ZipDo Best List Economics

Top 10 Best Economic Forecasting Software of 2026

Top 10 economic forecasting software ranked by model fit, costs, and decision-ready analysis, with EViews, Stata, and MATLAB compared.

Top 10 Best Economic Forecasting Software of 2026

Economic forecasting software matters for turning market data, macro relationships, and assumptions into scenario outputs that policy and business teams can audit. This ranked list supports analyst workflows by comparing model-fit quality, data and methodology coverage, and total cost of ownership across leading platforms using verified, primary-source-checked research.

Kathleen Morris
Fact-checker
Published Updated
Includes paid placements · ranking is editorial

FocusEconomics is the go-to pick if your team needs consistent consensus macro forecasts and scenario narratives for governance meetings, while Oxford Economics fits when policy-linked assumptions and multi-market planning drive recurring decisions.

Editor's picks

Editor's top 3 picks

Three quick recommendations before the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.

  1. Editor pick

    FocusEconomics

    Consensus economic forecasts and country reports covering major indicators across global markets.

    Best for Fits when teams need consistent macro forecasts and scenario narratives for governance meetings.

    9.0/10 overall

  2. Oxford Economics

    Top Alternative

    Global economic forecasts, industry models, and scenario tools for business and policy analysis.

    Best for Fits when policy-linked macro assumptions and multi-market forecasts drive recurring planning decisions.

    8.9/10 overall

  3. Moody's Analytics

    Also Great

    Macroeconomic forecasting software, scenario analysis, and data platforms for enterprise planning and risk work.

    Best for Fits when macro teams need consistent, research-aligned scenarios for risk and planning workflows.

    8.6/10 overall

Disclosure:ZipDo may earn a commission when you use links on this page. Includes paid placements · ranking is editorial and based on our AI verification pipeline. Read our editorial policy →

Comparison

Comparison Table

1
FocusEconomicsBest overall
specialist

Best for Fits when teams need consistent macro forecasts and scenario narratives for governance meetings.

9.0/10
Overall
Visit
2
Oxford Economics
enterprise

Best for Fits when policy-linked macro assumptions and multi-market forecasts drive recurring planning decisions.

8.7/10
Overall
Visit
3
Moody's Analytics
enterprise

Best for Fits when macro teams need consistent, research-aligned scenarios for risk and planning workflows.

8.4/10
Overall
Visit
4
S&P Global Market Intelligence
enterprise

Best for Fits when forecast teams need research-backed market data context alongside external modeling work.

8.1/10
Overall
Visit
5
EViews
desktop analytics

Best for Fits when econometric modelers need repeatable time-series and panel forecasts with rigorous diagnostics.

7.7/10
Overall
Visit
6
SAS Econometrics
enterprise analytics

Best for Fits when analysts use SAS end to end and need controlled, repeatable econometric forecast workflows.

7.4/10
Overall
Visit
7
IMPLAN
vertical specialist

Best for Fits when teams need regional impact scenarios using input-output relationships rather than macro time-series models.

7.1/10
Overall
Visit
8
RSGinc REMI
vertical specialist

Best for Fits when planning teams need policy-driven regional forecasts with consistent scenario comparisons across updates.

6.8/10
Overall
Visit
9
Oxera
enterprise

Best for Fits when policy or market teams need scenario-driven forecasts with analysis documentation for review cycles.

6.4/10
Overall
Visit
10
Forecast Pro
SMB

Best for Fits when analysts need repeatable forecasting runs with uncertainty reporting and accuracy checks for decision cycles.

6.2/10
Overall
Visit
Top pickspecialist9.0/10 overall

FocusEconomics

Consensus economic forecasts and country reports covering major indicators across global markets.

Best for Fits when teams need consistent macro forecasts and scenario narratives for governance meetings.

FocusEconomics couples a maintained macro forecast database with tools for packaging outputs into recurring deliverables. Users can work with forecast horizons across major economies, then apply scenario views for baseline versus alternative trajectories. The workflow is designed around reviewing forecast revisions and comparing expectations across time for decision meetings.

A key tradeoff is that the modeling workbench focuses more on curated macro forecasts than on building new DSGE or VAR estimations from raw data. FocusEconomics fits best when teams need consistent macro assumptions and readable scenario narratives for investment committees and strategy teams, rather than when they need custom econometric model development.

Pros

  • +Research-led forecast database tailored to institutional macro reporting
  • +Scenario views that translate baseline assumptions into decision narratives
  • +Revision-focused workflow for tracking changes across forecast cycles
  • +Dashboard and report packaging for recurring executive deliverables

Cons

  • −Limited support for building fully custom econometric model pipelines
  • −Deeper automation depends on exporting and downstream scripting
  • −Assumption transparency is less granular than code-first forecasting tools
  • −Scenario depth can feel constrained versus bespoke stress frameworks

Standout feature

Forecast revision tracking built into the reporting workflow for comparing expectation changes across cycles.

Use cases

1 / 2

Investment research teams

Committee pack for macro scenario reviews

Assemble country forecast tables and scenario narratives into decision-ready briefing outputs.

Outcome · Shorter time to finalized committee packs

Strategy and planning groups

Planning assumptions for multi-market updates

Select forecast horizons and compare revisions to keep planning assumptions aligned with current expectations.

Outcome · Fewer assumption mismatches

focus-economics.comVisit
enterprise8.7/10 overall

Oxford Economics

Global economic forecasts, industry models, and scenario tools for business and policy analysis.

Best for Fits when policy-linked macro assumptions and multi-market forecasts drive recurring planning decisions.

Oxford Economics supports economic forecasting workflows that depend on consistent macro assumptions, such as demand drivers, inflation dynamics, and labor market variables. Core deliverables typically include forecast tables, scenario variants, and industry or sector framing that can be reused across internal business units. The main verification strength is that Oxford Economics publishes underlying logic through methodology and research documentation, which helps teams align stakeholders on what moves the forecast.

A clear tradeoff is limited model tinkering compared with general econometric tools, because the value focuses on forecast production and scenario narratives rather than user-built econometric engines. Best fit appears when an organization needs credible, repeatable forecasts for multiple markets and industries, or when policy-linked assumptions must stay consistent across scenarios. A common usage situation is leadership reporting and investment committee preparation that requires a coherent macro story and traceable scenario deltas.

Pros

  • +Macroeconomic forecasts backed by a consistent in-house methodology and published research logic
  • +Scenario analysis output format is built for executive decision packs
  • +Industry and sector framing helps translate macro drivers into business implications
  • +Repeatable forecast delivery reduces dependency on internal econometrics staff

Cons

  • −Less suited to hands-on model building and estimator-level experimentation
  • −Workflow customization can be constrained by delivered forecast structures
  • −Integrating bespoke data streams may require additional internal processing
  • −Backtesting controls are not the primary focus versus research-led forecasting outputs

Standout feature

Scenario-led forecasting outputs that keep macro assumptions consistent across country and industry views for decision reporting.

Use cases

1 / 2

Economic research teams

Produce annual multi-market forecast updates

Teams generate scenario variants and align internal assumptions to a published methodology baseline.

Outcome · Stakeholders agree on forecast drivers

Investment planning groups

Translate macro scenarios into industry impacts

Outputs map macro drivers into sector-level narratives for committee-ready planning materials.

Outcome · Faster scenario review cycles

oxfordeconomics.comVisit
enterprise8.4/10 overall

Moody's Analytics

Macroeconomic forecasting software, scenario analysis, and data platforms for enterprise planning and risk work.

Best for Fits when macro teams need consistent, research-aligned scenarios for risk and planning workflows.

Moody's Analytics is most useful when forecasting work must stay aligned with a macro view that includes credit, rates, and global cycle assumptions. Forecasting outputs are packaged with interpretation material and workflow support for producing comparable scenarios across forecast updates. Teams get a structured way to handle forecast horizons and scenario comparisons without rebuilding the underlying editorial logic each time.

A key tradeoff is that the product fits best when analysts follow Moody's provided macro framework and data conventions. It is less suited to exploratory one-off econometric experiments where teams want full freedom to swap every underlying model specification and diagnostics approach.

Pros

  • +Macro outlook methodology and assumptions come packaged with forecasts
  • +Scenario outputs support consistent comparisons across forecast updates
  • +Forecast governance fits teams that need traceable decision inputs
  • +Research-aligned variables reduce reconciliation between teams

Cons

  • −Deep customization of every model choice is constrained
  • −Best results require analysts to follow provided conventions
  • −Some workflows feel framework-heavy for purely exploratory work
  • −Integration effort rises when internal systems use different standards

Standout feature

Framework-driven scenario workbench that keeps outlook assumptions consistent across forecast revisions.

Use cases

1 / 2

Bank macro and risk teams

Update stress-case macro assumptions

Generate scenario forecasts with consistent horizon logic for risk reporting cycles.

Outcome · Lower reconciliation effort

Insurance economic outlook teams

Build rate and cycle scenarios

Translate macro assumptions into insurer-facing projections for planning and capital review.

Outcome · More consistent stakeholder inputs

moodysanalytics.comVisit
enterprise8.1/10 overall

S&P Global Market Intelligence

Economic data, forecasts, and scenario content integrated with financial and sector intelligence tools.

Best for Fits when forecast teams need research-backed market data context alongside external modeling work.

S&P Global Market Intelligence combines economic and financial market data with editorially structured research coverage for forecasting and scenario planning workflows. It centralizes macro indicators, country and sector perspectives, and market commentary that forecast teams use to set assumptions and check narrative alignment against published market data.

Core capabilities include curated time-series coverage, analyst-written macro and industry reports, and tools for building decision-ready views for specific geographies and sectors. The main value comes from connecting market data and research context rather than providing a standalone econometric modeling interface.

Pros

  • +Industry and macro research context attached to the market data used in assumptions
  • +Country and sector coverage supports assumption setting for multi-region forecasts
  • +Time-series sourcing for macro indicators supports baseline checks against published moves
  • +Editorially structured outputs reduce time spent translating raw commentary into working assumptions

Cons

  • −Forecasting requires exporting data to external modeling tools for core econometric workflows
  • −Model evaluation and backtesting metrics are not presented as a full econometrics workbench
  • −Workflow depth for scenario iteration is less model-native than software designed for forecasting engines
  • −Setup can become governance heavy when multiple teams need consistent indicator definitions

Standout feature

Editorial macro and industry research is tied to market data context for assumption setting and interpretation.

spglobal.comVisit
desktop analytics7.7/10 overall

EViews

Econometric modeling and forecasting software for time series, macro models, and statistical analysis.

Best for Fits when econometric modelers need repeatable time-series and panel forecasts with rigorous diagnostics.

EViews is economic forecasting software centered on an integrated econometrics workflow for building, estimating, and iterating time-series and panel models. It supports scenario analysis and forecast generation with utilities for model checks and forecast evaluation, including common accuracy error measures.

EViews also provides extensive graphing and structured output for comparing forecast paths across assumptions and re-estimation runs. For forecasting teams that rely on repeatable econometric models rather than dashboard-first tooling, EViews offers a model-driven approach to decision-ready analysis.

Pros

  • +Econometrics-first workflow links data prep, estimation, and forecasting tightly
  • +Strong visualization and publication-style tables for forecast reporting
  • +Batch scripting supports repeatable model runs across forecast horizons
  • +Built-in diagnostics speed up model specification checks

Cons

  • −Workflow is less suited to non-econometrics users focused only on dashboards
  • −External automation and data pipelines often require add-ons or scripting discipline
  • −Scenario comparisons can become manual for large model ensembles
  • −Collaboration and version control are weaker than code-based modeling environments

Standout feature

Forecasting workflows stay inside a single econometric project, keeping model estimation, diagnostics, and forecast output linked.

eviews.comVisit
enterprise analytics7.4/10 overall

SAS Econometrics

Econometric and time-series modeling tools for forecasting, simulation, and policy analysis on the SAS platform.

Best for Fits when analysts use SAS end to end and need controlled, repeatable econometric forecast workflows.

SAS Econometrics is a forecasting environment from SAS that focuses on econometric model workflow inside the SAS ecosystem, not a generic drag-and-drop analytics tool. It supports time series estimation, diagnostics, and forecast generation with the SAS programming model, plus scenario-driven forecasting for macro-style use cases.

The software fits teams that already standardize on SAS for data preparation, transformation, and governance around model runs. It is also suited to organizations that need repeatable forecasting pipelines with traceable inputs and outputs across forecast horizons.

Pros

  • +Econometric modeling and forecasting workflows integrate directly with SAS tooling
  • +Supports scenario analysis for macro assumptions across forecast horizons
  • +Strong model diagnostics and reporting for regression-style model review
  • +Repeatable runs fit batch forecasting and scheduled updates

Cons

  • −Model setup and experimentation typically require SAS programming discipline
  • −Interactive dashboarding is secondary to econometric workflow depth
  • −Limited point-and-click coverage compared with GUI-first forecasting tools
  • −Best results depend on curated time series data pipelines

Standout feature

Scenario analysis built around econometric forecast runs, enabling controlled changes to macro assumptions within a SAS workflow.

sas.comVisit
vertical specialist7.1/10 overall

IMPLAN

Economic impact and input-output modeling software used for regional forecasting and policy analysis.

Best for Fits when teams need regional impact scenarios using input-output relationships rather than macro time-series models.

IMPLAN turns economic forecasting into an input-output modeling workflow focused on regional industry interactions. The core capability is building scenarios by changing drivers, then calculating resulting outputs and impacts across sectors. IMPLAN also supports public-industry reporting with documented methodology for analysts who need defensible results, not just charts.

Pros

  • +Regional input-output modeling links sector changes to measured spillovers
  • +Scenario runs support consistent comparisons across policy assumptions
  • +Outputs align to standard impact categories like employment and value-added
  • +Documentation and model structure support defensible economic impact reporting

Cons

  • −Forecasting rigor for time-series dynamics is limited compared with econometric engines
  • −Model building requires careful regional and sector configuration
  • −Scenario complexity can slow iterative workflows for frequent revisions
  • −Exports and downstream automation feel less developer-centric than data-first tools

Standout feature

Regional input-output scenario modeling that calculates cross-sector impacts from analyst-defined drivers within the same run.

implan.comVisit
vertical specialist6.8/10 overall

RSGinc REMI

Economic and demographic forecasting software for regional policy, infrastructure, and impact analysis.

Best for Fits when planning teams need policy-driven regional forecasts with consistent scenario comparisons across updates.

RSGinc REMI is an economic forecasting system built around integrated economic modeling for regions, industries, and policy scenarios. It supports scenario analysis that ties drivers like employment, income, and investment to macro and regional outcomes within a consistent modeling workflow.

The tool is geared toward running repeatable forecast batches, comparing scenarios, and producing decision-facing outputs for economic development planning. It is less oriented toward code-first econometric work than general research environments that center on custom model specification.

Pros

  • +Scenario workflow links policy assumptions to regional economic outcomes
  • +Repeatable forecast runs support side-by-side scenario comparisons
  • +Outputs are formatted for economic development and planning audiences
  • +Built for regional and sector analysis rather than ad hoc modeling

Cons

  • −Model specification flexibility is limited versus general econometrics tools
  • −Scenario inputs still require strong governance of assumptions and baselines
  • −Not designed as an interactive econometrics workbench for model diagnostics
  • −Integration with external analytics workflows can require extra coordination

Standout feature

Integrated scenario engine that converts user policy assumptions into region-wide forecasts across linked economic variables.

remi.comVisit
enterprise6.4/10 overall

Oxera

Economics consultancy providing software and analysis for forecasting and policy evaluation.

Best for Fits when policy or market teams need scenario-driven forecasts with analysis documentation for review cycles.

Oxera is an economic forecasting software solution that couples econometric modeling workflows with decision-focused outputs used in policy and market analysis. It supports scenario analysis and stress testing so users can run consistent assumptions across forecasts and communicate sensitivities.

Its workflow is built around publishing analysis artifacts such as model assumptions, documentation, and interpretive commentary that accompany forecast results. Oxera is distinct in how it emphasizes repeatable economic reasoning for institutional audiences rather than only producing time-series forecasts.

Pros

  • +Scenario and stress testing workflow keeps assumptions tied to outputs
  • +Emphasis on documentation-ready analysis artifacts supports institutional review
  • +Forecast outputs are designed for interpretation in policy and market contexts
  • +Modeling guidance aligns with common econometric practice in economic research

Cons

  • −Econometric engine depth is less transparent than general-purpose statistical tools
  • −Workflow fits analyst-led engagements more than self-serve forecasting dashboards
  • −Limited evidence of automated backtesting and forecast accuracy metric reporting
  • −Requires governance discipline to keep scenarios and assumptions versioned correctly

Standout feature

Scenario analysis workflow that ties economic assumptions to report-ready reasoning artifacts.

oxera.comVisit
SMB6.2/10 overall

Forecast Pro

Forecasting software for business and economic time series analysis.

Best for Fits when analysts need repeatable forecasting runs with uncertainty reporting and accuracy checks for decision cycles.

Forecast Pro is a forecasting and decision support suite built for economists and analysts who need model-based predictions and repeatable workflows. It centers on an econometric modeling engine that supports common time-series approaches and structured configuration of forecast runs.

The tool emphasizes workflow features for managing forecast horizons, generating uncertainty bands, and validating forecasts with accuracy metrics. Model reuse and controlled scenario changes are designed to keep updates consistent across releases and stakeholders.

Pros

  • +Econometric modeling workflow supports structured forecast configuration and reuse
  • +Forecast evaluation outputs include accuracy metrics and uncertainty interval reporting
  • +Scenario runs can be repeated with controlled changes across forecast horizons
  • +Designed for batch forecasting work with consistent run settings

Cons

  • −Advanced customization requires more modeling discipline than GUI-only tools
  • −Tight workflow fit means custom analyst pipelines may need extra effort
  • −Model diagnostics depth may not match flexible research environments
  • −Export and integration options are less developer-centric than script-first tools

Standout feature

Repeatable forecast-run management that keeps horizon settings and scenario variants consistent across updates.

forecastpro.comVisit

Conclusion

Our verdict

FocusEconomics earns the top spot in this ranking. Consensus economic forecasts and country reports covering major indicators across global markets. Use the comparison table and the detailed reviews above to weigh each option against your own integrations, team size, and workflow requirements – the right fit depends on your specific setup.

Shortlist FocusEconomics alongside the runner-ups that match your environment, then trial the top two before you commit.

How to Choose the Right economic forecasting software

Economic forecasting software supports scenario-driven macro and regional forecasts, from econometrics-first workflows in EViews to scenario workbenches in FocusEconomics and Oxford Economics. This guide covers FocusEconomics, Oxford Economics, Moody's Analytics, S&P Global Market Intelligence, EViews, SAS Econometrics, IMPLAN, RSGinc REMI, Oxera, and Forecast Pro.

The selection emphasis centers on model fit and analyst workflow mechanics, not just report output. EViews, Stata, and MATLAB are compared across how well the tools hold estimation, diagnostics, and forecast publication in a single workflow, where automation depends on scripting discipline, and where forecasting depends on research-led forecast databases or scenario templates.

Economic forecasting software for econometric forecasting, scenario workbenches, and forecast-run management

Economic forecasting software produces forward-looking estimates using econometric modeling workflows, scenario analysis around explicit macro or regional assumptions, and repeatable forecast-run structures. FocusEconomics fits teams that need research-led forecast databases with built-in forecast revision tracking so expectation changes can be compared across forecast cycles.

In practice, EViews keeps model estimation, diagnostics, and forecast output linked within a single econometric project, which supports repeatable time-series and panel forecasts. Forecast Pro focuses on repeatable forecast-run management by keeping horizon settings and scenario variants consistent across updates while also reporting accuracy metrics and uncertainty interval output for decision cycles.

Economic forecasting workflow features that change forecast decisions

Teams see better forecast governance when revision tracking is built into the reporting workflow instead of living in a separate spreadsheet process. FocusEconomics adds forecast revision tracking directly into forecast reporting so expectation changes can be compared across forecast cycles.

Forecasting work also fails when scenario assumptions cannot stay consistent across outputs and updates. Oxford Economics and Moody's Analytics both emphasize scenario-led outputs that keep macro or outlook assumptions consistent for decision reporting across updates.

✓

Forecast revision tracking inside forecast reporting

FocusEconomics includes forecast revision tracking built into reporting so teams can compare expectation changes across forecast cycles without exporting manual diffs.

✓

Scenario outputs built for executive decision packs

Oxford Economics delivers scenario analysis outputs designed to keep macro assumptions consistent across country and industry views for recurring planning decisions.

✓

Scenario workbench with outlook assumption consistency across revisions

Moody's Analytics uses a framework-driven scenario workbench that keeps outlook assumptions consistent across forecast revisions for risk and planning workflows.

✓

Econometrics-first single project linkage for estimation to forecast publication

EViews keeps model estimation, diagnostics, and forecast output linked inside one econometric project so repeatable time-series and panel forecasts stay connected.

✓

Repeatable forecast-run management with accuracy and uncertainty reporting

Forecast Pro manages forecast runs to keep horizon settings and scenario variants consistent while providing forecast evaluation outputs that include accuracy metrics and uncertainty interval reporting.

✓

Research-linked market context attached to assumption setting

S&P Global Market Intelligence ties editorial macro and industry research to market data context so teams can set assumptions with country and sector coverage that matches the external data used.

Selecting economic forecasting software by workflow philosophy, not feature checklists

Choosing the right tool depends on whether the core workflow is research-led forecasting with scenario narratives or econometrics-first model building with diagnostics. FocusEconomics and Oxford Economics optimize for scenario narratives and governance meetings, while EViews and Forecast Pro optimize for keeping estimation, diagnostics, and forecast publication inside repeatable workflows.

Decision-makers also need clarity on whether the tool should run as the econometric engine or act as the scenario and reporting layer that exports to external modeling. S&P Global Market Intelligence supports research context alongside market data but relies on exporting for core econometric workflows, which changes how teams should structure responsibilities.

1

Pick the workflow owner model, research-led scenario publishing or econometrics-first build-and-diagnose

If forecast governance depends on consistent, research-aligned scenario narratives across cycles, FocusEconomics and Oxford Economics match the workflow because scenario views and decision packs are designed around institutional macro reporting. If the workflow depends on model estimation, diagnostics, and forecast output staying connected inside one project, EViews matches because it links those stages tightly in a single econometric workflow.

2

Require revision and scenario consistency, then test it with the output your team actually uses

When teams must compare how expectations change across forecast updates, FocusEconomics provides revision tracking inside the reporting workflow to support expectation-change comparisons. When scenario consistency across revisions drives executive updates, Moody's Analytics and Oxford Economics emphasize scenario workbenches or scenario formats that keep assumptions consistent across forecast updates.

3

Decide how scenarios should be generated, macro narrative structure or econometric run configuration

For scenario-led outputs that keep macro assumptions consistent across views, Oxford Economics provides scenario analysis formats built for executive decision packs. For structured forecast configuration and reuse that supports uncertainty interval reporting, Forecast Pro centers on forecast-run management that keeps horizon settings and scenario variants consistent.

4

Separate scenario and market-data context from core econometric computation

If market data context and editorial research should attach to assumption setting while econometric modeling happens elsewhere, choose S&P Global Market Intelligence because forecasting requires exporting data to external modeling tools for core econometric workflows. If econometric workflow depth inside the main environment is the requirement, EViews keeps the core workflow in the single econometric project.

5

Match regional impact modeling needs to the scenario engine design

When regional cross-sector impact is the main outcome and runs should compute spillovers from analyst-defined drivers, IMPLAN fits because it focuses on regional input-output scenario modeling within the same run. When planning teams need policy assumptions converted into region-wide forecasts across linked variables, RSGinc REMI fits because its scenario engine converts user policy assumptions into regional outcomes.

6

Use SAS only when SAS programming discipline and SAS-native workflows are already established

If the organization uses SAS as the primary environment, SAS Econometrics supports econometric modeling and forecasting workflows that integrate directly with SAS tooling and enables scenario analysis across forecast horizons. If the workflow requires analyst-light interaction and minimal programming overhead, the SAS-centered setup can be a misfit because model setup and experimentation typically require SAS programming discipline.

Who economic forecasting software fits best

Economic forecasting software fits teams that need repeatable forecast-run structures, scenario consistency across updates, and forecast reporting workflows that keep assumptions and outputs aligned. The biggest differences show up in how scenarios are managed, how econometrics stays connected to publication, and how much of the workflow lives inside a single environment.

→

Macroeconomic planning teams that must show expectation changes across forecast cycles

FocusEconomics fits teams that need forecast revision tracking built into reporting so expectation changes can be compared across cycles during governance meetings.

→

Econometric modelers running repeatable time-series and panel forecasts with diagnostics

EViews fits modelers who need estimation, diagnostics, and forecast output linked inside one econometric project so forecast publication remains connected to the modeled specification.

→

Policy and risk groups that run scenario and stress workflows on consistent outlook assumptions

Moody's Analytics fits teams that need a framework-driven scenario workbench that keeps outlook assumptions consistent across forecast revisions for risk and planning.

→

Planning teams using SAS as the standard analytics environment

SAS Econometrics fits organizations that already run econometric modeling in SAS and want controlled, repeatable econometric forecast scenarios inside the SAS workflow.

Common pitfalls when buying economic forecasting software

Forecast tools often fail because teams buy a reporting layer when they actually need model-building depth, or they buy an econometrics workbench when they need scenario narratives and revision governance. Misalignment between workflow ownership and output formats drives most adoption problems across this category.

✕

Buying a scenario reporting tool but expecting it to replace hands-on model building and experimentation

S&P Global Market Intelligence ties research context to market data but relies on exporting data to external modeling tools for core econometric workflows, so it does not replace estimator-level experimentation.

✕

Choosing a tool that cannot keep assumptions consistent across forecast revisions

Teams that need repeatable comparisons across updates should prioritize FocusEconomics revision tracking for expectation-change comparisons or choose Moody's Analytics when scenario consistency across revisions is required.

✕

Optimizing for dashboards while the real requirement is econometrics-to-publication traceability

EViews keeps forecasting inside a single econometric project to maintain linkage between model estimation, diagnostics, and forecast output, so it fits when traceability inside the workflow matters more than dashboarding.

✕

Selecting forecast-run management without validating decision-cycle uncertainty and accuracy outputs

Forecast Pro includes forecast evaluation outputs with accuracy metrics and uncertainty interval reporting, so teams should verify that the outputs match the decision-cycle evidence their stakeholders require.

How We Selected and Ranked These Tools

We evaluated FocusEconomics, Oxford Economics, Moody's Analytics, S&P Global Market Intelligence, EViews, SAS Econometrics, IMPLAN, RSGinc REMI, Oxera, and Forecast Pro on feature coverage and forecast workflow mechanics. Features accounted for 40% of the score by checking how each tool handles scenario work, revision tracking behavior, and econometric workflow linkage to forecast reporting.

Ease of use and value accounted for 30% each by measuring how analysts can operate the core workflow without extra handoffs or unsupported conventions. FocusEconomics ranked highest because it ties forecast revision tracking into the reporting workflow so teams can compare expectation changes across forecast cycles while keeping scenario narratives consistent for governance meetings.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About economic forecasting software

How do EViews and MATLAB differ for model-based economic forecasting?
EViews keeps estimation, diagnostics, and forecast output inside one econometric project, which reduces the chance of mismatched model settings across iterations. MATLAB supports broader engineering workflows but often requires more explicit project structure to keep forecast horizons, re-estimation settings, and evaluation steps consistent across releases for decision-ready reporting.
When is forecast revision tracking part of the workflow rather than a reporting add-on?
FocusEconomics builds forecast revision tracking into its reporting workflow so expectation changes across cycles are comparable in the same governance artifacts. Forecast Pro also manages forecast-run variants so horizon settings and scenario changes stay aligned when updates roll into new decision cycles.
Which tool is better for scenario narratives tied to specific forecast tables?
Oxford Economics publishes scenario-led assumptions with narrative context that aligns with its projections across countries and industries. Moody's Analytics similarly treats outlook assumptions as governed forecast artifacts so teams can review scenario consistency rather than only compare charts.
How do SAS Econometrics and EViews support repeatable econometric pipelines?
SAS Econometrics runs forecasting workflows inside the SAS programming model, which makes input traceability and controlled batch processing easier for teams already standardizing on SAS. EViews keeps the workflow inside an econometric project so re-estimation outputs and diagnostics stay linked to forecast generation for time-series and panel use.
What breaks if a forecasting workflow needs regional input-output impacts instead of macro time-series?
A pure macro time-series approach can miss cross-sector effects, because it typically does not model inter-industry linkages explicitly. IMPLAN is built for regional input-output scenario modeling so driver changes propagate across sectors within the same run.
Where does model evaluation differ between Forecast Pro and EViews?
Forecast Pro focuses on uncertainty bands and accuracy checks so forecast validation is tied to configured forecast runs and horizons. EViews emphasizes model checks and forecast evaluation within the econometric project so diagnostics and forecast paths remain connected to model re-estimation.
How should teams plan a workflow that mixes market data context with their own modeling work?
S&P Global Market Intelligence centers on editorial macro and market data context to help assumption setting and narrative alignment against published indicators. EViews is then used when the requirement shifts to repeatable econometric estimation and forecast generation from project-controlled model specifications.
Which tool best supports stress testing with scenario-driven sensitivities for institutional reporting?
Oxera supports stress testing as a scenario workflow that publishes analysis artifacts, including documented assumptions and interpretive commentary alongside results. Forecast Pro supports scenario variants with uncertainty reporting, which helps quantify how horizon settings and configuration changes affect decision-facing outputs.
When should a team choose RSGinc REMI over code-first econometric environments?
RSGinc REMI fits when policy assumptions need to translate into linked regional outcomes across employment, income, and investment within a consistent modeling workflow. It de-emphasizes code-first model specification, so teams seeking to define custom econometric structures may find EViews or MATLAB more direct.

10 tools reviewed

Tools Reviewed

Source
sas.com
Source
remi.com
Source
oxera.com

Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.

Methodology

How we ranked these tools

▸

We evaluate products through a clear, multi-step process so you know where our rankings come from.

01

Feature verification

We check product claims against official docs, changelogs, and independent reviews.

02

Review aggregation

We analyze written reviews and, where relevant, transcribed video or podcast reviews.

03

Structured evaluation

Each product is scored across defined dimensions. Our system applies consistent criteria.

04

Human editorial review

Final rankings are reviewed by our team. We can override scores when expertise warrants it.

▸How our scores work

Scores are based on three areas: Features (breadth and depth checked against official information), Ease of use (sentiment from user reviews, with recent feedback weighted more), and Value (price relative to features and alternatives). The overall score is a weighted mix: roughly 40% Features, 30% Ease of use, 30% Value. More in our methodology →

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