What is the Shadow Open Market Committee (SOMC)?

The Shadow Open Market Committee (SOMC) is a group of economists that provides critical analysis of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decisions.

How Does the Shadow Open Market Committee (SOMC) Work?

Founded by two economists from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Rochester, the Shadow Open Market Committee (SOMC) analyzes and critiques the monetary policy and decisions of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Comprising members from academic as well as private sector backgrounds, the SOMC meets twice each year to review actions taken by the FOMC and to analyze the effectiveness of those actions. Additionally, the SOMC uses its analyses as a basis for issuing monetary policy recommendations to the FOMC.

Why Does the Shadow Open Market Committee (SOMC) Matter?

The SOMC provides a well-informed third-party perspective on FOMC decisions as far as their overall economic effect. However, history has shown that the actions of the FOMC are not closely tied to the recommendations of the SOMC.