Dr Ric Colacito

About

Riccardo (Ric) Colacito is an expert in international finance, financial econometrics, model uncertainty, and climate change, with significant contributions published in top-tier journals like the American Economic Review, Journal of Political Economy, and Journal of Finance. His work, which has drawn attention from major news outlets such as CNN, CBS, and The WSJ, is focused on addressing pressing global economic challenges. Dr. Colacito serves as the faculty director of the Center for Excellence in Investment Management at UNC. He is also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) in the international finance and macroeconomics group. A recipient of prestigious teaching awards, Dr. Colacito is committed to excellence in education and research. His academic journey began at Bocconi University, Milan, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics, followed by a PhD from New York University.

Research

Ric Colacito’s research navigates through the complexities of international finance, financial econometrics, climate change economics, and experimental economics, and it has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, and the American Economic Review. His notable works include investigations into exchange rate risk premiums, the impact of volatility on currency dynamics, and the economic consequences of temperature variations on U.S. growth. Through a blend of empirical evidence and theoretical modeling, his contributions analyze the intricacies of global financial markets, the interplay between economic variables and financial returns, and the profound implications of environmental changes on economic performance, offering critical insights for academia, policy, and investment strategy.

Professional

Ric Colacito’s tenure at UNC includes roles as the Head of the Investment Management concentration and Faculty Director of the Center for Excellence in Investment Management. His editorial commitments to leading journals like the Journal of Financial Economics and Management Science, coupled with awards for both his research and teaching, underscore his influence in academic discourse and pedagogy. Colacito’s extensive engagement in the global academic community, demonstrated through numerous invited seminars and presentations, highlights his stature as a thought leader in exploring the intersections of finance, risk management, and the economic impacts of climate change, further emphasizing his dedication to shaping the next generation of economists and finance professionals.