About the Game
In this game you can test your forecasting skill at by predicting what the Bureau of Labor Statistics will report, on October 6th, as the change in non-farm payrolls for the month of September.
First, you can practice the game using a hypothetical data for four important indicators -- last month's Leading Economic Indicators, the University of Michigan Consumer Confidence report, the ISM manufacturing report, and weekly jobless claims. These four series actually provide reasonable predictions, as you can see from the chart area.
You can request new indicator values to create a fresh problem. You may do this as often as you wish. Just consider each value as the most recent data point in the series you see on the chart page.
Next, you can try your hand using the actual data. If you choose this option you will see the most recent actual information from the four sources. This enables you to make an actual prediction for Friday's employment report.
Finally, you can post your high score to show off your predicting skill.
Before betting your money on HedgeStreet or in the Market, play the game!!
Better yet, play it several times. Maybe many times. You will get a good idea of what might happen on Friday.
Numerous people contributed to this effort over the time necessary to shepherd the initial idea to fruition. Giving credit where credit is due:
Jeff Miller, NewArc Investments Inc., for the original concept of the game and the drive to bring it to reality.
Allen Russell, for researching the BLS in such depth as well as the "nuts and bolts" programming of the game itself, and those sterling technical notes.
The "focus group" (you know who you are!) for input on all phases of design and production.
Vicki Frei of ByteHaven WebWorks for site design and implementation.
We greatly appreciate the extended effort by every one of you. It is a pleasure to have worked with you to produce this game!
