Marietta College

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Expert housing market economist launches this year's Economic Roundtable series

by Gi Smith

Marietta, OH (09/03/2024) — Dr. Chen Zhao, Senior Economist at Redfin, is the distinguished guest lecturer at the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley's Dick Thomas Memorial Luncheon on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The luncheon marks ERT's first meeting of the programming year.

A leading expert in housing economics, Dr. Zhao will present "The U.S. Housing Market and the Current Interest Rate Cycle," which sheds light on questions surrounding the housing market amid fluctuating interest rates, including the potential impacts of recent Federal Reserve announcements and the future trajectory of mortgage rates.

The lecture is open to the public and starts at noon at the Marietta Country Club (705 Pike St.). Guests must register by September 12 at https://secure.touchnet.com/C23012_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=17 The cost of attendance is $22 per person.

In conjunction with her lecture, Dr. Zhao will give a presentation to Marietta College students on September 16, 2024, at a Business Q&A session in Thomas 113. This session will provide students an opportunity to interact with a leading economist and gain a better understanding of the complexities of economic forecasting.

As Senior Economist at Redfin, Dr. Zhao leverages the company's extensive data and tools to analyze nationwide housing market trends. Her previous roles include serving as an executive director at the JPMorgan Chase Institute, where she led research on housing finance and financial markets, and working as an economics consultant at Analysis Group, Inc. Additionally, her early career included research roles with the White House Council of Economic Advisers and the U.S. Census Bureau. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Cornell University and her undergraduate degree from MIT.

The Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley provides a platform for local professionals to discuss and understand pressing economic and social issues affecting the community. Through its esteemed speaker series, ERT aims to inform and inspire, fostering greater awareness and insight into the evolving economic landscape.

"Dr. Zhao's expertise and insights into the housing market are invaluable as we navigate an era of significant economic change," said Dr. Greg Delemeester, the Milton Friedman Professor of Economics at Marietta College. "We are honored to have her share her knowledge with our community and provide an in-depth look at the evolving dynamics of the U.S. housing market."

Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy back in 1797, the College was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,200 full-time students. The College offers more than 50 majors and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, as well as one of the nation's best by Forbes.com. Marietta was selected seventh in the nation according to the Brookings Institution's rankings of colleges by their highest value added, regardless of major.

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Dr. Chen Zhao, senior economist at RedFin, will be the featured speaker during the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley’s Dick Thomas Memorial Luncheon on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

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