Economics World Cup: Stagnationists 1, Optimists 0

As the initial series of matches in Brazil draws to an end—and what a series it was—the economics world is also enjoying a clash of heavyweights. In a matchup over the future of the U.S. economy, the Secular Stagnationists are taking on the Good Old-Fashioned Optimists. At this point, midway through the first half, the Stagnationists appear to be ahead, but there is a long way to go.

It’s an eagerly awaited contest between two teams whose prognostications investors and other spectators around the globe watch keenly. Both clubs have somewhat checkered records—all economic forecasters do, to some extent—but they are both stocked with talented and generously recompensed players. The Stagnationists’ team captain is Larry Summers, formerly the director of President Obama’s National Economic Council; the Optimists are led by the current chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Jason Furman.

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