Forecasting is a key tool in applied macroeconometrics. However, occurrences like the subprime crisis are a great challenge for forecasting. On the one hand, it is of interest whether a crisis will occur or not. On the other hand, the forecasts of real or financial variables might be disturbed...

For the 2nd Halle Forum in 2008 the organisers are planning to bring together scholars dealing with development problems of cities in de-industrialised regions with a special reference to post-transition economies. Colleagues from CEE countries are particularly welcome. The special topic of the...