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Office of External Communications |
Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Angie Joe |
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RISING INTEREST RATES SAYS UH’S BARTON SMITH As oil prices fall and interest rates continue to rise, Houston’s economy could enjoy a boost from both factors, predicts University of Houston Professor of Economics Barton Smith. The director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting will deliver this forecast during his annual real estate symposium, “The Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Houston’s Economy and Real Estate Markets,” May 5, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown, 1200 Louisiana. “Interest rates affect diverse things including oil, personal income growth, asset prices and Houston’s comparative advantage among competing cities,” Smith said. “To a certain extent, falling oil prices and rising interest rates favor the city. We’ll explore just how much is too much.” During the presentation, Smith will also examine his local economic forecast from last fall to determine if the regional economy is on track or if an adjustment to his analysis is necessary. He will also present new information on what has happened to home prices in Houston during the last 12 months and how Houston prices compare with the rest of the nation. The UH economics professor has conducted numerous studies in urban issues, housing, transportation and the environment. During the past 15 years, he has gained national and local recognition for his analyses of the Houston economy and real estate markets. Smith wrote “Handbook on the Houston Economy” and continues to publish two symposium reports a year on Houston’s economy and real estate markets. Prior to his presentation, Smith will be available for media interviews from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. ABOUT THE EVENT
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