Market Madness: Big MACs and Foreclosures move on

Market Madness

Who fouled up the economy? Chicago sports economist Allen Sanderson seeded the teams for our bracket. Was it the Chicago School? Investment banks? Consumers? As part of the University of Chicago Magazine's special issue on the economy, you can vote on each matchup to help determine who, or what, ultimately caused the deepest downturn since the Depression. The chosen culprit will be announced October 5.

The latest results are in and voters picked the Big MACs (78 percent) over the Stuff Happens, and the Foreclosures (70 percent) beat the Malthusians. Sign in and vote on today's matchup between the Invisible Hands and Watchdogs. Participation enters you to win a free lunch on us. Check back at the Market Madness site weekdays at noon to see results and vote on the next matchup.

To date, all of Sanderson's picks (made in advance of the bracket's launch) match the public's vote. Picking the Big MACs and Foreclosures to move on, Sanderson explains his choices:

sanderson-headshot.jpg Region 3: Main Street

Big MACs v. Stuff Happens

Business cycles are indeed recurring events, but this one, in terms of duration and depth, is significantly different from recent experiences, and the Big MACs are more responsible this time around than the run-of-the-mill Stuff Happens squad.

Foreclosures v. Malthusians

Another mismatch. Although the demographic consequences are strong, the Malthusians are a few years and a few decisions away from advancing as the Cinderella team. The Foreclosures were on top of their game from day one, are relentless, and continue to wreak havoc at every turn.

September 17, 2009