WPHT talk show host Chris Stigall (left) and Stuart G. Hoffman, keynote speaker at the 2015 Economic Outlook at the Union League.

Stuart G. Hoffman, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for the PNC Financial Services Group, shared his perspective on the economic prospects for 2015 at La Salle University’s 14th annual Economic Outlook Forum on Jan. 22, 2015.

Hoffman discussed the U.S. economy and financial markets and those economic indicators contributing to his favorable outlook for both in 2015 with leaders of the region’s business community at the Union League of Philadelphia.

WPHT talk show host Chris Stigall introduced Hoffman then moderated a brief question-and-answer session between Hoffman and the audience after the address. While Hoffman said there could be some roadblocks in the long term, he is “fairly optimistic” and thinks the U.S. will see a real boost to the economy over the next two years—particularly with the national average gasoline price running about $1 less than last year.

“Every penny saves about $1.1 billion over the course of the year,” he said. “So that saves American motorists $110 billion over the course of this year that they won’t have to put into their gas tanks.”

Hoffman, who initially joined PNC in 1980 and has served as Chief Economist since 1987, is a regular guest on national business television and radio programs. He has earned a solid reputation as one of the leading economists in the nation and has been recognized by Business Week, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.