Michael Lewis

Expertise: Insights and in-depth data analysis on U.S. economy

Mike Lewis founded Free Market Inc. (FMI) in 1982 as a full-service economic consulting firm, providing insights and in-depth data analysis primarily for institutional money managers and corporate planning directors.

FMI has compiled a solid record of timely, independent and accurate economic forecasts.  FMI blends its unique analysis of indicators and experience with economic cycles into a consistent overall outlook. They offer both a comprehensive overview and in-depth detail that enable clients to integrate FMI’s insights into their decision-making process.

FMI's reports are driven by data releases in the U.S. And here are the major releases that they cover,

GDP
Personal Income and Consumption
Employment Reports (BLS and ADP)
Industrial Production
Producer Price Index
Regional Fed Surveys
Retail Sales
Export/Import Prices
Unemployment Insurance Claims
Wholesale Inventories
Rail Traffic
FOMC Minutes
NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
International Trade
PMI Surveys
Construction Reports
Pending Home Sales Index
Durable Goods Orders
New Home Sales
Consumer Confidence
Existing Home Sales
Leading Economic Indicators
Consumer Price Index
Housing Starts
Bank Lending and Money Supply
Import-Export Prices
Flow of Funds
US Vehicle Production Schedules

Mr. Lewis earned a Master’s in economics from UCLA and has completed all course work and exams towards a Ph.D. He received a bachelor of science from MIT. Before founding FMI, Mr. Lewis was an economist at Data Resources, Inc. and at Atlantic Richfield Co.  He was Chief Economist at Stein Roe & Farnham from 1978 to 1982 .

His commentaries have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and other publications. A varsity player in college, he has also coached basketball at the junior  college and Division III levels.

 

Why do we fear deflation? Japan has faced deflation for the past two decades, and its economy has not fallen apart.
Hits:

Predicting a long slow recovery in 2008

Misses:

Inflation

What I Learned:

Biggest worry: Insane Fed policy

Pages

FMI’s reviews of the latest Weekly UI Claims & Rail Traffic results.
FMI’s review of this morning’s January Richmond Regional Surveys and November FHFA House Price Index.
FMI’s review of this morning’s February Existing Home Sales report (also attached as a PDF) and notes on the January Philadelphia Fed regional non-manufacturing business survey.
FMI’s commentary on the macro economic effects of the government shutdown.
FMI’s commentary on Powell’s policy comments and likely policy in 2019.

Pages

Expert Information

Sample Reports

Expertise

Insights and in-depth data analysis on U.S. economy

Location

Chicago

Experience

Current Experience

President of Free Market Inc.

Past Experience

  • Chief Economist at Stein Roe & Farnham

Education

  • Master’s in economics from UCLA