestic forecast: The economy continues to perform remarkably well, growing faster than at any point in the last two decades. Looking ahead, demographic trends will drive strong entry-level housing demand over the next decade.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

"The economy is expanding at a solid pace, but a slowdown in growth is expected ahead," shares Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

The housing market remains highly unaffordable, with home sales activity staying low. Inventory is rising modestly from record lows in recent years, but challenges persist.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

"The U.S. economy is experiencing rapid growth, driven by strong consumer spending on goods and services," says Sam Khater.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Up next: Sam Khater, Vice President, Chief Economist, and Head of Freddie Mac’s Economic & Housing Research Department, shares insights on the domestic economic forecast.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

Looking ahead, technological breakthroughs could drive productivity, profits, and improved livelihoods. Slower global growth and innovation may help ease inflation, while the completion of the global energy transition remains a key factor.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

"Expect central bank policy rates to stay higher than pre-pandemic levels as economic conditions evolve, says Dana Peterson of The Conference Board.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

"China is heavily investing in green manufacturing and exports, including solar, batteries, smart phones, and new energy technologies," shares Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

First, we'll hear from our moderator, Rupal Poltack, Chief Executive Officer of Walton Enterprises, as she kicks off today's discussion.

[Sam M. Walton College of Business @uarkwalton]

We are live from the 31st Annual Arkansas Business Forecast at the Rogers Convention Center! Stay tuned for global, domestic, and regional economics insights from our panelists. #ArkansasBusinessForecast