HOUSTON ECONOMY COULD BENEFIT FROM FALLING
OIL PRICES,
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
WHAT: |
“The Impact of Rising Interest Rates on
Houston’s Economy and Real Estate Markets” |
WHO: |
Barton Smith, UH professor of economics and director of UH’s
Institute for Regional Forecasting |
WHEN: |
May 5, 2005
Media availability: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Luncheon: 11:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Presentation: 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. |
WHERE: |
Imperial Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown, 1200 Louisiana |
For more information about UH visit the universitys Newsroom at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
|