"What's New in Econometrics?" Lecture Showing
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Showing of the "What's New in Econometrics?" (NBER 2007) lecture series from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
Courses 6, 8, 14 & 18 may especially enjoy this set of lectures on topics in econometric analysis -- a branch of statistics used in economic data
analysis! Please feel free to attend one or all and try some of the exercises in Matlab, Stata, Mathematica, Gauss, etc. as you stay huddled up in an Athena cluster away from the cold. (Note that there is a high variance in running time so many days will run short.)
Web: http://www.nber.org/minicourse3.html
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-252, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Sponsor: Economics
(15) Estimation of Average Treatment Effects Under Unconfoundedness
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University.
Thu Jan 15, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(16) Linear Panel Data Models;
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Fri Jan 16, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
17) Regression Discontinuity Designs & Nonlinear Panel Data Models
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Sat Jan 17, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(18) Instrumental Variables with Treatment Effect Heterogeneity
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Sun Jan 18, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(19) Control Function and Related Methods
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Mon Jan 19, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(20) Bayesian Inference
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Tue Jan 20, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(21) Cluster and Stratified Sampling
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Wed Jan 21, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(22) Partial Identification
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Thu Jan 22, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(23) Difference-in-Differences Estimation
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Fri Jan 23, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(24) Discrete Choice Models
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Sat Jan 24, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(25) Missing Data
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Sun Jan 25, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(26) Weak Instruments and Many Instruments
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Mon Jan 26, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
(27) Quantile Methods & Generalized Method of Moments and Empirical Likelihood
Sara Fisher Ellison, Barrett Strickland
from the NBER Summer Institute 2007
with Guido Imbens, Harvard University and NBER
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Michigan State University
Tue Jan 27, 01-03:00pm, E51-335
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Algorithms: The Future of Trading
Kanjun Qiu
Wed Jan 21, 05-07:00pm, 1-190
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
We've all heard of the mysterious algorithmic trading, a seemingly risk-free industry in which traders make hundreds of thousands in profits and bonuses every year. Want to know more about it? Algorithmic traders from DRW Trading and Allston Trading are coming to MIT to engage in a panel discussion about their industry and their jobs.
Learn about the important skills algorithmic traders need, hear about the pros and cons of the job, and see if it's all right for you. Feel free to bring your own questions. Dinner will be provided.
Contact: Kanjun Qiu, 1-190, (630) 803-8449, kanjun@mit.edu
Sponsor: Traders@MIT
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Credit Report 101: Ten Rules for Graduating with Magna Cum Laude Credit
Dana Cunningham-Maciel and Kimberly Shooter
Thu Jan 22, 12:15-01:15pm, 32-141
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 20-Jan-2009
Limited to 75 participants.
Single session event
Credit Report 101: Ten Rules for Graduating with Magna Cum Laude Credit
Most of us don’t think about credit until a specific event sparks our interest. Maybe we want to buy a car or home. Or perhaps we receive a pre-approved credit card offer. It’s then that questions may come to mind. Without good credit, you may be denied a job, a cell phone plan, an apartment, lower interest rates, etc.
The presentation will cover:
•Basics of Credit Reporting
•What is a Credit Report
•First Credit Cards
•Managing Credit.
Web: http://www.mitfcu.org
Contact: Jodie Brothers, NE48, x3-3579, jbrother@mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Federal Credit Union
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Financial Reality Check: Tough Times, Tough Choices
Gerry Tautkus and Kimberly Shooter
Mon Jan 26, 12-01:00pm, 32-141
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 23-Jan-2009
Limited to 75 participants.
Single session event
What – if anything, can the average person do about the current economic crisis facing the U.S.? How should you respond? How will your plans for retirement be affected?
During this session we will cover these topics:
•How does the current financial crisis compare to other financial crises over the past 50 years?
•What is a “mortgage-backed security” and a “collateralized debt obligation” and what role did these securities play in current crisis?
•What happens now?
•The coming Baby Boomer retirement tsunami (and why that matters)
•Understand what you CAN’T control
•Take care of what you CAN control
Web: http://www.mitfcu.org
Contact: Jodie Brothers, NE48, x3-3579, jbrother@mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Federal Credit Union
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Financial security for every stage of a woman’s life
Tina Lian MIT spouse and Financial Services Representative, MetLife, Kao Li, Functional Manager, MetLife
Tue Jan 27, 12-01:30pm, 1-242
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
This educational workshop covers an introduction of financial concerns and challenges throughout a woman’s life and how to establish and achieve financial goals at different stage of life, followed by group discussion on how to cope with personal financial difficulties as women through rough economic time, how to protect personal assets during market volatility and the eligibility and options for international visitors in regard to financial planning in the States.
Contact: Jennifer Recklet, E23-323, x3-1614, reck@med.mit.edu
Sponsor: SpousesandPartners@mit
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Historical Evidence on the Economic Impacts of Climate Change
Professors Ben Olken, Michael Greenstone
Wed Jan 28, 10:30am-12:00pm, E51-376
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
How will future climate change affect the economy? We will discuss recent research that uses historical shifts in temperature and precipitation to understand how climate affects agricultural production, health, and economic growth.
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-252, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Sponsor: Economics
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How to Weather a Bear Market
Gerry Tautkus and Kimberly Shooter
Tue Jan 6, 12-01:00pm, 32-155
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 04-Jan-2009
Limited to 75 participants.
Single session event
Behavorial Finance reminds us that we do not always act rationally, especialy during a bear market. But if you can quickly identify when emotions begin to lead you towards poor decisions, you can avoid making critical mistakes.
Become familiar with these challenges so you know what to do, and just as importantly, what not to do.
Attend a valuable educational seminar and you'll gain a better understanding of:
•The history of bear markets
•The role of Behavioral Finance
•Investment returns vs. investor returns
•Steps to overcome behavioral challenges
•Keys to help you weather a bear market
We’ll also help you prepare your personal “Bear Market Plan.”
Web: http://www.mitfcu.org
Contact: Jodie Brothers, NE48, x3-3579, jbrother@mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Federal Credit Union
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International Trade in the 21st Century: Do Old Rules Still Apply?
Arnaud Costinot
Fri Jan 9, 10-11:00am, E52-244
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
This talk offers a brief overview of recent changes in international trade flows and the new theories designed to explain them.
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-252, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Sponsor: Economics
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Invention Capital - Patents as a new Asset Class
Everardo Ruiz '00, Intellectual Ventures, Elizabeth Holohan, Intellectual Ventures
Thu Jan 15, 10:30am-12:00pm, E51-145
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 28-Jan-2009
Single session event
A new invention marketplace is emerging with greater opportunity for the buying and selling of technology patents. Traditionally, inventors and owners of technology patents have had very few, if any, options beyond struggling to license their patents. Now, however, inventors and patent owners have the ability to generate return on investment by selling their patents and patent applications in an evolving patent marketplace. This seminar will discuss the evolution of an efficient patent market, describe how patents are valued from both buyer and seller perspectives, and examine patents as a new asset class. Some common patent dealmaking (dealbreaking) landmines will also be discussed.
Please register through the weblink below.
Web: https://alum.mit.edu/smarTrans/register-login.vm?eventID=28961&groupID=194
Contact: Katie Maloney, W98, x2-3372, kcasey@mit.edu
Sponsor: Alumni Association
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Life Beyond MIT: Exploring Career Options for Economics PhDs
Arnaud Costinot
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Attend one or more sessions to find out what skills a particular career path
draws most heavily on, learn which positions might provide the best match to
your interests and strengths, explore how lifestyles might differ across career
paths, and gather some tips on focusing job searches in that area.
Economics graduate students should attend talks
prior to the year they are on the job market.
Undergrads welcome.
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-252, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Sponsor: Economics
An Unofficial Guide to Doing Empirical Work
Amy Finkelstein
An informal talk designed to provide some tips and
suggestions for students on how to get started doing empirical research. Primarily
aimed at 1st, 2nd and 3rd year graduate students but all are welcome
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-252, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Sponsor: Economics
Thu Jan 8, 10-11:00am, E52-244
Being a Professor in a Public Policy School
Brigitte Madrian
What are the students like? What are the programs like? What are the colleagues like? What are the tradeoffs between teaching at a public policy school and a more traditional academic department? What are the tradeoffs between teaching at a public policy school and a business school?
Mon Jan 12, 10-11:00am, E52-244
"Balancing Teaching and Research:Economists at a Liberal Arts College"
Casey Rothschild
Wed Jan 14, 10-11:00am, E51-145
Being an Economics Professor in a Business School
Robert Gibbons and Roberto Rigobon
This session will discuss how several kinds of economists (in fields such as IO, applied micro, applied theory, macro, and international) have found productive professorial careers in several kinds of faculty groups (including economics, strategy, political economy, and international management) within several kinds of business schools (from Chicago to HBS, and many in between). Of course, professorial career includes both research and teaching, so we will discuss how both may be somewhat different than in an economics department, but also how in many business schools the differences compared to a department are greater in terms of teaching than research.
Wed Jan 21, 10-11:30am, E51-149
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Long Term Care
Gerry Tautkus and Kimberly Shooter
Tue Jan 13, 12-01:00pm, 32-155
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 12-Jan-2009
Limited to 75 participants.
Single session event
Recently, more and more of our clients have asked us how to help protect their assets when faced with long term care costs. Here are a few facts they considered:
•60% of Americans who reach age 65 are expected to need long term care services at some point, while 40% of those receiving LTC services now are ages 18 to 64, says OPM (Office of Personnel Management).
•The national average cost of a year in a nursing home is $57,700.
•Most people traditionally have gotten long term care at home, usually from a family member. But today there’s often no one nearby to help out – a result of smaller families and more mobility.
Can you really afford to ignore this potential expense that could have a significant impact on your retirement savings?
Web: http://www.mitfcu.org
Contact: Laura Tramontozzi, NE48, x4-1826, ltramont@mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Federal Credit Union
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MIT Retirement Plans Overview
Ellen Cushman, MIT Retirement Counselor
Thu Jan 15, 12-01:00pm, W20-306, Twenty Chimneys
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
This workshop is designed for employees who want a review of the MIT Basic Retirement Plan and the MIT Supplemental 401(k) Plan, how they work, and important provisions for each Plan. Discussion will also include a brief overview of Retiree Health and Welfare benefits.
Contact: Ellen Cushman, 253-0496
Sponsor: MIT Human Resources
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Member Retirement Solutions
Gerry Tautkus and Kimberly Shooter
Tue Jan 20, 12-01:00pm, 32-144
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 16-Jan-2009
Limited to 75 participants.
Many people underestimate how much money they will need to retire. The average 65 year-old can expect to live 20-30 years in retirement and the effects of taxes, inflation and increasing health care costs have a large impact on financial needs during retirement. Are you prepared?
Come learn about:
•Calculating the cost of retirement
•Identifying sources of retirement income
•Developing a plan to help you reach your retirement goals
•Using strategies for retirement investing
•Protecting your retirement portfolio from market volatility
•Safeguarding assets from unexpected losses
Contact: Laura Tramontozzi, NE48, x4-1826, ltramont@mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Federal Credit Union
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Navigating the Stock Market Successfully
John J. Dolhun
Mon Jan 12, 04-05:30pm, 4-270
Enrollment limited: first come, first served
Limited to 140 participants.
Single session event
A “Roundtable Discussion” or “Blackboard Chat” The audience becomes the participants relating their personal experiences both positive and negative in the Stock Market over past months with an eye on the future. This discussion will explore the pros and cons of a Professional v. Amateur stock picker. We will focus on trends and what will make for a winning strategy for 2009 and beyond.
John Dolhun is an MIT alumni, entrepreneur, successful amateur stock picker, whose weekend hobbies include finance and organic gardening.
Contact: John J. Dolhun, 4-449B, x8-6848, dolhun@mit.edu
Sponsor: Chemistry
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Probability, Gaming, and Trading Week
Mike Epstein
Mon Jan 26 thru Thu Jan 29, 01:30-04:30pm, W20-307
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
The MIT Laboratory for Financial Engineering (LFE) will hold a seminar on the application of probability theory to financial markets and gaming. Lecturers will include quantitative money managers, derivatives traders, professors, and authors. A particular focus will be given to decision-making in the face of incomplete information and psychological inputs, both of which are common to gaming and trading. This activity will be hosted and keynoted by Mr. Mike Epstein, Research Affiliate of the LFE. No enrollment limit. Walk-ins welcome, but please RSVP.
Contact: Ellis Kim, elliskim@mit.edu
Sponsor: Sloan School of Management
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Professional Portfolio Selection Techniques: From Markowitz to Innovative Engineering
Antonella Sabatini
Enrollment limited: first come, first served
Limited to 100 participants.
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: Students encouraged to attend all sessions; not mandatory
Reviews most important & widely used state-of-the-art Portfolio Selection Techniques, as used by capital firm wealth management institutions as well as for a personal financial portfolio. Introduces innovative methodologies, including the GAM model as a tactical asset allocation technique, with working examples. Gentle introduction to the subject, specifically targeted at undergraduates in Economics, EECS and other fields with interest in quantitative finance, economics and management, with emphasis on innovation and research
Pizza and beverages offered at last class.
Contact: Matthew Goldstein-, austein@mit.edu
Sponsor: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Cosponsor: Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
Introduction to Portfolio Management Techniques Part I
Antonella Sabatini
Review of the most important & widely used state-of-the-art Portfolio Selection Techniques. Targeted at people with no knowledge of portfolio management and investment. Process of portfolio construction - Asset allocation: strategic asset allocation; tactical asset allocation. Portfolio
Optimization, Markovitz' model, Black & Litterman (B&L) model.
Tue Jan 20, 12-01:30pm, 32-155
Introduction to Portfolio Management Techniques Part 2
Antonella Sabatini
Conclusion of the theory presented in first session. Working examples of B&L in Excel and/or Matlab. Lab session.
Wed Jan 21, 12-01:30pm, 32-155
Introduction to the GAM Model Part 1
Antonella Sabatini
The GAM Tactical Asset Allocation model will be presented. Quick review of PID feedback control theory. Prereq: having taken 18.03, 8.02, 6.003, and material covered in first two sessions helpful.
Thu Jan 22, 12-01:30pm, 32-155
Introduction to the GAM Model Part 2
Antonella Sabatini
Conclusion of the theory presented in third session. Working example of the GAM model in Excel. Attendees are welcome to bring their own portfolio of securities for a practical application (contact Antonella Sabatini for further
info: asabatin@mit.edu). Lab Session. Pizza and beverages
Fri Jan 23, 12-01:30pm, 32-155
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Quantitative Methods in the Real World
Dan Andrei Iancu, Alexander Rikun, Blair Negron
Thu Jan 29, 09am-05:00pm, E51-315
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
The activity will consist of a series of talks by practitioners from different industries (including finance, consulting, and technology), focusing on the application of quantitative methods (optimization, stochastic processes, statistics) to real-world problems. Each talk will be followed by a Q&A session, and there will be opportunities for networking with the speakers.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/orc/www/seminars/iap.html
Contact: Dan Andrei Iancu, E40-130, (617) 642-8284, daniancu@mit.edu
Sponsor: Operations Research Center
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Quarterly Market Update for 12/31/2008
Greg Whelan, Regional Planning Consultant, Fidelity Investments
Tue Jan 20, 12-01:00pm, W20-306, Twenty Chimneys
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
In this seminar, you will learn:
(1) The driving forces behind recent developments influencing the financial markets and the U.S. economy;
(2) The factors affecting the perfomance of domestic and international equity markets; and
(3) What drives changes in bond-market interest rates and valuations.
Contact: Paul Gunning, Retirement Counselor, Fidelity Investments, 258-8872, paul.gunning@fmr.com
Sponsor: MIT Human Resources
Cosponsor: Fidelity Investments
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Remaining Confident in a Volatile Market
Paul Gunning, Senior Retirement Counselor, Fidelity Investments
Tue Jan 27, 12-01:00pm, W20-306, Twenty Chimneys
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
This workshop is designed to help attendees get a better understanding of current market activity while gaining historical perspective on the financial markets. The session will also help attendees learn about basic investment concepts and strategies with a strong emphasis on asset alloaction.
Contact: Paul Gunning, Fidelity Investments, 258-8872, paul.gunning@fmr.com
Sponsor: MIT Human Resources
Cosponsor: Fidelity Investments
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Retirement Saving in Turbulent Financial Times
Jim Poterba
Wed Jan 7, 01-02:30pm, E51-395
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Retirement saving is always a challenge, and the turbulent financial circumstances of the
last year have made it more difficult than ever. The power of compound interest and the
favorable tax treatment of contributions to retirement plans such as 401(k)s and
Individual Retirement Accounts provide a strong foundation for building a retirement nest
egg. This presentation will describe various types of retirement saving programs, the
potential to build assets through long-term saving programs, and the broader context of
retirement saving in the United States.
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-252, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Sponsor: Economics
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Saving for College: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Patricia Gildea, Regional Consultant, Fidelity Investments
Wed Jan 28, 12-01:00pm, W20-306, Twenty Chimneys
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
This session provides information on the challenges involved with saving for your children's education. Determine how much you might actually pay for their education and what other resources might be available, besides your own savings.
Contact: Paul Gunning, Fidelity Investments, 258-8872, paul.gunning@fmr.com
Sponsor: MIT Human Resources
Cosponsor: Fidelity Investments
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Strategies of Estate Planning
Mike Murphy, Vice President of Estate Planning, Fidelity Investments
Thu Jan 22, 12-01:00pm, W20-306, Twenty Chimneys
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
To assist in providing for those important to you, this estate seminar provides you guidance on establishing and maintaining your estate plan. The seminar covers three main areas:
1. Necessary estate planning tools and documents;
2. Estate tax laws and how they may impact your estate plan; and
3. Some strategies for estate planning that may help you to reduce your tax liabilities.
Contact: Paul Gunning, Retirement Counselor, Fidelity Investments, 258-8872, paul.gunning@fmr.com
Sponsor: MIT Human Resources
Cosponsor: Fidelity Investments
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T-101 Treasurer 101
Marlena
Tue Jan 27, Wed Jan 28, 09:30am-02:00pm, 4-237
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Limited to 50 participants.
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
This two-day course provides solid fundamentals of good accounting practice and business practices for nonprofit organizations, like our chapters. Students will learn (i) the fundamentals of accounting, (ii) the basic requirements of state and federal taxes, and (iii) the resources available from the IRDF and MIT's Resource Development Office, all tailored to meet the needs of FSILGs. This year, the course will have a module on the new and mandatory IRS Form 990 required of all organizations.
Web: http://www.mitailg.com/
Contact: David Burmaster, deb@alceon.com
Sponsor: FSILG Office
Cosponsor: Alumni Association
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The financial crisis --causes and cures
Professor Bengt Holmstrom
Tue Jan 13, 02-03:00pm, E52-244
Single session event
The proximate causes for the financial crisis are well known: excess leverage, mortgages
of marginal quality, fragile derivative structures toppled by a collapse in housing
prices. The deeper question is what took us to the brink? Was the system poorly designed
from the beginning? Did Wall Street greed lead us astray? Or was it merely an unfortunate
sequence of steps, each individually sensible, but collectively sufficient to take us
over the brink? The session will present plausible, but less conventional answers to
these questions as well as discuss ways to get out of the crisis.
Contact: Ruth Levitsky, E52-252, x3-3399, levitsky@mit.edu
Sponsor: Economics
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