This book provides a concise, user-friendly guide to forecasting macroeconomic variables such as GDP growth, the unemployment rate, and inflation. Such forecasts provide important information for many business applications, as developments in the national economy often have significant impacts on specific regions, industries or businesses. The book covers both single- and multiple-equation models, using a minimum of technical detail. The techniques are illustrated with numerous examples, including computer code written for a freely available software program.

The book will be a valuable resource for any businessperson seeking to predict and understand trends in the larger economic environment. Practitioners working in such areas as economics, finance, marketing, public administration, and non-profit organizations should find it particularly useful.