Human Capital in a Time of Low Real Rates
March 31 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. CT, join the Chicago Fed’s Economic Mobility Project for a virtual event, Human Capital in a Time of Low Real Rates, examining how low interest rate environments impact human capital investment and opportunity. The event will begin with framing remarks from Dr. Tamara Hoff Pope, Chief Strategy Officer for Chicago Scholars. Chicago Fed economist, Jung Sakong will present findings from his paper, Human Capital in a Time of Low Real Rates. The paper develops a macroeconomic framework linking persistently low real interest rates to differences in human capital investment across families and examines how these dynamics affect long-run labor market outcomes and intergenerational economic mobility.
Following the research presentation, a moderated panel discussion will explore the policy implications of these findings, including what they mean for education systems, workforce development, and efforts to expand economic opportunity in low-rate environments. Panelists will include:
- Elizabeth Akers, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
- Jonathan Rothwell, Principal Economist, Gallup
- Marie Lynn Miranda, Chancellor, University of Illinois Chicago
The discussion will be moderated by Samantha Chatman, weekend anchor for ABC7 Chicago.
Registration Deadline: March 31, 2026