Commodities Conundrum: The U.S. & Japan Battle a Byproduct of Emerging Market Growth

Left to right: Lewis Alexander, Brad Setser, Hiroyuki Tarumi, Jennifer Ablan.

The global credit crisis and sub-prime mortgage market woes have resulted in slowed growth – even recession by some definitions – in the U.S. and other developed nations. In contrast to past recessions in 1990 and 2001, the current period is characterized by markedly inflated prices for commodities, raising the specter of stagflation, not seen in the U.S. since the 1970s. While the root of the current global economic downturn may lie in the U.S.’s deflated housing market, Japan faces a similarly bleak forecast – rising prices for energy, raw materials and food, accompanied by slow or even negative growth. While the developed world may see improved economic growth and commodities conservation efforts, as long as emerging economies like China and India continue rapid industrialization, commodity prices will continue to rise. Our panel examines the relationship between growth in the developing world and skyrocketing commodities prices and assesses policy options for the world’s two largest economies to combat rising prices.

Speakers
Lewis Alexander, Chief Economist, Citi
Brad Setser, Fellow for Geoeconomics, Council on Foreign Relations
Hiroyuki Tarumi, Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi International Corporation

Moderator
Jennifer Ablan, Senior Investment Correspondent, Reuters, LLC

Agenda
12:00-12:30 pm Registration & reception
12:30-1:00 Luncheon
1:00-2:30 Panel discussion

Admission
Corporate members are entitled to a designated number of free admissions to this event, based on their company’s current membership level. These reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Additional corporate registrants and Japan Society individual members at the Patron Circle level and above pay the discounted corporate member rate of $45 for lunch and lecture, $10 for lecture only. Nonmember admission: $65 for lunch and lecture, $15 lecture only. The academic and government admission rate is $30 for the luncheon and $10 for lecture only. When payment is required, prepayment must be made, or registration secured, with a credit card. All registrations and cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Substitutions are welcome.

Registration is now closed.

For information only, please contact the Corporate Program at 212-715-1208.