Educated at Princeton University and The University of Copenhagen, Slok combines strong academic credentials with deep industry experience. This rare blend positions him well to offer insights into the direction of the global economy.
Slok is known for his willingness to challenge mainstream consensus. In the aftermath of Covid, when most economists viewed inflation as transitionary, Slok took a contrarian stance, arguing that the American economy was more resilient and that inflation would be more persistent. He predicted that interest rates would be higher for longer, a view that eventually became the consensus. Slok does not shy away from taking bold positions, once stating that “The market narrative at any point in time is almost always wrong.”
Prior to his Wall Street career, Slok worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) where he was responsible for the annual World Economic Outlook, as well as leading the division covering China, Hong Kong and Mongolia. His background equips him to provide a valuable perspective on the economic forces shaping the future.
Each week, Slok publishes his popular Weekly Economic Outlook. He also contributes to leading publications and economic journals, such as the Journal of International Economics, Journal of International Money and Finance and The
Econometric Journal. Slok is also a frequent commentator in major media outlets including Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times. One of his regular readers is Olivier Blanchard, former Chief Economist at the IMF and current professor of economics at IMF, who once remarked of Slok’s work: “…he thinks straight and simple (not a quality all chief economists have)”
Looking to catch up on global economic developments in a straight, simple and contrarian way? Don’t miss Torsten Slok’s keynote speech at SKAGEN Funds’ New Year’s Conference on 8 January 2026.