The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I am an economist, not an astrologer.
The only way to predict the future is to have power to shape the future.
Economic forecasting has actually got pretty good over the years, though admittedly, we don't always get it right.
No serious futurist deals in prediction. These are left for television oracles and newspaper astrologers.
No one can forecast the economy with certainty.
The key to making a good forecast is not in limiting yourself to quantitative information.
Never forget this simple truism: Forecasting is marketing, plain and simple.
I think the association of economics with forecasting is unfortunate and is down to the fact that one great way to get an investment bank's name on business television is to hire a guy called a Chief Economist who will go and prognosticate.
Economists have allowed themselves to walk into a trap where we say we can forecast, but no serious economist thinks we can.
Astrology is an aesthetic affront. It cheapens astronomy, like using Beethoven for commercial jingles.