Federal Reserve Bank President Patrick Harker will again be a part of an annual economic discussion sponsored by Lyons Companies and the University of Delaware.
The former UD president just finished a one-year term on the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee, which raised interest rates in response to high inflation. Harker will return to the committee in 2026. All Fed governors participate in discussions leading up to the interest rate vote.
The Philly Fed’s territory includes Delaware, a large portion of Pennsylvania and part of New Jersey.
With inflation coming down, all eyes will be on the Fed on whether it will cut or freeze rates. Expected to be on hand will be financial media members looking for developments, viewpoints and hints on interest rates. A stronger-than-expected economy clouds the picture. The concenus view a year ago had the nation going into a mild recession that might have led to rate cuts.
Also returning is Michael K. Farr, chief market strategist for Hightower Advisors and founder and CEO of Farr, Miller & Washington. Farr has long been concerned with the effects of debt and is likely to touch on the federal deficit and high credit card debt,
Also joining the panel is Hilary Provinse, executive vice president – of production and capital markets for Berkadia Commercial Mortgage.
The update will be held on Feb. 22 at the Audion in the tower at the University of Delaware Star Campus in Newark. The doors open at 2 p.m., and the update runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
UD, under Harker, purchased the sprawling Star site, a former Chrysler assembly plant. The campus now houses commercial and university buildings, with employment topping the headcount seen in the latter years of the Chrysler plant.
The update is free of charge, but registration is required.
For further information, email Jenn Miller at economicforecast@lyonsinsurance.com.
Lyons is a commercial insurance company.
