Young economist prizes awarded in online ceremony

Congratulations to Rebecca Ellerbeck ("Absolute Advantage") from Stellenbosch University who placed as the top SU team, and third overall, in this year's Young Economist Competition (pictured right). Each year, the Die Burger Young Economist Competition puts first-year economics students head-to-head with the aim to predict economic variables such as CPI inflation, real GDP growth, commodity prices, and exchange rates. The enthusiasm and insight shown by the students amidst a challenging and uncertain economic environment was indeed inspiring. In first place was Alticia Legoka ("Economic Compass") from the University of Cape Town, and, in second place, were Yandisa Diko and Andupaline Kordom ("Forecaster") from the University of Western Cape. Many thanks to our sponsor, Die Burger, for hosting the virtual awards ceremony and for providing the prizes to the winners. To all the remaining teams who placed in the top 10, well done on a fantastic effort - we were impressed with your insight and grit! Thank you to all the students who took part in the competition, and all the best as you continue forward in your studies, and in forging a deeper understanding of Economics!

(Thanks to Euné Coetzee and Hylton Hollander for contributing this article.)

Watch the online ceremony video below (which includes a short presentation by Craig Lemboe of the BER on economic forecasting):