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Welcome to the FRI

The Financial Research Institute (FRI) was established in 1988 at the University of Missouri to promote education, research and service across various areas of finance. Today, through its public utility division, the FRI provides a neutral environment for stakeholders in regulated public utility industries to come together to examine, understand, and debate current issues relating to public utility policy.

The FRI Public Utility Symposium, held in the fall, examines issues that impact consumers, industry, and regulators. Held on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO, this one-day symposium brings together regulators and commission staff, legislators, utility managers, policy analysts, attorneys, consumer advocates and academics. The FRI Advanced Pricing Seminar, held in late spring, brings together a range of industry experts to discuss issues around industry innovation, dynamics, and pricing in the electric industry. We also host a series of Hot Topic Hotline webinars throughout the year.

The FRI is housed within and under the academic leadership of the University’s Division of Applied Social Sciences. Working in cooperation with MU Extension, the FRI shares in the University’s mission of engagement and economic development. Learn more about FRI, our staff, and programs from the About FRI page.

Hot Topic Hotline, October 16: Monetary Policy, Interest Rates, and Capital Markets

Thursday, October 16, 11:3am Central Time

 

Amidst all the concern about load growth expansion in the US, the cost of financing capital expenditures is a critical factor. The US economy has been sending mixed signals with a booming stock market but slow-to-stagnant job growth and persistent inflation that has inched up again in recent months. What is the future of monetary policy and interest rates? How is Wall Street reacting and what does that mean for utilities’ capital financing costs? Join us for a discussion of these topics with macroeconomic and financial market experts.

 

Speakers:

  • Dr. Mark Jensen, VP and Sr. Economics, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
  • Nicholas Campanella, Sr. Equity Research Analyst, Barclays
  • Richard (Ricky) Traub, VP and Sr. Analyst, Fixed Income, Nippon Life Global Investors America

Save the Dates for FRI in 2026

Don’t miss out on FRI’s programs in 2026! Save these dates and plan now to attend one or all of FRI’s programs in the coming year. Check your email or follow our social media for updates on registration! 

 

  • March 17-19: Advanced Seminar on Transformation Rate Design and Pricing
  • June 1-4: Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute
  • September 16: 35th Annual Public Utility Symposium

FRI Spotlight