Targeted research that drives growth and strategy
Let our experts provide your credit union with data-based intelligence and predictive analytics that drive growth and successful policy decisions
65+ years of collective experience serving credit unions nationwide
Who We Are
Based in Los Angeles, California, Beacon Economics is an independent,
data consulting and research firm, specializing in insightful and objective
economic and policy analysis. Led by Ph.D. economists, our experts have
65+ years of collective industry experience and wide-ranging expertise
conducting economic development analyses, industry profiles, industry
cluster analyses, employment analyses, economic impact analyses, and
economic and revenue forecasting for clients across the nation.
Beacon Economics’ team of talented researchers work for private industry and businesses, cities, counties, states, public agencies, public/private partnerships, and nonprofits across the nation. While paying close attention to public narratives, our work is guided by a deep understanding of an industry’s or economy’s long-term growth prospects and business cycles. Using vast data sets and sophisticated modeling, our analyses provide our clients with the information and awareness they need to understand the economic mechanisms and drivers affecting their businesses and geographic areas.
A Partner For The Credit Union Industry
Beacon Economics has a long history of partnering with credit unions and financial institutions in support of their growth and development. By clearly identifying current economic conditions, defining what those conditions mean for businesses and industries, accurately evaluating both long- and short-term trends, and deep-diving into specific markets, Beacon has become the partner of choice for financial institutions large and small. Dr. Christopher Thornberg’s singular economic analysis and outlook presentations are welcome value-adds to board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and client facing marketing events.
Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Insights From NuVision Credit Union’s Economic Forecastwith Dr. Christopher Thornberg
Founding Partner Christopher Thornberg discusses NuVision members’ financial situations and perceptions of the economy, diving into what’s coming next for inflation, interest rates, gas prices, housing markets, labor shortages, and Federal Reserve action. Watch the webinar or read a summary here.
Services For Credit Unions
Economic, Revenue, and Market Forecasting
Employing proprietary econometric models, Beacon Economics’ forecasts are in high demand and have been used by major banks and hedge funds, credit unions, and financial institutions for well over a decade. On record as being among the first and most accurate forecasters of the 2007 mortgage market meltdown and the global recession that followed, our combination of creativity, top-tier analytic skills, and PhD-level training, gives our clients the intel and vision they need to effectively plan for what’s next. Learn More.
Market and Industry Analysis
Beacon Economics’ market and industry analyses are both quantitative and qualitative and provide insight into the hottest issues influencing sectors at the regional, national, and global level. Our analyses assist financial institutions in evaluating customer demographics, provide competitive advantage analysis, and deliver market insights.
Public Policy Analysis
Our team of experienced public policy review experts are highly attune to the complexities of working within the legislative space. We specialize in evaluating existing and proposed legislation that affect credit unions, banks, and other financial institutions through an economic lens. Beacon Economics’ assessments always include practical, hands-on recommendations for addressing and navigating policy related issues. Learn More.
Regional and Sub-Regional Housing Market Analysis
Residential real estate markets are highly location-specific. Beacon Economics’ deep dive housing market analyses drill down to the regional and sub-regional level and include full demographic profiles covering income levels, population growth, and other key indicators of a market’s development needs. Our analyses also evaluate local regulations and legislation and provide strategies on how to best navigate potential impacts. View a recent regional market analysis.
Industry Employment Analysis
Beacon Economics analyzes industries and job sectors in support of economic development, business, and public and private investment. We identify economic and employment trends, impacts, and workforce needs within education and other industries to help our clients seize new growth opportunities by informing their policy, planning, and investment decisions.
Custom Engagements
Financial institutions looking to engage staff and customers on an ongoing basis turn to Beacon Economics’ series of customized newsletters. These easy-to-digest snapshots of key economic conditions use accessible language and visuals to deliver a better understanding of the priority issues and most powerful drivers surrounding an industry, market, or geographic region. The newsletters are made all the more effective through their use of rich regional data and engaging data visualization created by Beacon Economics’ in-house graphics team.
Speaking Engagements
Beacon Economics is a top-tier resource for keynote and business speakers. The firm’s engaging experts are in growing demand across North America whether delivering an economic forecast to a convention of thousands or talking to a corporate board about issues facing their industry. Our experts are natural teachers who deliver current economic and policy insights to audiences with varying levels of economic and financial sophistication. Presentations are designed to meet clients’ needs – discussions can be tailored to focus on a geographic region, industry, or other parameter – and are always based on the most recent data available. Learn More.
Our Experts
Meet our team of dedicated industry specialists. Each team member brings a unique blend of knowledge, experience, and passion to their respective fields, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and the most optimal outcomes.
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Christopher Thornberg
Founding PartnerChristopher Thornberg Ph.D. has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite...
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Stafford Nichols
Research ManagerStafford Nichols is a Research Manager at Beacon Economics. He oversees and guides projects and...
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Justin Niakamal
Manager, Regional and Sub-Regional AnalysisJustin Niakamal manages the Regional and Sub-Regional Analysis practice area at Beacon Economics....
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Information
To connect with us or ask a question about any of Beacon Economics’ practice areas, please contact:
Business Development Team at 424-666-2165 or [email protected]
News & Events
Beacon Economics is recognized as producing one of the most reliable economic forecasts in the business today. Founding Partner Christopher Thornberg talks to the Wall Street Journal about why so many economists got the recession call wrong.
Beacon’s Christopher Thornberg weighs in on a study measuring the confidence levels of small and medium sized businesses towards today’s economic condidtions.
With mortgage rates hitting their highest point in 22 years, buyers on a budget are having to get creative to snag a home. Beacon’s Founding Partner Christopher Thornberg warns of a ‘lock in’ effect.
For Speeches
Strategic Partnerships Manager Kristen Lovell
at 424-372-1061 or [email protected]