Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Achieves Historic Blue Chip Forecasting Award Honor

Historic Achievement in Economic Forecasting

Jan Hatzius, the chief economist at Goldman Sachs, has set a remarkable milestone by winning the prestigious Lawrence R. Klein Award for Accurate Economic Forecasting for the third time. Recognized for his unparalleled precision in economic predictions from 2021 to 2024, Hatzius has become the first-ever recipient to achieve this acclaim three times in the award's history, previously winning in 2009 and 2011.

The Lawrence R. Klein Award is celebrated for honoring economists whose long-term forecasts demonstrate the highest accuracy. The selection process relies on evaluating forecasts that are published in the Blue Chip Economic Indicators newsletter, which is meticulously compiled and edited by Haver Analytics, Inc. This newsletter aggregates projections from multiple economists, presenting a consensus view of economic trends. The award is organized by the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and is seen as one of the most prestigious accolades in the field of economic forecasting.

Hatzius, who has been with Goldman Sachs since 1997, will be officially honored at a ceremony held on October 15, 2025, at the University Club in New York. His acceptance speech will delve into macroeconomic insights, providing attendees with a wealth of knowledge about the current economic landscape. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the event will allow the public to tune in and engage with the discussion.

"It is an honor to receive the prestigious Lawrence R. Klein Award for Blue Chip Forecast Accuracy on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Economics team," Hatzius remarked. He emphasized that this recognition reflects their collective efforts to produce ambitious research that navigates the fast-evolving economic environment. His team’s commitment to addressing challenges and anticipating economic shifts has undoubtedly contributed to their consistent ranking as one of the top teams in the industry.

The significance of this award extends beyond individual achievement; it demonstrates the growing importance of accurate economic forecasting in informing business decisions and guiding investment strategies. In a world where economic conditions can fluctuate dramatically, the need for reliable analysis is crucial.

Dennis Hoffman, a professor of economics and the director of the Office of the University Economist at ASU, commended Hatzius, noting his exceptional talent in forecasting accurately amid a tumultuous economic environment characterized by inflation spikes.

Many economists expected a gradual recovery following the market disruptions caused by the pandemic; however, Hatzius foresaw a swift rise in GDP, showcasing his impressive analytical skills. His forecasts consistently outpaced those of his peers featured in the Blue Chip Economic Indicators, affirming his status as a leading economist.

Hatzius is not just a prominent economist but also a leading voice in economic discourse. He holds the No. 1 ranking in both global and U.S. economics categories, according to the annual Institutional Investor Fixed-Income survey, and has maintained this position every year since 2012.

His educational background includes a DPhil in economics from Oxford University, with additional degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. With such a solid foundation, his insights into economic trends are highly regarded among industry peers and stakeholders alike.

The Lawrence R. Klein Award, established in 1981, past winners include notable economists like Stephen Stanley and Ellen Zentner, making this a highly coveted recognition within the economic community. The award not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also highlights the significance of rigorous economic research and its impact on decision-making processes in the business world.

As the banking sector and businesses globally navigate a less predictable economic landscape, the insights provided by economists like Hatzius become invaluable. The implications of sound economic forecasting extend beyond financial markets, influencing policies and strategies that affect individuals and communities at large.

In conclusion, Jan Hatzius's achievement reinforces the importance of accuracy and expertise in economic forecasting. As he shares his insights at the upcoming award ceremony, the broader implications of his work will resonate within the economic community, reaffirming the value of research-driven predictions in shaping economic outcomes.