Cincinnati Enquirer: UC economist explains why last recession will make this one harder
The shutdowns and layoffs associated with the novel coronavirus pandemic have many economists concerned that a new recession is on its way – even as workers are still struggling to recover from the last recession. The Cincinnati Enquirer turned to Christopher Nicak, director of research at the University of Cincinnati’s Alpaugh Family Economics Center, in examining the issue as it affects both the nation and the Greater Cincinnati region.
“The number of Americans who can withstand a month to two months without any earnings is pretty low,” explained Nicak. That’s especially true in Cincinnati, he added, where 1-5 jobs are in industries hit hardest by the shutdown: transportation, hotels and accommodations, food services and arts and recreation. Those jobs also tend to be lower-paying jobs held by workers who are least able to withstand an economic downturn, Nicak said.
Read the full story here.
UC experts on coronavirus
As the spread of the coronavirus continues around the world, local and international media are turning to UC researchers for guidance on COVID-19, infectious diseases and more. Read more on how UC is helping them cover the story here.
Related Stories
Lindner graduate students shine in international simulation competition
November 10, 2025
Five master’s of information systems (MS IS) students took home fifth place out of 23 universities at the International ERPsim Competition hosted by HEC Montreal during the recent spring semester. The competition tests students’ knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and their ability to adapt to challenging business problems.
Sugar overload killing hearts
November 10, 2025
Two in five people will be told they have diabetes during their lifetime. And people who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease. One of the deadliest dangers? Diabetic cardiomyopathy. But groundbreaking University of Cincinnati research hopes to stop and even reverse the damage before it’s too late.
Is going nuclear the solution to Ohio’s energy costs?
November 10, 2025
The Ohio Capital Journal recently reported that as energy prices continue to climb, economists are weighing the benefits of going nuclear to curb costs. The publication dove into a Scioto Analysis survey of 18 economists to weigh the pros and cons of nuclear energy. One economist featured was Iryna Topolyan, PhD, professor of economics at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.